The wearing of high-heeled shoes is a prime example of women inviting foot problems. They believe them to be biomechanically and orthopedically unsound, citing medical, postural, and safety faults of such heels. They know, for example, that high heels may contribute to knee and back problems, disabling injuries in falls, shortened calf muscles, and an awkward, unnatural gait. In time, high heels may cause enough changes in the feet to impair their proper function. Most women admit high heels make their feet hurt, but they tolerate the discomfort in order to look taller, stylish, and more professional.
Women have other heel-size choices, fortunately.
They don't have to endure pain at the expense of their foot health. The shoe manufacturers who have introduced them seek a marriage of fashion considerations and comfort, offering fashionable pumps with athletic shoe-derived construction, with reinforced heels and wider toe room. And the soles are more pliable. At least three lines of walking pumps have the use of the American Podiatric Medical Association's Seal of Acceptance. Several companies have also designed footwear for certain athletic activities, including aerobics, specifically for women.