MD Podiatrist Advises Avoiding Ballet Flats

Podiatrists have long cautioned against wearing heels that are higher than 2 inches, but they’ve also got advice about other styles you might not suspect as being problematic. “When I’m discussing footwear with patients who have foot pain, the culprit is usually something completely flat with zero arch support or a shoe so narrow it has been compressing the forefoot with every step,” said podiatrist Dan Michaels, DPM.

“If I had to single out one category of style that causes problems, it’s the ballet flat,” Dr. Michaels said. “Yes, they’re easy to slide on and off while looking polished and professional, and they’re a popular choice. Many people wear them for hours on end without realizing the damage they can cause. “The foot is essentially landing repetitively on a glorified piece of cardboard with every step. Over time, that can lead to arch collapse, chronic heel pain, stress fractures, significant strain on the Achilles tendon and metatarsalgia, which is pain in the ball of your foot.”