The Highest Heel Height You Should Wear

The temptation to wear gorgeous, stylish heels is powerful, no matter how much pain they cause. But while towering shoes may look great, they often wreak havoc on feet and knees. That damage prompts many heel-wearers to tread a well-worn path to the office of a podiatrist — the health professional who sees firsthand what a tall-shoe habit can do to the body.

“High heels are one of the most common culprits of chronic foot pain in women,” said podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Ebonie Vincent-Sleet. “I regularly treat patients with neuromas, bunions, hammertoes, stress fractures and even early-onset arthritis that were caused or worsened by prolonged high heel wear. Just yesterday, a patient came in asking about fat pad injections to make wearing heels more comfortable, which to me is a sign of how desperate some women are to maintain fashion while managing pain.”

Is all the trouble coming from that once-a-year moment you break out the towering heels? Probably not, said podiatrist Dr. Anne Sharkey: “Most often, the adverse outcome isn’t from a single time wearing heels, but a cumulative wear-and-tear effect from years of fashionable but ill-fitting and unsupportive shoes.”

These experts said the anguish is totally unnecessary. “Pain is not a price you should have to pay for beauty,” Vincent-Sleet said. “If you find yourself avoiding outings or limping after events, your heels are not worth it. Listen to your feet, because they’re trying to tell you something.”

Here are the experts’ top tips on taking care of your feet for the long term by choosing the best possible shoes to support their health.

The Ideal Heel Height Is 2 Inches, According To These Podiatrists

Most experts suggest 2 inches (or less) as the magic number. “It’s a height that’s informed by evidence-based studies,” said podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist Dr. Hira H. Mirza. Research has shown that wearing 3-inch heels increases forefoot pressure by 76%, compared with wearing flat shoes. A 2-inch heel increased the forefoot pressure by 57%, and even a 1-inch heel increased the forefoot pressure by 22%.

She noted that 2 inches is the threshold where pressure on the forefoot, strain on the Achilles tendon and ankle instability start to increase significantly. “Most people can maintain better biomechanics, while still wearing a stylish shoe, if they stick to the 2-inch-and-under guideline,” she said.

Vincent-Sleet agreed: “Once you go over that 2-inch threshold, the biomechanics of the foot start to shift dramatically. Your weight pushes forward onto the ball of the foot, straining the metatarsals, shortening the Achilles tendon and putting the ankle at risk for instability. Over time, this leads to chronic pain and injury.”

Other doctors use additional metrics to determine the safest choice for fancy footwear. “Rather than a strict heel height, I focus on the heel-to-toe drop, which is the difference in height between the heel and the ball of the foot,” said Dr. Jacqueline Donovan, a podiatrist who is double board-certified in foot and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. “I recommend keeping this difference under 3 inches.”

How To Find Shoe Styles That Stabilize Your Feet

Shoe construction, not just the height, can also add to discomfort, podiatrists said.

“Structure and support are just as critical as heel height,” Vincent-Sleet said. While you’re choosing heels that are under 2 inches, also check out the toe box, which should be wide enough for comfort.

“Avoid pointy toes, because they can cause bunions and nerve compression,” Mirza said.

But don’t worry that you’re giving up something by keeping your heels lower to the ground, Mirza added: “A low kitten heel can look just as sophisticated as a stiletto, without destroying your arches.”

Podiatrist Marion Yau Harley suggested a few style options that will better support your feet:

• Platform heels: “These are often the kindest option, because they elevate both the heel and the forefoot. This design reduces the overall incline and significantly lessens the strain on the arches, ball of the foot and calf muscles, often providing more stability due to the increased surface area.”

• Block heels and wedge heels: “These offer a wider, solid base compared to stilettos. They also promote a more even weight distribution and reduce pressure on the balls of the feet, leading to greater stability and reduced risk of ankle rolls.”

• Strappy styles with secure fastenings: “Choose heels with straps around the foot, especially thicker straps around the forefoot and ankle. These provide essential extra security, preventing the foot from slipping forward within the shoe, which is a common cause of instability and toe scrunching in high heels. In contrast, narrow stilettos have a much smaller surface area in contact with the ground, increasing the risk of falls and foot instability.”

• Open-toed shoes: “This style allows toes to move more freely and prevents them from being cramped by the steep incline, which leads to less pain and discomfort.”

How To Prepare Your Feet For Heels

Invited to a fancy gathering? A little heel-related preparation will help. “I tell patients that a one-night event is fine, but don’t let the memory of that night be the chronic foot pain you’re left with,” Mirza said. “You want to remember the night, not the blisters.”

One way to ward off those blisters is to avoid buying shoes too close to the date of the event. These podiatrists recommended buying heels far enough in advance to give your feet some advance warning about what’s to come on the big night.

“You need to introduce new high heels very gradually,” Yau said. “Wearing a brand-new pair for an extended period without a proper ‘breaking-in’ period can quickly lead to painful blisters and new formations of callus on pressure points, especially around the big toe.”

Donovan also suggested breaking in new heels at home. “Wear them around the house to see how they feel over time,” she said.

If you can tell in advance that the new shoes need a boost to move into the “moderately comfortable” range, shop in advance for some shoe add-ons. “Thin orthotics designed specifically for heels can make a huge difference if you wear them frequently,” Mirza said.

Other products can also help. “Consider adding adhesive cushioning or targeted arch supports to provide additional comfort and stability,” Yau said. “If the ball of your foot gets sore, metatarsal gel pads can help distribute pressure.”

The Final Kicker

While they know not everyone will heed their advice, these podiatrists continue to spread the word that you don’t have to be in pain because of the shoes you’re wearing. “Our feet are the foundation of our movement, and the toll footwear choices take aren’t often noticed until pain sets in,” Sharkey said. “Beauty shouldn’t come at the cost of your mobility. With a few swaps and some strategic plans for how to wear heels, it’s possible to stay stylish and protect your feet.”

“High heels aren’t inherently bad, but moderation and awareness are key,” Donovan said. “I always tell my patients that you don’t have to swear off heels, but you do need to be intentional. Know your limits, prioritize support and give your feet a break when you can.”

Brands And Styles Podiatrists Recommend

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Vionic

Vionic

This was the most-recommended brand from the podiatrists quoted in this article. “They’re stylish but designed with podiatric support in mind,” Donovan said. Mirza said, “They offer chic styles with built-in support that won’t sabotage your feet.” Sharkey added, “They offer dressy silhouettes with hidden arch support, cushioning and design to optimize alignment.”

Check out Vionic

Calla Shoes

Calla

“The Calla brand gives you height without sacrificing your feet,” Donovan said.

Check out Calla Shoes

Vivaia

Alina Square-Toe Kitten Heel Strappy Sandals From Vivaia

Yau is a fan of square-toe, mid-heel, strappy sandals, and she recommended this model from Vivaia. “These are elegant and chic, and the 2-inch heel provides a modest lift that enhances posture and leg length without being overly high. This reduced height, compared to taller heels, helps significantly reduce strain on the Achilles tendon, lower back and ball of the foot,” she said.

“The square toe box is a key feature, allowing the toes to splay naturally and preventing the excessive pressure and pinching often seen with pointed-toe shoes,” she added. “Furthermore, the inclusion of cushioned insoles provides vital shock absorption underfoot, reducing pressure and impact on joints.”

$159 at Vivaia

Manifesting Block-Heel Sandal From Dune London

“A block heel, even at a moderate height, is inherently more stable and comfortable than a stiletto,” Yau explained. “This design distributes weight more evenly across the heel. Adjustable straps can accommodate foot swelling, which is particularly important in warmer weather, and which prevents straps from digging into feet.”