According to a study by the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, a poll of 2,000 adults revealed that, for 37 percent of the women and 17 percent of the men, style is more preferred than comfort when it comes to buying shoes - and they would persist with uncomfortable shoes as long as they are fashionable!

Not only do nearly 40 percent women buy shoes knowing they do not fit; but also as many as 8 in every 10 women have foot problems - like corns, bunions, and ingrowing nails - and fifty percent of them do not seek ever professional help for such foot problems.

Lorraine Jones, of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, said: "Many of us find it hard to resist a bargain and the latest fashion must-have, but it's important to remember that by buying ill-fitting shoes, you're not only going to end up in discomfort, but you are also putting your health at risk."

Among the shoes that can be problematic are - the not-so-comfortable "killer" high-heels; the slip-on shoes that often cramp the toes; and the low-fronted court shoes, which are too narrow in the toe and offer little support to the foot.

What is rather surprising is that, as Jones revealed, many people in the UK tend to wear the 'wrong sized' shoes on a regular basis without even realizing it!