If you have flat feet, sometimes it seems like your shoe options are limited. But that’s not the case. From flats to sandals to chunks to oxfords and loafers, there are numerous options that people with bad feet can choose from. But, when it comes to heels, your options might be limited, leading to questions like, are heels bad for flat feet?
Yes, heels can be tough on flat feet. When you have flat feet, your arches, which normally help with shock absorption, aren’t as pronounced. Wearing heels puts extra pressure on the front part of your foot and can lead to pain or discomfort because your feet aren’t getting the support they need.
In this post, reasons why heels are bad for flat feet, heels for flat feet, how to walk in high heels with flat feet, and other tips regarding wearing heels with flat feet
Reasons Why Heels Are Bad for Flat Feet?
1. Lack of arch support
Flat feet need solid arch support to distribute body weight evenly. Heels usually don’t offer much in this area, leading to discomfort and strain.
2. Increased pressure
Wearing heels shifts more of your body weight to the front of your feet. For someone with flat feet, this increases pressure on areas that are already lacking support, potentially causing pain and inflammation.
3. Altered walking pattern
Heels can change the way you walk, putting unnatural strain on your feet, ankles, and even your back. For flat feet, which might already struggle with maintaining proper balance and alignment, this can exacerbate problems.
4. Risk of overpronation
Flat feet tend to overpronate (roll inward when walking). Heels can worsen this, leading to increased strain on the feet, ankles, and knees, potentially causing pain and injuries over time.
5. Potential for long-term damage
Regularly wearing heels without proper support might not only cause immediate pain but could also lead to long-term issues like joint pain, worsening of flat feet, and the development of conditions like plantar fasciitis.
Best Types of Heels for Flat Feet
If you have flat feet, you may feel hesitant to wear heels. It’s true that high heels can cause pain in the back of your foot and ankle. But if it is necessary or important for you to wear heels, there are comfortable heels for flat feet, which include:
1. Heels with a platform
These are designed so that the front of your foot stays firmly planted on the ground and doesn’t bear any weight at all, while the heel is designed to be higher off the ground and support more weight.
Most women find this type of heel comfortable because it allows them to balance easily without having to compensate with their lower legs or knees, and they’re usually more stable than other styles when walking quickly or running errands on rough terrains.
2. Heels with a wedge
If you have flat feet, wedge heels are a great option because they’re lower than other types of stilettos. This means that you won’t have to worry about arch issues and pain. They are also more stable than other heel types, which helps with balance and comfort.
If you’ve never worn wedges or heels before, try them out at home first before going out in public so that you know how much pressure is needed to keep them on your feet without pinching your toes or causing discomfort.
3. Heels with a chunky heel
If you have flat feet, you should prefer wearing heels with chunky heels. These are more stable, which means you can walk in them with confidence. Also, the wider base allows your foot to sit comfortably and prevents your toes from being squeezed together or crushed under the shoe.
Heels with chunky heels don’t require special treatment or maintenance; all you need to do is clean them regularly using warm water and detergent.
4. Heels with a kitten heel
kitten heels are the most comfortable for flat feet. They are lower than other heels, and your feet will be freer to move around in them. This can help to relieve some of the pain that you feel if you have flat feet, making kitten heels an ideal choice for people with this condition.
5. Heels with a Cuban heel
The Cuban heel is a type of shoe feature that can help you maintain comfort and stability when wearing heels. These shoes are great for people with flat feet because they provide the right kind of support.
A Cuban heel is basically an elevated platform under the ball of your foot, which helps keep it in place while also distributing pressure evenly across your foot (rather than concentrating all of it in one area).
This means that even if you have high arches or pronation issues, this type of heel construction will guarantee solid support.
How to Walk in High Heels with Flat Feet
1. Walk around your house frequently
When you walk in high heels, your foot and ankle have to work harder. If you’re wearing heels for the first time and have flat feet, it’s best to start slowly. Walk around your house or apartment as much as possible, focusing on how your body feels when you walk.
The more comfortable you become with the shoes on and off, the easier it will be for you to walk in them comfortably.
2. Practice walking in heels
There are some tricks to help you build up your tolerance for heels. One is to practice walking in heels frequently, even if it’s just around the house or around the office. The more you use them, the easier it will be for you to get used to them.
Another trick is to wear heel inserts when wearing high-heeled shoes so that it feels like you’re walking on a soft surface instead of hard ground. This can make wearing high heels much more comfortable, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve worn any type of shoes with a heel.
3. Practice walking on different surfaces
Once you’ve identified the type of footwear that works best for your flat feet, it’s time to ensure they’re comfortable enough to wear all day. The best way to do this is by practicing walking on different types of surfaces.
If you have flat feet and haven’t been wearing heels much, start walking around on the carpet for about 10 minutes every day until your feet get used to it. Then move onto grass, concrete, gravel, and sand as well.
Just remember that the more practice you get with different types of terrain under various conditions, the less likely you will experience discomfort later on when wearing heels during social events or work functions.
4. Practice walking up and down stairs
Practicing the motion of walking up and down stairs can help you get used to the heel-toe motion, which is necessary for walking in heels. This training will also help strengthen your calf muscles and improve your balance. Start by standing on one foot while holding on to the rail or wall for support.
Try to rise up onto your toes as you step forward, then lower back down into a flat position as you bring that same foot forward again. Repeat this process several times until it feels comfortable, then switch legs and repeat the process with your opposite side.
5. Practice walking in heels with a friend
You should practice wearing heels with a friend. Make sure they have experience in walking in heels, as this will help you avoid some common pitfalls.
If you’re going to wear your new shoes out on the town or to a party or event, find someone who has experience wearing heels and ask them if they’d be willing to model them for you first. You want someone who knows how to walk gracefully so that they can give you some tips on technique.
Conclusion
I have to say that heels aren’t always bad for flat feet if you go for the right heels and you don’t have any underlying medical issues. However, if you have severe foot pain, or if the pain becomes unbearable after only an hour or so of wear, then flat shoes may be a better option for you.
Wearing heels with flat feet Is like trying to play basketball in flip-flops; you’re not giving your feet the right kind of support, which can lead to problems. So, if you have flat feet, it’s better to choose shoes that provide good arch support and keep the heel height low to avoid any unnecessary strain.
