They can be agony-inducing and awkward to walk in.
But high heels are de rigueur for many women wanting to look their best – thanks no doubt to the influence of the world of fashion, where teetering stilettos are the norm.
Now, however, scientists are recommending that, if they must wear them, women should avoid killer heels that are three inches or higher.
That’s because they significantly increase the likelihood of falling when walking down stairs, the researchers found.
The findings will come as a blow to millions of stiletto lovers – some can be a whopping eight inches.
Experts from Shandong Sport University in China tested a range of heel sizes on 25 women to see how their body movements were affected.
They found that, instead of the hips and knees bearing most of the force – as happens when walking down steps in flat shoes – much of the weight was instead transferred through the feet and ankles.
This increased the likelihood of taking a tumble and suffering an injury.
High heels are de rigueur for many women wanting to look their best – thanks no doubt to the influence of the world of fashion, where teetering stilettos are the norm. Pictured: File photo
Now, however, scientists are recommending that, if they must wear them, women should avoid killer heels that are three inches or higher. Pictured: File photo
Details published in the journal BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders showed that the higher the heel, the more unstable the women became.
In their report, the scientists said: ‘Surveys have shown about 26 per cent of falls occur during stair walking.
And walking downstairs accounts for three-quarters of these.
‘Wearing high-heeled shoes can cause gait abnormalities, as well as knee and foot pain and even foot deformity. It may be advisable that young women choose a heel height of less than three inches.’
