High Heels Research Articles

Effect of High Heeled Shoe Sole to the Vertical Jump Performance of Volleyball Women Student Athletes

Background: The study investigates the effect of wearing high heeled shoe soles on the vertical jump performance of volleyball women student athletes compared to their performance in standard footwear. This research aims to address the problem of whether high heeled shoe soles negatively affect vertical jump ability, which is a critical factor in their sport performance. Objectives: This study investigated the influence of high heeled shoe soles on female volleyball athletes' vertical leap performance. Methods: Using a quasi-experimental design, the study included 15 female volleyball student-athletes from Batangas State University TNEU JPLPC-Malvar Campus in 2023-2024. Participants performed vertical jump tests under two conditions—wearing high heeled shoe soles and standard footwear—over two weeks, with three attempts per condition. Paired t-tests assessed performance differences between the two footwear types. Results: Results indicated that wearing high heeled shoe soles significantly improved jump heights, with average increases of 2.13 inches initially and 3.6 inches in post-tests. Statistical analysis yielded t-test values of 35.87 for pre-performance and 697.14 for post-performance, both showing significant gains. Conclusion: The study concludes that high heeled shoe soles positively influence vertical jump performance in female volleyball athletes, suggesting that this footwear could enhance athletic outcomes.

Epidemiology of ankle sprain and chronic ankle instability in elite adolescent dancesport athletes

ABSTRACT Background Dancesport is performed in high-heeled shoes. Dancesport athletes may have a higher prevalence and incidence of ankle sprains, which can affect their performance. However, the occurrence of ankle sprains among dancesport athletes remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of ankle sprains among elite dancesport athletes and to investigate the related information. Method We conducted a mixed descriptive epidemiological study (cross-sectional and longitudinal) involving 198 elite adolescent dancesport athletes, using past medical records and questionnaires administered to the participants. Data on the occurrence of ankle sprains among all participants were compiled using medical records and information on injury mechanisms, missed days, severity types, and countermeasures for ankle sprains were collected. The prevalence of chronic ankle instability (CAI) among the participants was assessed using a questionnaire. Following the initial survey, we conducted a one-year follow-up study to investigate the incidence of ankle sprains, incidence rate per 1000 exposure hours, and recurrence of ankle sprains. Result The cross-sectional study and longitudinal study included 198 participants and 92 elite dancesport athletes, respectively. The prevalence of ankle sprains and CAI was 49.5% and 45.1%, respectively. Of all ankle sprains, 88% were medial injuries. The most common injury mechanisms were turning (46.9%) and jumping (46.9%). The average number of missed days due to ankle sprains was 11.2 days. Most injuries were managed with rest, and only one male athlete underwent surgery due to an ankle sprain sustained during dancing. During the one-year follow-up, the incidence of ankle sprains, incidence rate per 1000 exposure hours, and recurrence rate of ankle sprains were 46.6% (male, 41.2%; female, 48.8%), 0.65 ankle sprains/1000 h, and 35.3%, respectively. No sex-related differences were observed. Conclusion It is crucial to focus on the occurrence of ankle sprains and CAI in dancesport athletes with high heels. Future research should clarify the impact of ankle sprains on dancesport performance and develop preventive measures to reduce the incidence and recurrence of these associated injuries.

Influence of Outsole Structures on Foot Loading and Gait Stability

As the downstream products most relevant to the leather industry, leather shoes perform well in the global market. Consumers have put forward high requirements for the comfort and safety of leather shoes in recent years, especially for high heels, whose unique outsole structure often causes foot overloading. The outsole structure varies in ground-contacted mode and heel base size, and plays a decisive role in its function, affecting gait patterns. This study aimed to investigate differences in foot loading and gait stability induced by different outsole structures, at two typical heel heights. Six pairs of customized high heels (3 outsole structures × 2 heel heights) were tested on eighteen healthy females while walking by the Novel Pedar-X in-shoe plantar pressure system. Taking the thick high heels for the intermediate control group, the main effects of the outsole structures and the heel heights, and their interactions on the plantar pressures were analyzed by Two-way repeated ANOVAs. The center of pressure displacements and velocities were calculated throughout the whole stance phase. The results indicated that the whole ground-contacted mode of the outsole displayed better stability in the medial-lateral direction in the early stance phase but may increase the risk of hallux valgus because of the elevated load there. On the contrary, the smaller heel base size exhibited poorer stability in the medial-lateral direction in the early stance phase and would increase forefoot loading. The response of gait characteristics to heel height change is more prominent, which could cause a more vulnerable gait posture. The results could be relevant to improving high-heel functional design, positively motivating the transformation and upgrading of the leather shoe industry.

Effects Of High Heels On Gastrocnemius Stiffness In Women

Effects Of High Heels On Gastrocnemius Stiffness In Women

Does Wearing Heeled Footwear Have an Effect on Lower Back Function in Women?: A Cross-Sectional Study

Does Wearing Heeled Footwear Have an Effect on Lower Back Function in Women?: A Cross-Sectional Study

Backward and in Heels . . . Mabel Purefoy FitzGerald's Extraordinary Journey to Discovery at High Altitudes.

In 1911, Mabel Purefoy FitzGerald (1872-1973) conducted a study in the mountains of Colorado that offered invaluable insights into how the body responds to chronic hypoxia. Researchers awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine 2019 cited her work as critical in unravelling the hypoxia sensing system. The astounding career situation in which FitzGerald found herself while conducting this study offers important insights into the challenges faced by women in science at the turn of the twentieth century. Like Ginger Rogers dancing with Fred Astaire, FitzGerald did the equivalent of everything her male colleagues did, only backward and in high heels. Although it is tempting to believe that such inequities for women are relegated to history, the career challenges faced by 2023 Nobel Laureate Katalin Karikó highlight evidence that the struggle for equality of women in science remains a significant problem.

How wearing high-heel shoes changes muscle activation for young female: Comparison between barefoot and high-heel shoe walking gate

How wearing high-heel shoes changes muscle activation for young female: Comparison between barefoot and high-heel shoe walking gate

Prevalence, causes, and treatment of plantar fasciitis in young females of a medical college

BackgroundPlantar fasciitis, a common musculoskeletal disorder, is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. The plantar fascia plays a crucial role in supporting the arch of the foot and absorbing shock during movement. Factors such as excessive physical activity, improper footwear, and biomechanical abnormalities are recognized contributors to the development of plantar fasciitis. However, the prevalence and underlying causes may vary across different demographic groups, necessitating targeted investigations.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the prevalence, causes and treatment of plantar fasciitis in young female students (18–30) of a medical college in Pakistan and explore potential associations with high-heel footwear.MethodologyIn this study, a cross-sectional survey was carried out, engaging 100 young females from a medical college. Employing a structured questionnaire, we assessed a spectrum of parameters, including heel pain symptoms, footwear habits, and available treatment options. The diagnostic precision of the Windlass test, specific to plantar fasciitis, was incorporated. Rigorous data analysis, utilizing SPSS, centered on discerning associations between the nuances of high-heel wear (considering types and duration) and the reported symptoms. This methodological framework ensures a comprehensive and precise exploration of the prevalence, causes, and treatment of plantar fasciitis in our targeted demographic.ResultsAll the participants were female, and the total number was 100, of which 66% felt pain in the heel when they wore high heels. Out of this 66%, only 6% are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. The rest of the 60% have pain in the heel due to different causes such as heel spurs, stress fractures, etc. 2% of people receive treatment with steroid injections, and 12% are treated with ice.ConclusionWe conclude that the prevalence of plantar fasciitis is high in females wearing high heels. This study reveals that an increase in the total duration of wearing high heels with hard soles increases the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis can be prevented by education and applying ergonomics and could be treated by steroids and the ice method, according to medical practitioners.

Effects of shoe heel height on ankle dynamics in running

Shoes affect the evolved biomechanics of the foot, potentially affecting running kinematics and kinetics that can in turn influence injury and performance. An important feature of conventional running shoes is heel height, whose effects on foot and ankle biomechanics remain understudied. Here, we investigate the effects of 6–26 mm increases in heel height on ankle dynamics in 8 rearfoot strike runners who ran barefoot and in minimal shoes with added heels. We predicted higher heels would lead to greater frontal plane ankle torques due to the increased vertical moment arm of the mediolateral ground reaction force. Surprisingly, the torque increased in minimal shoes with no heel elevation, but then decreased with further increases in heel height due to changes in foot posture. We also found that increasing heel height caused a large increase in the ankle plantarflexion velocity at heel strike, which we explain using a passive collision model. Our results highlight how running in minimal shoes may be significantly different from barefoot running due to complex interactions between proprioception and biomechanics that also permit runners to compensate for modifications to shoe design, more in the frontal than sagittal planes.

Prevalence and Association of Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis Among Nurses in Government Tertiary Care Hospitals of Peshawar

Background: Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel discomfort and pain, resulting from inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thickened fibrous aponeurosis extending from the medial calcaneal tuberosity to the metatarsal heads. It affects more than 1 million people worldwide annually, with a lifetime prevalence that may reach 10% of the general population. Despite its widespread impact, the exact incidence remains unknown. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of plantar fasciitis among nurses working in government tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted over six months, utilizing a convenient sampling technique. A total of 332 female nurses aged 25 to 50 years with clinical duties exceeding five hours per day participated in the study. Data were collected using the Plantar Fasciitis Pain and Disability Scale and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity. Face-to-face interviews and physical assessments were conducted by trained healthcare professionals. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0, with descriptive statistics calculated for quantitative variables and Chi-Square tests used to examine associations between variables. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board, and informed consent was secured from all participants. Results: The mean age of participants was 29.8042 ± 3.67743 years. The mean total score for plantar fasciitis was 31.4096, and the mean VAS score was 1.9458. Pain occurrence per week was reported as 1-2 days by 44.0% of participants, 3-4 days by 46.7%, and 5-7 days by 9.3%. Pain was most commonly worse in the afternoon (35.8%) and interfered with walking occasionally (52.7%). High heel standing was uncomfortable for 54.5% of participants. A significant relationship was found between age and VAS scores (p=0.001), as well as between high heel usage and increased pain levels (p=0.000). Conclusion: The mean score of plantar fasciitis among the nurses was below the threshold indicating significant prevalence. However, a significant association was found between high heel usage and plantar fasciitis, suggesting that footwear choices play a critical role in the development of this condition. Ergonomic interventions promoting supportive footwear and regular breaks are recommended to mitigate the risk of plantar fasciitis among nurses.

Effect of wearing high heel and flat footwear on balance and stability dynamics: A kinetic study

Objectives: Maintaining balance and stability is essential for performing everyday activities and complex tasks that require coordination between muscles, tendons, bones, eyes, ears and the brain. However, slip, trip or fall incidents may occur if balance is compromised. Footwear (FW) design features have been identified as factors that affect balance. To investigate the impact of high-heeled and flat FW on balance stability during stationary standing, this study was conducted. Materials and Methods: Seven (n = 7) physically fit female subjects volunteered for the study. A repeated method was used to conduct this study. A high heel and flat FW were investigated for detailed kinetic parameters during standing. Participants stood on a force platform for 40 seconds in each condition. Bioware software was used to collect and process the data. Student’s t-test was applied to determine the significant effects (P < 0.05) of the selected FW on dependent variables. Results: Ground reaction force (GRF) (Fx, P = 0.001), (Fy, P = 0.002), (Fz, P = 0.000), Centre of Pressure (CoP) Trajectories (Ax, P = 0.02), (Ay, P = 0.011), displacement (sx, P = 0.002), (sy, P = 0.001) and (sz, P = 0.002) and Absolute Coefficient of Friction (Cofxy) (P = 0.0012) values of high heel FW reflect poor balance and stability patterns compared to flat FW. Conclusion: Recent studies have shown that wearing high-heeled FW for extended periods can be detrimental to one’s health. This is due to the significantly elevated GRF, a more dispersed body sway area in terms of Centre of Pressure (CoP) movement, a curved displacement path and a lower coefficient of friction value. As a result, there is an increase in postural load and effort, which can lead to an increased risk of injury.

Comparison of Balance in Habitual High Heels Wearers and Flat Shoe Wearers by Star Excursion Balance Test

Background: The capacity to maintain a stable and upright posture, or balance, is influenced by footwear type. High heel shoes (HHS) alter foot alignment and weight distribution, potentially impacting balance and increasing fall risk. Despite the popularity of high heels, the balance effects compared to flat shoes remain underexplored. Objective: To compare the balance between habitual high heel wearers and flat shoe wearers using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2022 to January 2023, including 70 female participants aged 18-35 years. Participants were habitual wearers of high heels or flat shoes for at least six months. Individuals seeking medical care for lower extremity issues or with a history of lower extremity fractures or surgeries were excluded. Balance was assessed using the SEBT, which involves reaching in eight directions from a central stance. Each participant performed three trials per direction. Leg length was measured to normalize reach distances. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. The Mann-Whitney U Test was used to compare balance between groups, with a significance threshold of p<0.05. Results: The mean age of participants was 23.83 years (SD = 3.43). For the anterior reach on the dominant side, flat shoe wearers had a significantly better balance with a mean rank of 38.93 compared to 27.50 for high heel wearers (p=0.031). No significant differences were observed in other directions: anterior reach non-dominant side (p=0.499), anteromedial reach dominant side (p=0.384), anteromedial reach non-dominant side (p=0.887), medial reach dominant side (p=0.174), medial reach non-dominant side (p=0.524), posteromedial reach dominant side (p=0.544), posteromedial reach non-dominant side (p=0.913), posterior reach dominant side (p=0.704), posterior reach non-dominant side (p=0.350), posterolateral reach dominant side (p=0.177), and posterolateral reach non-dominant side (p=0.934). Conclusion: Habitual high heel wearers and flat shoe wearers showed no significant differences in balance across most SEBT directions, except for a significantly poorer anterior reach in high heel wearers. These findings suggest that high heel use may specifically impact anterior balance, highlighting the need for further investigation into the biomechanical and physiological impacts of high heels on balance.

Ispitivanje otpornosti na plošno habanje 3D ispisanih ispitnih tijela iz akrilonitril/butadien/stirena postupkom taložnog očvršćivanja

Additive manufacturing processes are of great importance for the development of modern production, which is why much research is being carried out to determine or improve the properties of 3D printed products depending on the desired application. In this work, the abrasion resistance of acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS) test specimens was investigated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) for the production of shoe heels or shoe bottoms. The test was performed using the Martindale wear method on 3D printed ABS test specimens colored with disperse dyes in the depletion process and on 3D printed test specimens colored in the mass of the original ABS polymer. In accordance with HRN EN ISO 12947-3:2008 Determination of abrasion resistance using the Martindale method: determination of mass loss, the results show the mass loss in % and the change in thickness of the test specimen in %. Abrasion resistance was tested on substrates of varying fineness, with the outer and inner surfaces simulated according to the intended application. Six abrasive substrates were selected and three test specimens were tested for each substrate. The results of the test showed a higher abrasion resistance of the test specimens painted in the mass (original ABS polymer in color) compared to the test specimens subsequently painted with dispersion paints.

Body and Gender: Postfeminism and Representation of Girl Groups in K-pop Music Videos

As South Korean pop music (K-pop) gains popularity globally, people start to realize the exploitation and gender discrimination undermined in the patriarchal society that girl groups go through. This study aims to examine how exploitation is inflicted on female idols and how it influences fashion trends and the evolution of the representation of girl groups in the K-pop industry through analyzing music videos (MVs) and the lyrics of title tracks from different K-pop girl groups from the 3rd generation to the 5th generation with postfeminist lens. The results of the study indicate that K-pop girl groups undergo three stages of transformation in media representation. First, girl groups experience hypersexualization or infantilization by wearing high heels, miniskirts, and school uniforms, in order to satisfy male gazes from male fans. Second, the popularity of girl crush makes girl groups choose boots and leather clothes to indicate girl power, which explores the female fanbase. Third, K-pop producers conceptualize girl groups to satisfy different ideologies, meaning that members of girl groups have to give up authenticity to achieve synchronization and coherence. To conclude, dominated by a patriarchal society, girl groups satisfy the male gaze while empowering sisterhood and questioning heterosexuality with the influence of feminism, which indicates a postfeminist landscape.

Optimization of the FDM Processing Parameters on the Compressive Properties of ABS Objects for the Production of High-Heeled Shoes

The influence of 3D printing parameters on compressive properties is an important factor in the application of additive manufacturing processes for products subjected to compressive loads in use. In this study, the compressive strength and compressive modulus of acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene (ABS) test specimens fabricated using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) process were investigated with the aim of producing products of high-heeled shoes for women. The experimental part of the study includes a central composite experimental design to optimize the main 3D printing parameters (layer thickness, infill density, and extrusion temperature) and the infill geometry (honeycomb and linear at a 45° angle—L45) to achieve maximum printing properties of the 3D-printed products. The results show that the infill density has the greatest influence on the printing properties, followed by the layer thickness and, finally, the extrusion temperature as the least influential factor. The linear infill at a 45° angle resulted in higher compressive strength and lower compressive modulus values compared to the honeycomb infill. By optimizing the results, the maximum compressive strength (that of L45 is 41 N/mm2 and that of honeycomb 35 N/mm2) and modulus (that of L45 is 918 N/mm2 and that of honeycomb is 868 N/mm2) for both types of infill is obtained at a layer thickness of 0.1 mm and infill density of 40%, while the temperature for L45 can be in the range of 209 °C to 254 °C, but for the honeycomb infill, the processing temperature is 255 °C. Additionally, the study highlights the potential for sustainable manufacturing practices and the integration of advanced 3D printing technologies to enhance the efficiency and eco-friendliness of the production process.

Analysis of ankle muscle activity: A study on static balance with eyes closed and high-heeled shoes

BackgroundChanges in sensory afferent interfere with the control of postural stability by the central nervous system. Wearing high-heeled shoes is an example of an external disturbance that changes sensory inputs and results in several postural adjustments to control stability. Thus, our purpose is to investigate the influence of high-heeled shoes and visual absence on maintenance of static balance and on ankle muscle activity among young women. Our hypothesis is that the combination of high-heeled shoes with visual absence lead to an increase of postural sway and of levels of activation of the stabilizing ankle muscles. MethodsNine volunteers remained in an unrestrained erect posture on a force platform for collecting of stabilometric and electromyographic parameters in four bipodal conditions: barefoot with open eyes, barefoot with closed eyes, with high heels and open eyes and with high heels and closed eyes. ResultsWhen comparing the experimental condition open and closed eyes with high heels, there were significant differences for all stabilometric variables, except for the confidence ellipse area. Statistical differences were found for the medial gastrocnemius muscle in all comparison pairs with high heels. ConclusionThe wearing high-heeled shoes showed to be the most influencing disturbance on static balance. Our findings suggest ankle muscle activity is adapted according to changes of the center of pressure sway and the wearing of high heels changes the muscle activation and postural sway.

Effect of High Heels on Strength of Knee Extensors and Q Angle in Adult Females - A Systematic Review

Abstract: Objective: To explore what the research suggests on the effect of high heels on the strength of knee extensors and Q angle in adult females. Data Sources: Study Design: A systematic review was conducted considering the data sources from PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Science Direct, and Research Gate databases using the keywords High Heels, Knee extensors Muscles, and Q angle which were identified, sorted, and screened according to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria post which the studies were assessed or quality. Data is extracted from a selected internet site such as the data sources from PubMed, Google Scholar, Medline, Science Direct, and Research Gate databases. Articles then were screened with PEDro scale hence, included in qualitative synthesis. Result: A total of 60 published articles were selected out of which 43 articles were used to extract the data 11 randomized control trials were screened according to the PEDro scale and the rest were excluded. Conclusion: In comparison to women wearing flat heels, the study indicated that women wearing wedges and pointed heels had significantly less strength in their knee extensors. Heel height on average is 3 inches. With the help of the data gathered for this study, it was confirmed that, when the heel height was increased, there was a significant difference in the Q angle value between the zero and three-inch heel heights when the subject was standing. While those who wear pointed and wedge heels have a markedly higher Q angle than those who wear flat heels, their Q angle is normal.

Footwear-Based Assistive Technology for Lower Limb Amputees

Men and women with lower limb amputations struggle with managing the balance between prosthesis alignment and shoe heel rise. A novel prosthetic ankle-feet system is being developed to support a wider range of footwear options for men and women with lower limb amputations. Each rigid foot is customized to fit the footwear of choice and can be rapidly attached to (or released from) an ankle unit which remains attached to the prosthesis. The proposed system consists of two key components: a transmitter shoe and a receiver shoe. The transmitter shoe is worn on the intact limb and is equipped with sensors, including accelerometers and gyroscopes to capture the wearer's ankle movements accurately. These sensor data are wirelessly transmitted to the receiver shoe worn on the amputated limb, which houses actuators, such as stepper motors, to replicate the natural ankle movements. The hypothesis was that the orientation of the roll-over shapes of these systems would be altered with even small changes in shoe heel height. Seven prosthetic ankle-foot systems were mechanically loaded to determine their roll-over shapes while using a no-heel shoe and a low-heel shoe. This system was developed specifically to allow users the ability to switch between shoes of different heel heights (i.e., it is a heel-height-adjustable system). Additional loading trials were performed with the heel-height-adjustable system in which the ankle alignment was altered to accommodate the change in heel height between shoes.

Transient pain and discomfort when wearing high-heeled shoes

In the dynamic world of fashion, high-heeled footwear is revered as a symbol of style, luxury and sophistication. Yet, beneath the facade of elegance of classy footwear lies the harsh reality of discomfort and pain. Thus, this study aims to investigate the influence of wearing high-heeled shoes on the sensation of pain across different body regions over a period of 6 h. It involved fifty female participants, all habitual wearers of high-heeled shoes, aged between 20 and 30 years. Each participant kept a record of their perceptions of pain and discomfort every hour for a total of 6 h using a 0–10 pain scale with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating severe pain. The findings reveal a progressive rise in pain throughout wear, with the most intense pain reported in the back, calcaneus, and metatarsals. The analysis shows that after approximately 3.5 h, participants experience significant increases in pain levels. However, the relationship between heel height and pain is not linear. It appears that a heel height of 7.5 cm is the threshold where overall body pain becomes significant. The study suggests that a duration of 3.5 h of wear and a heel height of 7.5 cm serve as critical points to decrease overall body pain. Moreover, beyond this heel height, knee pain diminishes compared to other body areas possibly due to the shift towards a more neutral posture. The study findings, coupled with the recommendations, can assist footwear designers in crafting not only stylish but also comfortable shoes.

The Bisexual Erasure Of Emiliano Zapata: Obscenity And Censorship In Postrevolutionary Mexico

In December 2019, roughly two hundred protesters stormed Mexico’s Palace of Fine Arts to denounce Fabián Cháirez’s painting La Revolución (2014). The image, which depicted the revolutionary icon Emiliano Zapata (1879–1919) dressed only in high heels and a pink sombrero, reignited debates about obscenity in Mexican art and Zapata’s long-disputed sexuality that excludes any discussion of bisexuality. In this article, I take up bisexual erasure as a conceptual tool to understand the erotic tensions in Zapata’s legacy. Bisexuality’s slippery signification regarding varying romantic interests has often been characterised as multifarious and unrestrained. These characterisations, furthermore, are most often applied to racialised minorities who are seen as “premodern” and resistant to a “true” sexual identity. Bisexuality thus exceeds and subverts regimes of sexual desire, encompassing what Deborah Vargas terms “lo sucio”: the lewd, obscene, and undisciplined behaviours that oppose normative respectability and comportment. Embracing this radical, multifarious methodological potential, I use bisexual erasure as a recuperative project to historicise the desire to know – via rumour and speculation – Zapata’s unknowable sexual desires and to highlight how Zapata’s erotic legacy offers a lesson in the plurality of sexual pleasures that resist the globalised mandates and colonial dictates of sexual identification and decency.