Are High Heels Bad for You?

In the US, 72% of women wear high heels during their life. For example, to work or as a simple fashion statement. While high heels always look good, some wearers want to know, "are high heels bad for you?"

Prolonged wear of high heels can cause a wide range of foot issues. Thankfully, there are ways to solve these problems, such as wearing corrective footwear.

Learn more about the dangers of wearing high heels for a long time below.

Increased Pressure on Toes

Even open-toed high heels can cause excess pressure on your toes because all your weight shifts downwards. The ball of your foot then presses into your shoe, and you must rely on your toes for balance.

With prolonged wear, this pressure can lead to toe deformities. You may find your baby toe is beginning to rise above the toe beside it. This will affect your balance and could make it more difficult to walk.

To prevent this, switch to flat, wide shoes for at least a few months. This will give your toes a chance to readjust and you will notice they feel stronger.

Weaken Your Ankles

When you wear high heels, the muscles in your ankles have to adapt to a stretched shape. This weakens them as they get pulled and stay that way for as long as you wear the shoe.

If you wear high heels often, you may notice that you collapse onto your ankle often, even after you take them off. This increases the risk of trips and falls.

Can Cause Bunions

Bunions are the result of swelling in the joint that connects your big toe to your foot. Heels cause bunions because of the excess weight forced onto this part of your foot.

Bunions are usually painful and may even cause you to have to wear bigger shoes to accommodate them. With the right exercise and corrective footwear, you can get rid of them. You may also need surgery.

Strain Your Arches

One of the effects of wearing high heels is that your arches stretch and strain. This is due to this part of your foot being pulled up and back to fit your shoe. Gravity is trying to force it into the ground, resulting in stretching.

Wearing high heels too often may even lead to fallen arches. Fallen arches require treatment in the form of corrective insoles to recover.

So, Are High Heels Bad For You?

Simply put, high heels are not good for your feet. Why are high heels bad for you? They cause excess pressure on your toes, and they strain your ankles and arches. Wearing heels for years can even cause joint issues such as bunions.

To help your feet recover from excessive heel use, try trainers and comfortable flats. They'll give your feet a much-needed break.

To view a range of corrective footwear today, get in contact with our team. We can help you find shoes and trainers that offer support and will help heal heel-damaged feet.