Is Your Favorite Pair of Shoes Giving You Toenail Fungus? Here's the Truth!
Toenail fungus affects millions of people every year. However, most people focus on finding the best toenail fungus treatment to eradicate the infection. While treating toenail fungus is crucial, it’s essential to prevent it or ensure it doesn’t get worse.
Did you know that your shoes could worsen your toenail fungus? It might sound surprising, but your footwear plays a role in helping or hurting your fight against toenail fungus. The wrong shoes and socks create a warm, moist environment where fungus thrives, making it harder for your treatment to work. Keep reading to discover how your footwear choices can impact toenail fungus. We’ll also discuss tips on what types of shoes to wear to help you heal faster and keep the fungus from returning.
How footwear can contribute to toenail fungus
Most people don’t consider their shoes a reason toenail fungus keeps recurring or refuses to respond to treatment. However, the truth is the shoes we wear daily can actually create the perfect environment for fungus to grow and spread. Understanding how different types of footwear contribute to toenail fungus is part of stopping it from worsening. Let’s discuss how the wrong footwear can contribute to toenail fungus.
1. Poor ventilation
Think about the last time you wore sneakers or boots all day. Did your feet feel hot and sweaty by the end of it? That’s a common experience because many shoes don’t have good ventilation. When shoes can’t “breathe,” they trap heat and moisture. These are the exact conditions in which fungus needs to grow.
Shoes made from materials like synthetic leather or plastic are often poor at letting air flow through. Tight, enclosed shoes like dress shoes, heavy boots, or some sneakers can also create this problem. When there’s no airflow, sweat from your feet gets trapped inside, creating a warm and humid environment. If your feet sweat a lot, this adds to the problem, making it easier for fungi to take hold and spread to your toenails.
You might wonder, “But I’m already using antifungal treatments, so why does this matter?” Well, even if you use a topical antifungal cream or medication to treat the fungus, wearing shoes with poor ventilation can worsen things. You will be taking one step forward and two steps backward. The moist, warm environment inside your shoes is the perfect place for fungi to grow and spread, undoing the progress you are making with your treatment.
2. Tight and non-breathable shoes
If you have ever won shoes that feel snug or too small, you know how uncomfortable they are. However, did you know wearing such shoes can also increase your risk of toenail fungus?
Tight shoes put constant pressure on your toes, squeezing them together and restricting airflow. When there’s no space for air to circulate, sweat and heat get trapped around your feet. This sweat and heat buildup means your feet stay damp longer than they should. And as you know, fungus loves moist and warm environments.
Non-breathable shoes are made from materials like rubber and plastic. These materials can worsen things because they do not allow moisture to escape, so your feet stay in a damp environment for hours. Whether you have a pair of stylish dress shoes or the boot you wear to work, if they are tight and made from non-breathable materials, they could create the perfect conditions for fungal infections to start and worsen. Regardless of how great these shoes look, wearing them makes it harder to keep your feet healthy and free from infections.
3. Sharing footwear
Many people share footwear with strangers and family members without thinking twice. Sharing footwear in public spaces or at home increases the risk of getting toenail fungus.
However, in a public place like a bowling alley or a skating rink, you often have to wear shoes others have worn before. While it might seem harmless, this can be a problem if someone who wore those shoes has toenail fungus. The fungus can easily linger inside the shoes, especially if they are warm and damp from the last person’s feet. If you put your bare feet or even socks into these shoes, the fungi can transfer to your nails, increasing your risk of infection.
The same goes for sharing shoes at home. It might seem okay to borrow your sister’s cute heels or slip into your partner’s comfy sneakers for a quick errand. However, if anyone in your household has toenail fungus, the fungi could still be inside their shoes. The fungi can transfer to your feet and nails when you wear those shoes.
Footwear choices to prevent toenail fungus
The good news is that not all footwear will worsen your toenail fungus. You can make better choices to help your nail fungus treatment work and prevent the fungus from coming back. Pick the right shoes and take a few extra steps to create an environment that makes it difficult for fungi to thrive. Let’s discuss some simple changes you can make to keep your feet healthy.
1. Wear breathable materials
Choosing shoes made from breathable materials can keep toenail fungus at bay. But what does it mean for a material to be “breathable”? Simply put, breathable materials allow air to circulate inside your shoes, keeping your feet cool and dry. This airflow helps reduce moisture, which is crucial because fungi love damp environments.
Look for shoes made from mesh, canvas, or pure leather. These materials are great at letting air in and out. If your feet get hot and sweaty, breathable shoes help. For closed shoes, always make sure they fit correctly and are not tight. On warm days, you can opt for open-toe shoes or sandals. These footwear types give your feet more room to breathe, lowering the chances of moisture buildup that can lead to fungal infections.
2. Alternate your shoes
Wearing the same pair of shoes every day might be convenient, but it can worsen toenail fungus. When you wear the same shoes, they don’t have enough time to dry out. If your boots stay damp, it creates a perfect breeding ground for fungus.
To prevent this, try to rotate your footwear. Give each pair a day or more to air out before wearing them again. This way, they have enough time to dry, and any trapped moisture can evaporate. Also, when you wash your shoes, ensure they are dry before putting them on again. Even a little bit of leftover dampness can encourage fungal growth.
3. Use fungal sprays and powders
Another way to protect your feet is with antifungal sprays and powders in your shoes. These products absorb moisture and prevent fungi from growing inside your footwear. Before putting on your shoes, spray a bit inside or sprinkle the powder. This simple step can add a layer of protection, especially if you are already dealing with toenail fungus or want to stop it from recurring.
4. Choose moisture-wicking socks
If you often wear socks with your shoes, picking the right kind of socks can make a significant difference. Moisture-wicking socks are made from wool and synthetic fibers. These materials draw sweat away from the skin, keeping your feet dry and reducing the moisture level inside your shoes. These socks help create a cool and dry environment for your feet, making it harder for fungus to survive.
Alternatively, avoid cotton socks. Cotton holds onto moisture, keeping your feet damp for long periods. If you are serious about preventing toenail fungus, switching to moisture-wicking socks is an easy but effective change.
5. Don’t share shoes
Ideally, never share shoes with anyone to prevent the spread of toenail fungus. However, there are situations where sharing shoes is unavoidable. If you frequent public places like bowling alleys or skating rinks where shared shoes are required, consider bringing your own moisture-wicking socks. You can even use your own disinfectant spray before wearing the shared shoes. It might seem like an extra step, but it can protect your feet from picking up any lingering fungi.
Stick to your shoes at home, especially if someone in your household has toenail fungus. Keep your footwear personal to reduce the risk of spreading or catching toenail fungus.
Conclusion
Wearing shoes is something we all do daily. Unfortunately, making the wrong footwear choices can put you at a higher risk of toenail fungus or make it harder to get rid of toenail fungus if you already have it. The good news is that knowing which shoes are better for your feet and which ones to avoid can make a big difference. By choosing breathable materials, rotating your shoes, using antifungal products, and picking the right socks, you can create a healthy environment for your feet. These small changes help lower your risk of getting toenail fungus and support the treatments you are currently using.