Christmas Gifts for Your Feet--With Caution

2009 Christmas Gifts Your Feet Could Tell ‘UGG’ to

Zimbio.com—New York, NY—November 16, 2009

The popular UGG boot is known for its comfort. However some doctors worry that the fashion staple could cause serious foot pain in the long run.

So some podiatrists across the country are telling UGG boot lovers to watch their steps.

"It may feel cushiony; it may feel comfortable, but it doesn’t mean they’re getting the necessary arch support that a foot needs to function effectively," said Dr. Rock Positano of  Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.

The Australian company said that in 30 years of doing business, it hasn’t received a single complaint about its boots lacking arch support or about their comfort.

But podiatrist Positano warned that arch support is important for helping the foot to absorb shock, and poor shoe support means trouble for your feet.

"What that leads to is overuse, meaning the muscles, the tendons, the ligaments, and the bones in the foot and the ankle overwork," he said. "A recent study just came out that showed the correlation between a flat arch, and problems with the knee, the hip, and the back."

And UGG boots aren’t the only shoes people should be wary of. The flip-flop is a potential problem, too.

"The types of shoes that are best are usually a semi-rigid shoe that’s not too flexible, that has a small heel," Positano said. "Mechanically, that makes the foot and the ankle work not nearly as hard as it normally would."

But if you’re worried about your feet, you don’t have to throw away your UGG boots. Positano suggested getting a foot insert over the counter, or by prescription, to add arch support to the boots.

Read the full story at zimbio.com.