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Living the High {Heeled} Life: How Your Heels Affect Your Body

By Amy Arsenault | bio | contact

Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, and Jimmy Choo. Every year, more and more little girls are groomed into women with an insatiable appetite for sky-high designer heels, unforgettable pumps, gem-adorned flats, funky flip flops, and jaw-dropping boots. In today’s world, teenage girls are more likely to know the names of designers worn on Carrie Bradshaw’s feet than names of former Presidents.

Shoe addiction has long been known as an enemy of pocketbooks everywhere, but more often than not, women tend to forget about the effects that our varying shoe choices can have our bodies. Joint pain, ankle injuries, and other unsettling side effects can occur based on whether we opt for our favorite pair of peep toes or ballet flats. SVL looked into the effects and found some surprising health results to keep in mind.

High Heels

While it’s no secret that extensive wear of high heels can have varying consequences for the stylish one who dons them, most  women aren’t familiar with what those exact consequences are. According to MayoClinic, “wearing heels causes your foot to slide forward redistributing your weight, creating unnatural pressure points and throwing your body’s natural alignment out of whack.” The medical reference website also notes that “high heels have been linked to overworked or injured leg muscles, osteoarthritis of the knee and low back pain.” As tempting as the tallest skinniest heel might be, it may be beneficial to follow the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons’ rule of thumb: no more than three hours in three-inch heels.

Flip Flops

It’s nearly impossible to discuss our favorite types of shoes during the summer season without mentioning flip flops.  The classic choice for  locker rooms and public showers has made its way onto the fashion scene with glitter, gems, stones, varying colors and styles. While many would assume that this flat shoe is preferable to your everyday heel, they may be overlooking certain factors. According to the Washington Post, “The repeated process of lifting your heel away from the shoe surface (creating that characteristic flip-flop sound) creates tension in the foot . . .  which can worsen such painful inflammatory conditions as plantar fasciitis.” So during the summer, it’s probably a good idea to alternate your favorite flip flops with sandals, sneakers, or other shoes that offer a little more support.

Uggs

The winter time sheepskin comfort-shoe can be commonly mistaken as a fashion-do because of perceived comfort (F.Y.I. It’s still a don’t). While the skeletal system is relieved from the pressures of heels, the looseness of Uggs causes feet to slip around inside, increasing pressure on the arches that transcends to the hip. Dr. Rock Positano, Director of the Non-Surgical Foot and Ankle Service for the Hospital for Special Surgery, sees Uggs as detrimental to the health of wearers. Positano cautions, “We’re dealing with footwear that offers no substantial and necessary orthopedic support for the foot and the ankle.”

Nike Shox

For the active woman, sporting a pair of Nike Shox can actually become detrimental to high performance. The elevated running shoe can have adverse effects on range of motion and be a prime contributor to shin splints when worn over a long period of time. Health and wellness expert Abby Jorgensen warns that “constant elevation of the heel also leads to lack of external rotation of the hip which in turn is why so many females let their knees fall inward when they are in a squat, lunge, or deadlift exercise and puts them at risk for tearing their ACL during sports movements.” Instead, opt for shoes with a flat or minimal heel for when heading to the gym.

Pointed Toe Shoes

This ever-so-common choice for the office comes with its own warning label. Placed on the “cruel shoes list” by the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society, shoes with pointed toes can cause crowding of your toes and increased pressure on the forefoot. This makes the idea of “breaking in” a pair of pointy-toe heels suddenly seem a little less desirable.

Comfort Shoes
Everyone needs a few “comfortable shoes” to knock around in. Experts recommend wearing comfort brands such as Naturalizer, Ecco, Aerosole, Cole Hahn, or Crocs. While most of us prefer brands with a little more panache for a night out on the town, the key is to be smart and practice moderation when it comes to not-so-friendly shoe choices. Limit the amount of time you wear them, vary between different styles and always ensure that you have the right fit.  If you are a true believer in the “Beauty is Pain” ideology, just remember to walk with caution because an ankle brace just isn’t sexy.