Margot Robbie Wears 4.75-Inch Roberto Cavalli Heels; What They’re Really Doing to Your Feet?

Margot

Robbie wore stunning, eye-popping 4.75-inch Roberto Cavalli heels while promoting her upcoming film Wuthering Heights, even as fashion watchers swooned, while podiatrists winced. Styled by New York–based celebrity stylist Andrew Mukamal, the 35-year-old actor’s latest look – a red-carpet staple, according to doctors- comes with real biomechanical costs. So, are towering heels harming your feet, or is the risk overstated?

What do high heels do to your feet?

In a flat shoe, body weight is distributed across the heel and forefoot. In heels that are above 3 to 4 inches, the body balance shifts dramatically forward. According to a 2023 study published in the International Scientific Journal of Engineering and Management, up to 70 to 80 per cent of body weight is loaded on the ball of the foot in very high heels. Over time, that pressure can irritate nerves, inflame joints, and even strain soft tissues.

What are the foot problems caused by high heels?

Doctors say they frequently see a few discomforting and painful these issues in habitual heel wearers, a few of which include:

Metatarsalgia

Pain and inflammation in the ball of the foot from excess pressure.

Bunions

Also known as hallux valgus, these narrow toe boxes combined with heel height push the big toe inward.

Hammertoes and claw toes

Toes curl to stabilize the foot in steep shoes.

Plantar fasciitis

Elevated heels shorten the Achilles tendon, increasing strain when you walk barefoot.

Ankle instability

A smaller contact surface raises the risk of sprains and falls.

High heels not just cause problems with your feet, but can also lead to altered posture, increasing the arch in the lower back, and shifting the pelvis. And over time, it contributes to severe:

Knee pain

Wearing high heels can result in an awkward curvature of your legs, putting excess pressure on the knee joint, which can result in the onset of osteoarthritis in the long run.

Constricted blood vessels

High-heeled shoes make the feet appear slimmer and longer, but squeeze the feet in an unnatural and uncomfortable position. It can stress the foot and constrict the blood flow.

Spinal curve changes

High heels make you look glamorous, but can also lead to a lower back arch out more than normal. The heel’s height is commensurate with the degree of arch in your back.

Weak ligaments

Ligament weakening is another critical side effect of high heels. Continuous, prolonged, and frequent use of high heels may affect ligament strength.Also read: Knees Bending Too Easily? Unexpected Flexibility May Be an Early Sign of Arthritis

How can you protect your feet?

Foot specialists recommend a few simple and easy habits that can protect your feet, as well as your legs:

Rotate shoes

Make sure to always wear alternate heels with flats or supportive sneakers.

Limit time

Save very high heels only for short stints like parties where you do not have much standing to do.

Stretch regularly

Calf and Achilles stretch counteract shortening.

Listen to pain

Do not ignore numbness, tingling, or sharp forefoot pain, which are warning signs.

Strengthen feet

If you wear heels often, make sure to do toe exercises and balance work, which helps improve resilience.