10/10/2025
This X-ray says it all, high heels might just be the most damaging accessory some wear every day.
High heels may be a fashion staple, but podiatrists caution that they can cause significant harm to your feet and X-rays clearly show why. The foot is forced into an unnatural position, with the ball of the foot bent at a steep angle, placing excessive pressure on joints and soft tissues.
This altered alignment forces the body into an unnatural walking pattern, often leading to painful conditions such as corns, capsulitis, neuromas, and Achilles tendinitis. Specialists explain that high heels also restrict the ankle’s natural movement and place excessive stress on areas of the foot that aren’t built to bear such pressure.
It can lead to painful issues like plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, and even ankle injuries. Some cases become serious enough to need treatment.
Experts suggest a middle ground - choose thicker, more stable heels, limit how long you wear them, and switch to comfortable shoes for walking or commuting.
There’s no “perfect” heel height, but keeping it under 2 inches and choosing shoes with good padding can protect your feet in the long run.
As one podiatrist puts it: “That is not how your foot has evolved to walk.”
Source: Washington Post article from June 17, 2013 High-heeled shoes may look good, but they’re bad for your feet.
