4 min learnNew DelhiJun 14, 2026 05:58 PM IST
The footwear you put on could also be affecting extra than simply your outfit. Orthopaedic surgeon and integrative drugs specialist Dr Kiran Shete lately rated various kinds of footwear on social media, giving coaching footwear an ideal 10/10 whereas scoring slip-ons and low-cost versatile footwear close to the underside. His broader level: not all footwear help your physique equally, and poor decisions might enhance stress on the ft, ankles, and knees.
However do these rankings actually matter? We requested Dr Rakesh Nair, advisor knee substitute surgeon at Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Chembur, to weigh in. Right here’s what he has to say.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
1. Trainers: 8/10
Dr Shete gave trainers a robust 8/10, and Dr Nair says that’s largely honest. “Good cushioning and shock absorption make trainers comfy for strolling, jogging, and day by day use. They assist scale back strain on the knees and ft throughout motion,” he mentioned.
That mentioned, he identified that trainers aren’t robotically splendid for each exercise. Whereas they soak up affect properly, some might not provide sufficient aspect help for fitness center exercises or sudden directional actions.
2. Slip-on footwear: 3/10
Slip-ons scored poorly — and with purpose. “Slip-on footwear normally present poor foot grip and stability as a result of the foot tends to maneuver inside whereas strolling,” Dr Nair defined.
That motion might enhance the danger of imbalance, ankle twisting, or foot pressure, particularly throughout long hours of walking or standing. Whereas handy for fast errands or informal use, they is probably not the only option for extended put on.
3. Coaching footwear: 10/10
Coaching footwear bought the very best rating, and consultants seem to agree. In contrast to closely cushioned trainers, coaching footwear is designed for stability. That makes them particularly helpful throughout energy coaching, fitness center exercises, and useful workout routines the place steadiness issues.
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“Their design helps enhance stability and lowers the danger of workout-related accidents,” Dr Nair mentioned. In case your routine contains squats, lunges, or weights, these could also be among the many most secure choices.
4. Minimalist footwear: 6/10
Minimalist footwear bought a middling rating — and so they stay one of many extra debated classes. These footwear encourage pure foot motion and adaptability, however they aren’t splendid for everybody.
Dr Nair defined that whereas some folks adapt properly to them, others — notably rookies or these with current foot considerations — might expertise further stress on the ft and calf muscle tissue due to lowered cushioning and help.
5. Excessive-cushion footwear: 6/10
Extremely cushioned footwear additionally obtained a average score. Whereas gentle soles might really feel comfy at first, an excessive amount of cushioning can generally compromise stability, notably throughout exercises or actions requiring agency footing.Consolation, consultants recommend, isn’t all the time the identical as help.
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6. Low-cost versatile footwear: 2/10
This class obtained one of many harshest scores. Flimsy footwear usually lack correct arch help, shock absorption, and structural stability. Over time, poor help can have an effect on foot alignment and place further pressure on joints. A shoe that bends simply might really feel mild and comfy initially, however consultants warn that long-term help issues extra.
To place it easy, there’s no single “greatest” shoe for everybody. The best selection is determined by what you’re doing — but when stability, help, and joint well being matter, not all footwear deserves equal footing.
DISCLAIMER: This text relies on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
