High heels are one of those things that, as a gender, we’re pretty much stuck with. They make your legs look incredible and they really pull together any outfit. But are the benefits worth the terrible effects?
Let’s look at what heels do to your body.
- Feet: heels tip your weight forward, meaning you’re putting much more weight on the balls of your feet than your body is used to. Even a 3-inch heel puts 76% of your weight on just the balls of your feet. That’s way too much for them to handle! ##MN_RESP##
- Spine: Wearing heels all the time causes your body to redistribute its posture so you can balance properly. You end up with your rear end sticking out as a counterbalance to all the weight being put on your heels, which drives your spine down into your lower back and can give you back pain.
- Long-term foot and back problems: Wearing heels frequently over the years can lead to hammertoes, bunions, and plantar fasciitis, to name a few. It can also lead to chronic back pain and spinal problems, and can even shorten your Achilles tendons.
If that’s not enough to convince you to never wear heels again, then at least try to make a compromise.
Be aware of your posture when you’re wearing heels, and look for heels that are three inches or less, with a slightly thicker heel and soft soles.
