Young woman feeling ache because of wearing high heels in office
Stilettos can be stylish for a night out, but wearing them daily may have long-term effects on your feet.
Andrew Goldberg, an orthopaedic foot and ankle specialist at Wellington Hospital in London, explains that while he once thought foot shape was determined solely by genetics, 3D scans of feet in shoes changed his perspective. Comparing scans of a person barefoot versus wearing high heels revealed noticeable differences: toes crowded together, bunions on the big toe, and smaller toes curling to grip for balance.
Goldberg notes that short-term discomfort is common after wearing heels for a few hours. But when heels are worn for eight hours a day over many years, the strain can lead to permanent changes. This includes stretched soft tissues, bunions, hammer toes, and even wear-and-tear arthritis.
All types of shoes can influence foot shape to some extent, gradually narrowing the toes and foot profile. Tight or pointed shoes make this effect more pronounced, especially if shoes are too small.
To help maintain foot flexibility and strength, Goldberg recommends simple daily exercises such as picking up small objects with your toes or walking barefoot on tiptoes for a short period.
His advice is simple: moderation is key. Wearing heels occasionally—like for a dinner or special event—is fine, but daily long-term use can put significant stress on your feet.
