Converse sneakers Sneakers are supposed to be safe footwear bets, but this old classic shoe has a high foot-pain rating (they can cause heel pain, stress fractures and tendinitis) thanks to their flat, stiff soles.

Converse's downfall could be attributed to its dizzying round of corporate takeovers. Throughout its history, Converse has been acquired by companies that make ribbon cables (Eltra), aircraft electronics and car parts (Allied) and furniture (Interco, which also produces footwear).