Fact or Myth: Do high heels strengthen the foot arch?
Photo by Andrea Rinaldi via Flickr
Sorry ladies, this one’s definitely a myth, and a dangerous one at that, especially for a dancer.
According to the Journal of Experimental Biology, researchers have found that the Achilles tendon of women who wear high heels actually thicken over time and stiffen permanently.
In fact, high heel wearers are found to have muscle fibres around 13% shorter than women who wear flat shoes. Yikes!
Also, high heels worn for extended periods will put pressure on your metatarsal heads, which already take a great deal of pressure with every jump and relevé in the ballet class.
You’ll be far better off by treating your feet kindly in-between dance classes by wearing flat shoes that cushion your soles and support the feet and ankles (like running shoes, ankle boots or lace-ups).
Rather reserve those killer heels for special occasions (preferably where you don’t have to do too much standing), and make sure to gently stretch out your calves afterwards.
Category: Body
