HOMEPAGE | BBC NEWS | SPORT Contact Us | Help | Text Only
HEALTH FAMILY PROBLEMS RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION & CAREER Dear What’s the Problem Why do women want to wear high heeled shoes? Especially since they cost lots of money, and are painful to wear. I think it is perfectly acceptable to walk barefoot or with sandals. I believe that high heels are dangerous to wear. Am I right? Ato Robertson, Africa. Advice: Andrew Gladstone (Chiropodist) I wouldn’t advise anyone to wear high heels for prolonged periods for many reasons. They squash your feet, crush your toes and can give you in-growing toe nails, corns, blisters and infections. Some women are lucky and are not affected too much by this, but others have completely the wrong shaped feet for such shoes. The only solution is to stop wearing them but the trouble is, because of fashion and peer pressure, no one wants to do this. A flat, wide, soft-soled, leather, lace-up shoe is the ideal for keeping your feet in good condition. The What's the Problem? website is providing general information only. It should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. The BBC is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made by a user based on the content of the What's the Problem? website. Always consult your own GP if you're in any way concerned about your health.		FURTHER INFORMATION   How to minimise the damage from high heels: * Save very high heels for parties or other special occasions that last only a few hours * Opt for chunky heels over spiky, unstable stilettos * Choose shoes with a square or rounded toe box rather than a constricting, pointy one * Don't wear the same shoes day after day. Vary footwear and heel heights throughout the week.    INTERNET LINKS High heeled shoes   Shoes and foot health   The BBC is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites