Love Your Feet: How to Choose High Heels That Won’t Wreck Them

High heels are fashion statements that come in various heights, colors, and designs. While they look stunning, they’re often wreaking havoc on your feet, causing permanent damage to tendons and bone structure.

Wearing high heels frequently can lead to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, bunions, and hammertoes. However, you can wear some heel styles without compromising foot health.

Dr. Marque A. Allen and the Sports Medicine Associates of San Antonio team provide tips and treatments for various foot issues. And if you don’t know which shoes to wear, he offers suggestions and orthotics to take pressure off your feet.

The harm of high heels

High heels are lovely to look at and usually look stunning with the right outfit, but they’re just about the worst shoes for foot health. The higher the heel, the more pressure it puts on the tiny intrinsic muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the foot.

Wearing high heels causes short-term discomfort and long-term foot issues. Temporary problems that you may experience include toe cramping, ankle instability, and pain in the ball of the foot. They also increase the risk of spraining your ankle.

However, the long-term effects of regularly wearing high heels are the real issue. Heels put your feet at an unnatural angle, which stresses the bones and tissues. 

The result is structural changes in the foot that can lead to:

• Morton’s neuroma
• Bunions
• Hammertoes
• Corns and calluses
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendon problems

Frequent high heel use also increases the probability of developing stress fractures and arthritis in the feet. They also change your gait, which can lead to knee, hip, and back pain or injuries.

Choosing heels that are safe

Healthy feet don’t mean you can’t ever wear heels again, but it’s crucial to know what kind of heels are better than others. It’s especially important to choose a good heel if you’re prone to foot problems like bunions or fractures.

Not all heels are equal, and some are much better for your feet than others. We offer the following tips when choosing a heel for optimal foot health:

Check the materials

It’s best to pick a heel made of breathable materials with some stretch. Rigid materials place undue stress on the feet, causing pain, inflammation, and redness.

Go for style, not height

Heel height is something you should definitely consider, and taller isn’t better. Keep the height between 1 and 2.5 inches for long-term wear. A kitten heel is a good option that’s stylish but won’t wreck your feet.

Look for support

Heels have become more comfortable than ever, with some brands offering arch support, wider straps, and cushioning. Choose a heel that is comfortable on your foot and provides moderate support.

Pick the right toe shape

The shape of the toe is essential in preventing foot pain and problems. Choose a rounded toe instead of a pointed one to avoid pinching and bunion formation.

Evaluate the heel type

There are many types of heels, and choosing the right one is crucial for foot health. Opt for block heels, platforms, or wedges over stilettos for optimal support and comfort.

Practice first

It’s also essential to break in the heels before you wear them all night. Wear new heels around the house for an hour or two at a time to get used to the feeling. 

We also recommend wearing inserts or cushions inside the shoes to give your feet extra support. Opt for those that cushion the ball of the foot and provide arch support. 

Don't let shoe-related foot pain stop you. Take the first step toward lasting relief. Call our Alamo Heights or San Antonio offices today, or request a consultation online.