A good pair of high heels can complete an outfit. Unfortunately, they also hurt your feet and can cause short-term and long-term damage. Here are a few things that could happen if you decide to stop wearing heels.
Your feet will hurt less, but your heels may actually hurt more.
At least temporarily. Wearing heels over a longer period of time can shorten your Achilles tendons. It can take up to a few months (depending on how often you wore heels) for them to return to their normal height, at which point any discomfort in the heels will subside.
The pain in your back could disappear
The added height causes your pelvis to shift and bend backwards. This puts pressure on the lumbar region of the spine – also known as the cause of chronic low back pain.
Your bare feet will look better
Pointed boots and pumps often cause annoying calluses and ingrown toenails. Switching to wider-toe shoes will make these knotty bumps and bruises disappear in a few weeks.
Your balance will improve
That is, in which shoes you wear. One study found that prolonged use of high heels can lead to an imbalance between the muscles that surround and support the ankles. Flat shoes, on the other hand, help stability and promote better balance.
Your legs will look shorter
Studies have shown that people who wear heels tend to have shorter calf muscles because of the way they compress heel. A combination of stretching and switching to more supportive shoes will help them return to their former height.
