Why Does One Foot Hurt More Than the Other When Wearing Shoes?

Have you ever noticed that one foot hurts more than the other when wearing shoes, even though both feet are in the same pair? This can happen for several reasons. One foot may have a slightly different shape, a previous injury, a bunion or another foot condition that makes certain shoes uncomfortable. Sometimes the problem is simply that the shoes do not fit the two feet equally well.

It is also possible for the painful foot to have a condition that is not obvious when you are barefoot. You may only notice the problem after walking, standing or spending several hours in your shoes.

Understanding why one foot hurts more than the other can help you identify whether the issue is mainly related to footwear or whether your feet may need medical attention.

Why Does One Foot Hurt More Than the Other in Shoes?

Your feet are not always identical.

One foot can be:

• Slightly longer
• Wider
• Higher or lower in the arch
• Different in shape
• More swollen
• More sensitive
• Affected by an old injury

Even a small difference can change how a shoe fits.

For example, one foot may have more pressure around the toes while the other feels completely comfortable.

That is why a pair of shoes that seems to fit both feet can still cause pain on one side.

Related Doctor’s Note:

• Doctor’s Note for Broken Toe

Could Uneven Foot Size Be Causing One-Sided Foot Pain?

Yes.

It is normal for one foot to be slightly larger than the other.

Problems can occur when you choose footwear based only on the smaller foot.

The larger foot may then experience:

• Toe pressure
• Rubbing
• Crowding
• Blisters
• Pain across the front of the foot

This can become especially noticeable after several hours because your feet may swell slightly during the day.

A useful tip is to make sure shoes have enough room for your larger foot, rather than choosing a size that fits only the smaller one.

Can Foot Shape Make One Shoe Hurt More?

Absolutely.

One foot may have a different shape because of natural anatomy or a medical condition.

For example, you may have:

• A bunion on one foot
• A higher arch on one side
• A flatter arch
• A wider forefoot
• Different toe alignment
• A previous injury
• A foot deformity

Shoes do not adapt perfectly to every foot shape.

A shoe that feels comfortable on one side may press against a prominent area on the other.

Can a Bunion Cause One Foot to Hurt More in Shoes?

Yes.

A bunion develops around the base of the big toe and can create a visible bump on the inside of the foot.

The problem may become worse when you wear:

• Narrow shoes
• Pointed shoes
• Tight footwear
• Shoes with limited toe space

You may notice pain, redness or rubbing around the affected area.

If only one foot has a bunion, it would make sense for that foot to hurt more in the same pair of shoes.

Choosing footwear with enough room around the toes may reduce pressure, although persistent bunion pain should be assessed.

Can Flat Feet Cause One Foot to Hurt More Than the Other?

They can.

Flat feet can affect how the foot absorbs pressure and how the ankle and leg move during walking.

If one foot has a more noticeable arch difference than the other, you may experience more discomfort on that side.

You might notice pain around:

• The arch
• Heel
• Inside of the ankle
• Sole of the foot

Flat feet do not always cause symptoms, so the presence of a low arch alone does not mean you have a problem.

Can Plantar Fasciitis Cause Pain in Only One Foot?

Yes.

Plantar fasciitis commonly causes pain around the bottom of the heel or the sole of the foot.

One foot may be affected while the other remains comfortable.

You might notice:

• Heel pain when taking your first steps
• Pain after sitting for a while
• Discomfort after prolonged standing
• Increased pain in unsupportive shoes

If one foot has plantar fasciitis, wearing the same shoes on both feet does not make the condition equal. The affected foot may naturally feel worse.

Could Arthritis Make One Foot Hurt More in Shoes?

Yes.

Arthritis can affect one foot more severely than the other.

Joint pain and stiffness may become more noticeable when shoes:

• Put pressure on the affected joint
• Have a narrow toe box
• Restrict movement
• Do not provide enough support

You may notice pain around the toes, midfoot or ankle.

If one foot has persistent swelling, stiffness or joint pain, consider getting it assessed rather than simply buying different shoes repeatedly.

Can a Previous Injury Make One Foot Hurt More?

Definitely.

An old injury can change how a foot responds to pressure.

For example, you may have previously had:

• An ankle sprain
• A foot fracture
• A tendon injury
• A ligament injury
• Surgery
• A recurring sports injury

Even after the original injury has healed, the affected foot may remain more sensitive or have a slightly different movement pattern.

This can make certain types of footwear uncomfortable.

Can an Ankle Sprain Change How Your Shoes Feel?

Yes.

After an ankle sprain, you may temporarily change how you walk.

You might put more pressure on one side of the foot or avoid certain movements.

If the ankle remains swollen, your shoes may also feel tighter on that side.

This can explain why one foot hurts more than the other when wearing shoes after an injury.

If the ankle remains painful, unstable or swollen, however, the problem may require more than a footwear change.

Why Does One Foot Hurt More After Walking for Hours?

Your feet naturally experience more pressure when you spend a long time on them.

During the day, you may also develop some swelling.

If one foot already has:

• A foot deformity
• An injury
• Arthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Poor alignment
• A tendon problem

the extra pressure may make the difference much more noticeable.

You may therefore start the day feeling fine but finish with significant pain on one side.

Why Does One Shoe Feel Tighter Than the Other?

This may happen even when the shoes are the same size.

Possible reasons include:

• One foot is naturally larger
• One foot is swollen
• One shoe is being worn differently
• Your foot shape differs from side to side
• An injury has changed the shape of one foot

Remember that shoe size and shoe fit are not exactly the same thing.

Two feet can technically be the same shoe size while requiring different amounts of space.

Can Swelling Make One Foot Hurt More Inside Shoes?

Yes.

Swelling increases the amount of space your foot needs.

A shoe that normally feels comfortable can become restrictive when one foot swells.

You may notice:

• Pressure across the top of the foot
• Tightness around the toes
• Red marks
• Rubbing
• Difficulty fastening the shoe
• Pain after several hours

If swelling is persistent or unexplained, the underlying cause should be considered.

Why Is One Foot Swollen and Painful?

There are many possible causes.

These can include:

• Injury
• Inflammation
• Fluid retention
• Arthritis
• Infection
• Venous problems
• Other medical conditions

One-sided swelling without an obvious explanation should not simply be blamed on shoes.

If the swelling appears suddenly, is painful or is getting worse, seek medical advice.

Can Tight Shoes Cause Pain in Only One Foot?

Yes.

A shoe may press against one foot differently because of natural differences between your feet.

You may also have a specific area of sensitivity on one side.

For example, the shoe may rub against:

• A bunion
• A corn
• A callus
• A prominent joint
• A previous injury

This can lead to pain even though the same shoe feels perfectly comfortable on your other foot.

What Types of Shoes Are More Likely to Cause One-Sided Foot Pain?

Certain styles can create more pressure.

These may include:

• Narrow shoes
• Pointed-toe shoes
• High heels
• Shoes with little depth
• Rigid footwear
• Poorly fitted work shoes

That does not mean these shoes cause pain for everyone.

The issue is whether the footwear matches the shape and needs of your feet.

NHS podiatry guidance recommends allowing enough room around the toes and avoiding footwear that squeezes or rubs areas of the foot.

How Should Shoes Fit if One Foot Is Larger?

Fit the shoes to the larger foot.

This is particularly important when one foot is wider or longer.

Check that:

• Your toes can move comfortably
• There is enough room in front of the longest toe
• The widest part of your foot is not compressed
• The heel does not slip excessively
• There are no painful pressure points

Try shoes while wearing the type of socks you normally use.

And, because feet can become slightly larger later in the day, trying shoes later can sometimes provide a more realistic fit. NHS podiatry advice recommends considering this when feet tend to swell.

Should You Buy Different Shoes for Each Foot?

You generally buy shoes as a pair, but this does not mean both feet have to feel identical inside them.

The important thing is that the pair accommodates both feet without causing pressure or pain.

If one foot has a significant difference in size or shape because of a medical condition, standard footwear may not always be suitable.

In some situations, specially fitted or orthopaedic footwear may be considered.

Can a Medical Condition Make Normal Shoes Difficult to Wear?

Yes.

Certain conditions can make ordinary footwear uncomfortable or unsuitable.

These may include:

• Bunions
• Arthritis
• Diabetes-related foot problems
• Foot deformities
• Chronic swelling
• Previous fractures
• Certain neurological conditions
• Persistent foot pain

NHS orthopaedic footwear services note that specialist footwear may be appropriate when ordinary shoes are not suitable because of specific foot conditions.

This is particularly relevant when the problem affects only one foot.

Can Diabetes Make One Foot Hurt More in Shoes?

Diabetes can affect sensation and circulation in the feet.

This can make footwear-related pressure more difficult to notice.

A person may not always feel rubbing, pressure or a small injury as clearly as someone without reduced sensation.

NHS guidance recommends urgent medical advice for people with diabetes who develop swollen feet, ankles or legs.

If you have diabetes and one foot is painful, swollen or changing in appearance, do not assume the problem is simply your shoes.

What Can You Do if One Foot Hurts More in Your Shoes?

Start by checking the fit.

You can:

Compare Both Feet

Look for differences in swelling, shape, redness or visible changes.

Check for Pressure Points

After removing your shoes, look for red areas or marks that indicate rubbing.

Try Roomier Footwear

Choose shoes with adequate width and toe space.

Adjust the Fastening

Laces or adjustable straps may allow you to reduce pressure.

Avoid Shoes That Repeatedly Cause Pain

Do not rely on the idea that painful shoes will eventually become comfortable.

Pay Attention to When the Pain Appears

Does it happen immediately? After walking? At the end of the day?

The pattern can provide useful clues.

When Should You See a Doctor About One-Sided Foot Pain?

Consider medical advice if:

• The pain keeps returning
• The foot is swollen without an obvious cause
• You have persistent numbness
• You have significant redness or warmth
• You cannot walk normally
• Pain is getting worse
• The foot looks different from the other side
• A previous injury has not fully recovered
• Changing shoes does not improve the problem

One-sided pain that persists despite appropriate footwear deserves further assessment.

When Is Foot Pain an Urgent Problem?

Seek urgent medical advice if foot pain is sudden, severe or associated with significant swelling.

You should be particularly cautious if you also have:

• A cold or unusually pale foot
• Severe numbness
• Major weakness
• Rapidly increasing swelling
• Significant injury
• Severe redness or warmth with fever
• Inability to bear weight after trauma

These symptoms may suggest a problem that needs more than a footwear adjustment.

Can One-Sided Foot Pain Affect Your Work?

Yes.

A painful foot may be particularly difficult to manage when your job requires:

• Standing for long periods
• Walking
• Wearing formal shoes
• Wearing safety footwear
• Climbing stairs
• Working on hard floors
• Long shifts

The problem can become even more challenging when workplace footwear is rigid or difficult to adjust.

If a medical condition affects one foot, you may need to discuss suitable footwear or temporary workplace adjustments with your employer.

What If Your Employer Requires Specific Shoes?

Some workplaces require particular footwear for safety or uniform reasons.

This can create a problem if a medical condition means that standard footwear causes pain or pressure.

Rather than continuing to wear footwear that aggravates a medically assessed problem, consider speaking with a healthcare professional about your options.

Depending on your circumstances, medical documentation may be relevant when requesting different or more suitable footwear.

When Might You Need a Doctor’s Note for Shoes?

A Doctor’s Note for Shoes may be relevant when a genuine medical condition affects the type of footwear you can comfortably or safely wear and an employer, school or another organisation needs supporting documentation.

For example, this may relate to:

• A foot deformity
• Persistent swelling
• Arthritis
• A previous injury
• Diabetes-related foot problems
• Chronic foot pain
• Reduced sensation
• A condition requiring additional room or support

The exact documentation needed depends on the organisation and your circumstances.

Need Documentation for Different Footwear?

If a medically assessed foot problem is making your normal shoes difficult to wear and you need appropriate documentation to support a footwear-related request, you can learn more about our Doctor’s Note for Shoes service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does one foot hurt more than the other when wearing shoes?

One foot may be slightly larger, wider or differently shaped. An injury, bunion, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, swelling or another foot condition can also make one side more sensitive to footwear pressure.

Why does one shoe feel tighter than the other?

Your feet may not be exactly the same size or shape. One foot may also be swollen or affected by a medical condition, making one shoe feel more restrictive.

Can a bunion cause one foot to hurt more in shoes?

Yes. A bunion can create pressure around the base of the big toe, particularly when footwear has a narrow toe box.

Can flat feet cause one-sided foot pain?

They can. Differences in arch shape and foot alignment may cause one foot to experience more stress than the other.

Why does one foot swell inside my shoe?

Swelling can result from prolonged standing or sitting, injury, pregnancy, medication or medical conditions. Persistent one-sided swelling should be medically assessed.

Can an old ankle injury make one foot hurt more in shoes?

Yes. Previous ankle or foot injuries can sometimes change movement, swelling or sensitivity, making certain footwear more uncomfortable.

Should I wear larger shoes if one foot hurts?

Choose footwear that comfortably accommodates both feet, particularly the larger foot. Avoid shoes that are excessively loose, as poor fit can also cause rubbing and instability.

Can a medical condition mean I need different shoes?

Yes. Certain foot conditions can make ordinary footwear unsuitable. Specialist or orthopaedic footwear may be considered in some circumstances.

When should I see a doctor about one foot hurting more?

Seek medical advice if the pain is persistent, worsening, associated with swelling or numbness, or does not improve after addressing footwear fit.

Can one-sided foot pain affect work?

Yes. It can make standing, walking or wearing required workplace footwear difficult, especially during long shifts.

Can I get a Doctor’s Note for Shoes if one foot is painful?

A Doctor’s Note for Shoes may be relevant when a medically assessed condition makes standard footwear unsuitable and an organisation requires appropriate documentation for a footwear-related accommodation.

Final Thoughts

There are many possible reasons one foot hurts more than the other when wearing shoes.

Sometimes the difference is as simple as one foot being slightly larger or shaped differently. In other cases, the painful foot may have a bunion, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, swelling, a previous injury or another condition that makes certain footwear uncomfortable.

Start by checking how your shoes fit both feet.

Look for pressure points, rubbing and differences in swelling. Choose footwear with enough room and avoid forcing a painful foot into a shoe simply because it is the correct size on the label.

But remember that footwear is not always the real cause.

If one-sided foot pain keeps returning, becomes severe or appears alongside swelling, numbness or other unusual changes, getting it medically assessed can help identify what is actually happening.

And when a genuine foot condition makes standard shoes unsuitable for work, school or another setting, appropriate medical documentation may help support a request for more suitable footwear.