High-heeled shoes are currently one of the biggest trends in footwear fashion. They dominate the shelves in almost every store and are worn not only by women. But are these shoes actually good for our foot health? How do you choose the right footwear? Today, we provide you with the answers.
Are High-Heeled Shoes Bad for Your Feet?
Just because celebrities wear these shoes and flaunt them on Instagram, or because well-known sports brands have jumped on the trend, doesn’t mean that high-heeled shoes are healthy for our feet.
What Problems Can High-Heeled Shoes Cause?
Podiatry and biomechanics experts agree: No shoe that excessively separates us from the ground is advisable for our feet, especially not for children. Excessive heights in high-heeled shoes can cause biomechanical changes in the feet and legs and lead to injuries such as ankle sprains, growth disorders, tendonitis, and more. High-heeled shoes typically have a sole height of 7 to 10 cm, which can create dangerous instability in the ankle and biomechanical imbalance.
Problems Caused by Wearing High-Heeled Shoes
- Fatigue: Normal walking is hindered. Often, high-heeled shoes add extra weight, which forces the foot to lift higher with each step.
- Falls: The instability of these shoes can cause falls due to ankle twists.
- Sprains and Tendonitis: The mentioned twists can lead to ligament sprains.
- Stress Fractures: Repeated stresses and microtraumas can lead to stress fractures in the bone. Severe twists or falls can also cause fractures in the ankle, legs, or even arms and hands when trying to break the fall.
- Foot Pain: These shoes do not allow for natural movement, overloading the muscles and causing pain.
- Back Pain: Poor posture, excessive lifting of the feet, the extra weight of the shoes, or adopting postures to prevent falls can result in severe back pain.
Tips for Choosing High-Heeled Shoes
When buying shoes, whether high-heeled or not, you should always consider the activity for which they are intended. Whether for short walks, everyday use, sports, or long distances, choosing the right footwear is crucial. Consider the following points:
- Breathable Materials: They prevent excessive sweating, unpleasant odors, and fungus formation.
- Sole: A non-slip sole is essential to avoid unnecessary falls. Stability in the midfoot area and flexibility in the forefoot area ensure proper rolling and reduce the risk of ankle injuries.
- Moderate Platform: The higher the platform, the more unstable the shoe and the higher the risk of falls and sprains. The larger the platform, the more weight you must lift with each step.
- Lightweight Material: Good footwear should not be too heavy to avoid overloading the ankle and other joints active during walking, such as the knees and hips.
- Ergonomic Shape: The shoe’s shape should optimally adapt to the foot’s measurements, giving the toes freedom of movement and adequately supporting the heel to avoid pressure points or tendonitis due to incorrect positions.
- Drop of the Shoes: The drop is the difference between the thickness of the sole in the forefoot and heel areas. An increased drop can shift the body’s balance forward, increasing the risk of back pain, shortening of the calf muscles, and overloading the metatarsal bones.
Conclusion
High-heeled shoes may be fashionable, but they are by no means ideal for the health of your feet. By following the tips mentioned above and paying attention to your foot health, you can not only avoid injuries but also ensure long-term well-being and comfort. Your body will thank you if you choose footwear that supports your natural movements and keeps you safe throughout the day. In this regard, minimalist shoes are always the best choice!
