The vast majority of fashion shoes are found in ladies' wear and of these the greater number are shoes that feature high heals, wedges or some other elevated design. Whilst appealing to look at, this type of footwear is not healthy and this is indicated by the fact that shoes of this style are normally uncomfortable to wear for any prolonged period of time.

No shoe with high heels can be classed as an orthopedic shoe. A high heel detrimentally changes the angle and posture of the foot in the shoe and prevents it from working and distributing weight in the way that it was designed to do so. Prolonged wear of this style of footwear can lead to long term damage to the feet and in many cases the problems do not manifest themselves until much later in life.

Why are high heels bad?

Wearing high heels completely changes the foot's ability to do its job, It also affects the way that the ankle and toe joints function and it make the muscles and tendons in the lower legs work in what is an unnatural way.

These shoes also push the feet forwards in the shoe resulting in the toes and the front of the foot having to bear weight in a way in which they were not intended to. This compresses the toes and the front of the foot and can easily cause damage. A good orthopedic shoe would allow the foot to function naturally and it would not cause undue pressure to any part of the foot.

Unfortunately, in addition to high heels, many fashion shoes also have a very thin, short and un-supporting uppers. These sections of the shoe should hold the foot in the shoe, correctly positioned over the sole, and have shaping and padding that offers support and comfort. In most fashion shoes these essential properties have been omitted in favour of looks and style and this make many fashion shoes potentially dangerous to the feet, at least if worn over a prolonged period of time.

Foot problems that result

Long term wearing of high heeled shoes can result in an almost limitless number of potential foot disorders. And then there is the increased risk of “turning an ankle” and getting a serious sprain or fall injury which may takes weeks to rehabilitate.

Initially, symptoms may be soreness of the feet, both generally and in specific areas where pressure points or abrasions result. Following this calluses and blisters can develop and in some cases circulation can be affected.

A general aching of, not only the feet, but the shin and the calf muscle of the lower leg is often a result of wearing high heeled footwear. Wearing flat or low heeled shoes can also become uncomfortable because the tendons find it hard to adjust from the unnatural prone angle in which the foot is placed when wearing high heels. The tendons can shorten or become less flexible over time.

Sores, blisters and aching feet are an irritation, but they are greatly relieved once some kind of comfort fit shoe replaces the high heel. However long term damage is being done every time shoes with elevated heels or wedges are worn. The more serious conditions that can result include, fallen arches, misshapen feet (particularly the toes), pronation and a number of other disorders that can actually affect the quality of life and mobility – particularly in later age.

All of the above can of course be avoided, simply by wearing sensible shoes whenever possible, and by keeping the wearing of high heels to a minimum. A small price to pay for health.