Ballet Pumps – Flat Out Advice

Written by Michelle Champlin BSc Pod., M.Ch.S., S.R., Ch., (UK)
Footwear has been associated with foot pain and pathology for many years and the effects of shoes on our feet is nothing new. When purchasing footwear many of us consider image over function and health, whether purchasing the latest stiletto heel or a very narrow, tapered toe box for men€™s dress shoes.
Flat, slip-on €˜ballet pump€™ footwear styles have dominated the high streets in recent years. Ballerina pumps often favoured as the alternative to stilettos, with flat: canvas, elasticated sides and slipper like boots worn by both men and women. Lots of people understandably think that this style is €˜better€™ than a high heel and less damaging to feet, whilst still elegant and stylish.
However all is not as it seems – these popular styles can in fact be as equally harmful as high heels.
What€’™s so bad about ballet pumps?
1 The thin sole provides no shock absorption/ protection from the flat hard tiled and concrete surfaces that are so common, particularly in the Middle East. Combine this with little/no heel support and you can be at great risk of developing painful conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis and heel spurs.
2 The slip on style fails to retain the foot within the shoe, the toes therefore form a €˜claw€™ position, which you will not be aware of, in order to keep the foot in place €“ leading to tendon damage and clawed toes.
3 The soft material means that essential arch support is missing; increasing the weight bearing force directed through the arch, damaging the supporting tissue structures and leading to collapsed long arches and pain, forefoot spreading and collapse and even bunions.
Footwear such as ballet pumps alter our gait (how we walk), and subsequently strains the full skeleton leading to long term injuries and strain to the foot, leg and back. The increased pressure can also lead to corn and callous formation as your body tries to build up extra hard skin to protect itself from the extra forces.
The lack of support in ballet flats has been linked to various lower limb injuries of both bony and tissue structures (muscle, tendons & ligaments) including; the knee, heel, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Flat, slip on footwear styles provide absolutely no support whatsoever, making the feet work a lot harder than they should, resulting in destructive skewed pressure, an altered gait and eventually joint deformation and pain.
What can you do?
1 Children and teenagers are at greater risk. Their feet are not fully grown until late adolescenthood so teenagers and children are particularly prone to biomechanical injury from inadequate footwear. This is why wearing proper, appropriate footwear throughout the child and teenage years is so important, to prevent longer term foot problems in adulthood. See our advice on children€™s feet and shoes here.
2 Wear shoes suitable for what you’re doing. Obviously, occasional wear of ballet pumps, especially while you are sitting at a desk for example (not weight bearing / walking) is more realistic than saying never wear ballet pumps. Wear sports shoes to/from work or events and slip into your ballet pumps when you reach your destination.
3 If you know you€™ll be doing a lot of walking, such as around the mall, wear a comfortable and cushioned sports shoe or similar (see our sports shoe advice here).
4 If you are finding callous or corns on your feet that keep coming back, you need to visit the Podiatrist to discuss your biomechanics and footwear. Corns and callous are your body€™’s way of protecting itself from more serious damage and should be addressed.
Our advice is whilst we realise style is important, remember to be kind to your feet and they€™ll carry you on your travels until old age with little or no problems. Wear appropriate footwear for your activity and if you are experiencing any foot pain that you€™re worried may be due to footwear, come and see us at Dubai Podiatry Centre for friendly expert advice and treatment. We can be reached on +971 4 3435390

Footwear has been associated with foot pain and pathology for many years and the effects of shoes on our feet is nothing new. When purchasing footwear many of us consider image over function and health, whether purchasing the latest stiletto heel or a very narrow, tapered toe box for men€™s dress shoes.
Flat, slip-on €˜ballet pump€™ footwear styles have dominated the high streets in recent years. Ballerina pumps often favoured as the alternative to stilettos, with flat: canvas, elasticated sides and slipper like boots worn by both men and women. Lots of people understandably think that this style is €˜better€™ than a high heel and less damaging to feet, whilst still elegant and stylish.
However all is not as it seems – these popular styles can in fact be as equally harmful as high heels.
What€’™s so bad about ballet pumps?
4 The thin sole provides no shock absorption/ protection from the flat hard tiled and concrete surfaces that are so common, particularly in the Middle East. Combine this with little/no heel support and you can be at great risk of developing painful conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis and heel spurs.
5 The slip on style fails to retain the foot within the shoe, the toes therefore form a €˜claw€™ position, which you will not be aware of, in order to keep the foot in place €“ leading to tendon damage and clawed toes.
6 The soft material means that essential arch support is missing; increasing the weight bearing force directed through the arch, damaging the supporting tissue structures and leading to collapsed long arches and pain, forefoot spreading and collapse and even bunions.
Footwear such as ballet pumps alter our gait (how we walk), and subsequently strains the full skeleton leading to long term injuries and strain to the foot, leg and back. The increased pressure can also lead to corn and callous formation as your body tries to build up extra hard skin to protect itself from the extra forces.
The lack of support in ballet flats has been linked to various lower limb injuries of both bony and tissue structures (muscle, tendons & ligaments) including; the knee, heel, Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Flat, slip on footwear styles provide absolutely no support whatsoever, making the feet work a lot harder than they should, resulting in destructive skewed pressure, an altered gait and eventually joint deformation and pain.
What can you do?
5 Children and teenagers are at greater risk. Their feet are not fully grown until late adolescenthood so teenagers and children are particularly prone to biomechanical injury from inadequate footwear. This is why wearing proper, appropriate footwear throughout the child and teenage years is so important, to prevent longer term foot problems in adulthood. See our advice on children€™s feet and shoes here.
6 Wear shoes suitable for what you’re doing. Obviously, occasional wear of ballet pumps, especially while you are sitting at a desk for example (not weight bearing / walking) is more realistic than saying never wear ballet pumps. Wear sports shoes to/from work or events and slip into your ballet pumps when you reach your destination.
7 If you know you€™ll be doing a lot of walking, such as around the mall, wear a comfortable and cushioned sports shoe or similar (see our sports shoe advice here).
8 If you are finding callous or corns on your feet that keep coming back, you need to visit the Podiatrist to discuss your biomechanics and footwear. Corns and callous are your body€™’s way of protecting itself from more serious damage and should be addressed.
Our advice is whilst we realise style is important, remember to be kind to your feet and they€™ll carry you on your travels until old age with little or no problems. Wear appropriate footwear for your activity and if you are experiencing any foot pain that you€™re worried may be due to footwear, come and see us at Dubai Podiatry Centre for friendly expert advice and treatment. We can be reached on +971 4 3435390