High heels have remained a popular fashion choice for many decades. Worn by women on formal and business occasions, they symbolize wealth and femininity, yet the health tradeoff is often overlooked.
That said, high heels have been known to cause problems in the human body, including bunions, hammertoes, and plantar fasciitis. This is largely caused by the pressure put on the front half of the foot. Ankle instability is also a major concern, as high heels offer little to no support for the ankle. However, these ailments aren’t limited to just the foot and ankles.
High heels have also been known to lead to back, hip, and knee pain due to altered body alignment. Despite these clear health consequences, their enduring popularity highlights the powerful tradeoff between fashion appeal and physical comfort.
Simply put, high heels aren’t the only type of shoe that people can injure themselves with. Dress shoes and other casual shoes with narrow toe boxes can cause the toes to squish together, leading to painful bunions. Improperly sized shoes can also cause similar problems.
Ultimately, the issue is one of balance between style and well-being. While high heels elevate a look and remain beloved, it is crucial to weigh their aesthetic benefits against their health risks.
People can protect themselves by learning the proper size and length of heels for their body type, or take steps to minimize damage to their feet through exercise.
