The bottom of your feet are cushioned with organic pads of fat that add a layer of cushion between the ground and the interior of your foot. However, these pads can sometimes shift, which removes this cushion. This shift can be caused by extended use of ill-fitting shoes. Additionally, poor shoes can cause the bones in your foot to flex and experience increased pressure.
High-heeled shoes are the biggest offender, as they compress the feet and keep them in unnatural positions for extended periods of time. As a result, this form of foot pain is more common in women. Corns and callouses are also caused by the uneven pressure these shoes cause, which only makes the issue worse.