Do Ballet Flats Cause Just as Much Foot Pain as Heels?

Ballet flats are a hot fashion trend. They’re multifunctional and come in a variety of colors, patterns and name brands—making them a popular choice for your everyday footwear. But could your favorite cheetah print Steve Madden flats be the culprit of your achy feet? The answer is yes.

“If you’ve shied away from your favorite pair of high heels because of foot pain and threats of developing a myriad of structural problems of the foot, you, unfortunately, didn’t do yourself any favors,” says Dr. Kathryn Egerton of Triad Foot Center. “When you wear ballet flats, you’re essentially walking on cardboard. There’s little to no support in the arch, and this can cause plantar fasciitis, a painful condition that occurs when the ligaments that support the arch are strained.”

If you love your ballet flats and cannot bear to part with them, orthotics and heel pads can help provide additional support and cushion for your feet.  Custom orthotics are the best choice when comparing against over-the-counter orthotics, as they were designed specifically for the contours of your feet and are not a generic insert. “A custom orthotic will provide support where you need it most, helping to keep the pain at bay and give you the support you need while wearing flats,” Egerton says.

For more information about treating foot pain or to schedule an appointment with a podiatrist at Triad Foot Center, please call any of our three office locations or click here to request an appointment.

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