Wearing ballerina type shoes would not be bad for the health of the feet or for the back or the joints, but they must be chosen according to a
- L’Assurance Maladie recommends shoes with low or moderate heels, 3 to 4 centimeters.
- According to a study, thin soles reduce chronic back pain.
- If you plan to walk for a long time, bring more suitable shoes than ballerinas.
You can find them at all prices and they can be worn with everything: ballet flats. If these lightweight shoes are part of many women’s wardrobe, is it really a good idea to wear these shoes?
Ballerina: choosing the right shoe size
“When looking at the research, a complex picture emerges. There is no definitive evidence to show that ballet flats are harmful to long-term foot health. But ill-fitting ballet flats can be a problem”explain the authors of an article by The Conversation who have closely studied these shoes.
Thus, as with other shoes, you have to choose your size carefully. According to health insurancea shoe is suitable if “when standing, a space the width of an index finger [est] present between your longest toe and the tip of the shoe.“You don’t need a space that’s too small so that you don’t compress the toes.
“Many flats have a shallow and narrow toe box. Often an area that is too small does not align with the shape of the foot and ends up crushing the toes. It can also increase the pressure on the top and under the foot and restrict the movement of the forefoot during walking”, specify the 3 podiatry experts in their article.
But watch out for shoes that are too big. They present two problems. The first is that the foot moves in the shoe and is therefore not well supported, increasing the risk of falls or sprains. The second is friction on the skin, which usually causes bulbs and/or corns.
Thin or low-heeled shoe soles that are good for healthy feet
Regarding the sole of the shoe. Health Insurance recommends that they be “thick enough and non-slip, to support the arch of the foot and prevent falls by slipping.” It is also advisable to opt for “shoes with low heels or moderate height (3 to 4 cm) with a wide seat to ensure good stability”.
Most often, ballerinas have a thin sole… But, this is not really a problem according to this study. She even claims that flat shoes reduce chronic back pain more than shoes with special soles. A problem often pointed out with this type of shoe is also the lack of ankle support. Of the works call this hypothesis into question, because, according to the researchers, those called “barefoot” (with a flat sole and sometimes without ankle support) reduce the load on the knee when walking. However, all of these results do not lead to consensus.
So, is it good to wear ballet flats? There is no evidence that they cause health problems. But, as with all shoes, you have to choose them carefully so that they are the right size and adjusted to your feet. Finally, if you are planning long walks, prefer shoes provided for this purpose.
