Toes have a significant role in balance through the gait cycle, so make sure your footwear allows them plenty of room to work. There should be one-half inch between your longest toe and the end of your shoes. And, you should be able to freely wiggle your toes inside your shoes.

Bunions tend to run in families, but this misalignment of the big toe joint can be aggravated by footwear with a narrow forefoot and restrictive toe box. Similarly, hammertoes, a muscle imbalance that causes a clenched, claw-like toe condition, is also aggravated by shoes and/or socks that cramp the toes.

Certain kinds of nylon pantyhose can cause excessive perspiration that can result in fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. The abrasive quality of nylon can also contribute to blisters. It can even restrict the natural expansion of the foot in motion, resulting in ingrown toenails and hammertoes. The potential for all these problems is exacerbated by a cramped toe box.