Taiwanese Love Wearing It! The 'National Miracle Shoe' Looks Breathable but Is Actually Suffocating — Pharmacists Warn: Athlete’s Foot May Recur

Taiwan’s hot and humid summers, coupled with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, lead many people to choose lightweight, easy-to-wash clog shoes for outings. These shoes, with holes across the surface, are believed to be less stuffy and help reduce foot odor. However, pharmacists warn that clog shoes are not equivalent to true breathability. If worn incorrectly, they may keep the inside of the shoe damp for long periods, increasing the chance of fungal growth and even causing athlete’s foot to recur.

Clog shoes are not breathable—wearing them barefoot for long periods increases the risk of athlete’s foot

Pharmacist Yating recently posted on her Facebook fan page 'Pharmacist Tingting's Adventures,' explaining that many people mistakenly believe that holes in the shoe mean good heat dissipation. However, most clog shoes on the market are made of plastic material, and the sole that actually contacts the foot lacks sweat absorption or breathability. She points out that wearing clog shoes barefoot means sweat from the soles of the feet cannot be absorbed by the shoe material and instead remains on the surface of the insole, creating a hot and humid environment inside the shoe—the perfect condition for fungal growth. Additionally, when it rains or when stepping into puddles, water easily enters through the holes. If feet are not dried promptly afterward, the spaces between toes remain moist for extended periods, increasing the risk of athlete’s foot and other foot infections.

Pharmacists emphasize that although clog shoes are convenient and easy to clean, ignoring foot hygiene and dryness can still increase the risk of athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. This is especially important for people who naturally sweat heavily on their feet, have a history of athlete’s foot, or wear shoes for long periods during summer. They should develop good footwear and cleaning habits to balance comfort with foot health.

For those who still prefer wearing clog shoes daily, pharmacists recommend the following four key practices to reduce infection risk:

1. Wear socks before putting on shoes

Avoid direct contact between bare feet and the plastic sole. It is recommended to wear socks made of pure cotton or moisture-wicking materials, which help absorb sweat and keep feet dry.

2. Do not wear the same pair every day

Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes for several consecutive days. After each use, leave the shoes in a well-ventilated area for 24 to 48 hours to allow the interior to dry completely and reduce moisture retention.

3. Clean shoes regularly

Sun-drying alone is not sufficient to fully eliminate fungi. Shoes should be regularly scrubbed inside with diluted bleach or shoe-specific cleaning agents, then placed in a ventilated area or under sunlight to dry. Ultraviolet rays can also assist in inhibiting bacterial growth.

4. Keep feet dry

After bathing, swimming, or getting caught in the rain, immediately dry your feet with a towel, especially between the toes. Use the cool setting of a hairdryer if necessary to ensure no moisture remains, reducing the chance of fungal growth.

Source: 'Pharmacist Tingting's Adventures' Editor: Wei Fucheng