Wide Healed Shoes

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What if I Wear Wide-Healed Shoes?
Are these better on my knees and back as far as
decreasing the wear and tear on my body?......

We have proven in our other article that wearing high-healed shoes may increase the chance of having OA for women (See Is it Better to Look Good or to Feel Good?) Women and shoes are a touchy subject. They are very important, so some have asked if wearing wide heeled shoes may help decrease the chance of OA. Studies have shown that these shoes with a wide toe-box are more comfortable and stable than narrow-base heeled shoes (1). Also, risk of ankle sprains, falls, and foot problems such as hammer toes are possibly reduced with these wide shoes. But they are not better at reducing the stress and strain on your joints that could lead to knee pain, osteoarthritis, and back pain.

Walking with wide-heeled shoes had increased peak knee varus torque by 26%, compared to 22% with narrow-heeled shoes. Wide-heeled, women's dress shoes cause the same, if not greater, alterations in knee torques, as narrow-heeled shoes.

In conclusion, you can not look good and feel good by wearing wide-heeled shoes unless you have a history of an ankle sprain or want to help prevent falls. These wide shoes place the woman at the same risk of wearing away of the inside part of your knee as the narrow-heeled shoes.

References

1. Annis E. On the move. Footwear News 2000; 56: 16-17.

2. Women's shoes and knee osteoarithritis. D C Kerrigan, JL Lelas, ME Karvosky. The Lancet vol 357, Number 9262 April 2001.

This article is provided for information and entertainment purposes only. The content is provided "as is" for general information and to educate the reader. The article is not intended to serve as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The content should not be considered complete and should not be relied on to suggest a course of treatment for a particular individual suffering from a particular problem, issue or medical need. The reader should always consult with a qualified health care provider familiar with the reader's general health, background and conditions and follow the advice given by the health care provider. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before starting a new diet, treatment or fitness program. Do not delay seeking specific advice or care or disregard the advice of your health care provider based on information contained in this article.

Article Date: July 2008

So what should you do?
Wear the wide healed shoes to possibly prevent ankle sprains, but go with the flats if you are trying to reduce knee or back pain.