High heels have been the subject of fascination and controversy over the decades, shrouded in an aura of elegance and power, but also permeated by myths and misconceptions. They are often the subject of debate about their impact on the health and well-being of those who use them, but Recent studies demonstrate that much of what we hear and say is just that – ill-founded myths.
A study conducted by Owen N. Beckassistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Texas, USA, and published in Journal of Applied Physiologyrevealed that frequent use of high heels can cause structural remodeling in the muscle tendons of the legs, affecting their functional capabilities. But this restructuring does not have a negative connotation. On the contrary, people who frequently wear heels have demonstrated the ability to walk more easily in any shoe, while requiring less energy to do so.
Research further revealed that by placing the ankles in a position where only the sole of the foot touches the floor – as with jumping, the Achilles tendons (located on the back of the legs, in the calf area) they operate at shorter lengths, which can induce structural remodeling and affect muscle metabolism.
The study was carried out with eight volunteers, five men and three women, who never or almost never wore heels. Afterwards, they went to first phase of testing where the following challenges were held: everyone had to walk on a treadmill for five minutes, with and without heels – the reason? To determine how much energy they used. A second level was carried out after 14 weeks. During this period of time, the volunteers had the task of putting on their heels every day, but not all of them did so.
It is important to highlight that people who use less energy than others when walking are more efficient or metabolically economic and therefore it is a positive aspect.
Volunteers who gave up wearing heels early showed no changes in their legs or gait. On the other hand, nFor those who used heels consistently, it was possible to observe that the twins’ muscles became shorter and the Achilles tendons stiffer than before..
Even more surprising was the fact that they became more efficient walkers, using less energy to reach the same speed on the treadmill than before, not only in heels but also in flat shoes.
