Foot pain is one of the most common lower limb complaints in Singapore, particularly among individuals with flat feet or conditions such as plantar fasciitis. While many people focus on cushioning and immediate comfort, footwear plays a much more complex biomechanical role.
The right shoe can support alignment, reduce strain on the plantar fascia, and improve walking efficiency. The wrong one can worsen arch collapse, increase tendon stress, and prolong chronic pain.
Understanding your foot structure — especially whether you have flat feet — is the first step toward selecting appropriate footwear or determining whether custom orthotics are required.
Flat feet (low medial arch) are common across Asian populations, including Singapore. When the arch collapses excessively during walking, the foot overpronates.
This can lead to:
Excessive pronation increases tension on the plantar fascia — the thick band of tissue under the foot — which is why flat feet are strongly associated with plantar fasciitis.
Footwear alone cannot correct structural arch mechanics, but it can either reduce or amplify the strain.
For individuals with flat feet or plantar fasciitis, footwear should provide:
Shoes that are too soft may feel comfortable initially but often fail to control pronation. Conversely, shoes with very high arch support may cause pressure and nerve irritation in naturally low-arched feet.
This is why a proper gait analysis is often more valuable than trial-and-error shoe shopping.
Several brands have developed reputations for addressing foot discomfort through specialised engineering. However, their effectiveness often depends on the user's specific foot type and underlying condition.
MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) Originally a Swiss innovation, MBT shoes are known for their distinctive curved, "rocking" soles. This design is intended to emulate the natural gait of the Masai people of East Africa by creating a degree of instability.
FitFlop Launched in the UK, FitFlop has become a popular choice for those prioritising everyday comfort.
Vionic Vionic shoes are frequently recognised for their built-in arch support and focus on comfort.
Dr. Scholl’s As a long-standing mass-market brand, Dr. Scholl’s offers a vast range of inserts and footwear.
A primary cause of foot pain in regions like Singapore is the frequent use of open footwear, such as flip-flops, thin-soled sandals, and ballet flats. While these are breathable and convenient in hot climates, they typically offer very little structural support.
Switching to covered shoes with contoured soles can significantly reduce pain by providing better alignment and shock absorption. However, footwear alone is rarely a "cure" for chronic conditions. Because retail shoes are mass-produced, they cannot account for the unique biomechanical requirements of every individual.
In Singapore’s climate, many people wear:
These provide:
For individuals with flat feet, this accelerates pronation and increases strain on the plantar fascia.
Switching to structured, enclosed footwear can significantly reduce pain — but footwear remains a supportive measure, not a corrective treatment.
While a better pair of shoes can mask initial discomfort, relying solely on generic footwear may allow underlying conditions to deteriorate over time. Footwear should be viewed as a supportive tool rather than a standalone medical solution.
If pain is persistent or chronic and goes beyond a few weeks, a clinical assessment is necessary. Podiatrists can provide a detailed gait analysis and, if required, prescribe custom orthotics that address the root cause of the pain rather than just the symptoms. For those with severe conditions, professional guidance ensures that footwear choices complement a broader treatment plan.
Unlike retail insoles, custom orthotics are prescribed based on:
For flat feet, orthotics can:
Orthotics are not simply “arch supports.” They are medical devices designed to alter force mechanics at the root level.
When integrated into appropriate footwear, they form part of a structured treatment plan.
For flat feet and plantar fasciitis, the goal is not simply comfort — it is biomechanical control.
The correct approach involves:
Despite the feeling of "automatic" walking, there are many inefficiencies in the walking biomechanics that can cause pain, fatigue, and decreased mobility later in life due to compromised joints and/or compromised muscle mass capacity for activity. The focus should not be on treating symptoms, but on addressing the movement pattern itself in order to promote joint health and confident movement that comes with promoting the functional nature of the skeletal system.
At East Coast Podiatry, we utilise scientifically proven methods of analysis combined with thorough examination and personalised care of each patient to better address the root problems causing the issues and therefore causing improvement in the overall function of the foot.