Some shoes might look ugly – but are they good for your feet?

Uggs “Look comfortable, but offer no support. I suggest my patients wear them with orthotics [support insoles] to stop their foot rolling so much. This can cause knee and lower-back problems, and plantar fasciitis [inflammation of the band of tissue on the underside of the foot].” 2/10 Photograph: Helen Rimell (intern)

Crocs “People tell me how comfortable they are, but I’ve had a few patients getting blisters that can become small ulcers where the holes have rubbed. They’re synthetic, so some patients have problems with perspiration, which can lead to rashes and fungal infections.” 5/10 Photograph: Alamy

Dr Scholl’s “In the 70s, people wore them a lot and patients got metatarsalgia – pain in the toe joints – ­because they are slip-ons with a bar across the front, which encourages the toes to grip; you want toes to stay straight. The designs have improved, but the with the wooden-soled ones have no give.” 4/10 (for the wooden-soled shoe) Photograph: Roger Tooth

Worishofer “I‘ve only looked at them on the net, so it’s difficult to say. I like the fact there is a cork sole because it makes the shoe light, and absorbs shock.” 8/10 Photograph: Courtesy lovethoseshoes.com

Birkenstock “I find the arch too high for my feet. Some people say they’re very comfortable, some uncomfortable, but I don’t think they’re harmful.” 7/10 Photograph: Ian Nolan/ ian@iannolan.com