Stilletos like these aren't the only shoe style that can damage your feet
We all love our shoes, especially a sexy pair of stilettos but they can be a bit painful on the old feet. Good job we've got good old boots and ballet pumps to keep our feet a bit healthier right? Afraid not.
It seems it's not just our high heels that can cause damage to our feet. Flat as a pancake ballet pumps can strain all parts of the feet which can form inflammation of the arch tendon, bunions, corns and calluses as they over pull the arch of the feet.If you can't give up your flats go for more structured ones with a thicker sole, or even better, a bit of a heel.
When wearing wedges stick to something with a height of about 4 cm, this is good as the foot requires this height to carry out its normal function during its walking cycle. A higher heel can transfer excessive weight onto the ball of the foot, leaving you in pain and with the possibility of inflammation and corns or calluses.
Wedge heels are generally better than slim heels though as they give better stability and the fact you have more contact with the ground gives strength to the ankle which could otherwise cause ankle sprains.
Even flat boots don't escape the warnings. Flat boots can over pull the arch tendon which can lead to inflammation.
The narrow front of pointy toed shoes can lead to bunions and hammer toes (downward pointing) or even claw toes (turned downward and upward), which in turn gives ride to corns and calluses. A round front is better as this allows for movements in the toes.
So back to the original painful shoe, the stiletto. A heel above 2 inches, which is common in stilettos can cause excessive pressure on the balls of the feet leading to shortening of the tendoachilles. This causes the calf muscle to shrink and lose elasticity.
The narrow heels can lead to instability of the ankle joint and hence there is a high possibility of ankle and ligament damage. If you just can't give up your stilettos, look for a thicker heel.
There is good shoes though, you should buy more shoes! Your feet change with the shape of the shoe so it's a good idea to alternate styles.