Which symptom might indicate improper shoe fitting?

Pain in the heels or balls of the feet is a strong indicator of improper shoe fitting. When shoes do not fit correctly, they can create pressure points or friction that lead to discomfort. This pain might arise from shoes that are either too tight or too loose. A tight shoe can cause pinching in the forefoot or at the heel, leading to possible blisters or calluses, while a loose shoe can result in excessive movement of the foot within the shoe, ultimately causing instability and strain.

In contrast, comfort and support are signs of a well-fitted shoe, as they indicate the shoe is accommodating the foot properly. Even wear across the entire shoe suggests a balanced distribution of pressure and load, which typically indicates a good fit and proper gait. Increased flexibility might imply that the shoe allows for natural foot movement, but does not necessarily correlate with fitting properly, as flexibility does not address whether the shoe size or shape is appropriate for the wearer's foot.