Those cute little roll-up ballet flats women carry in purses to slide on during foot-pain emergencies have rapidly achieved most-favored streetwear status among millions -- and worst-footwear status among podiatrists.
When used only for their intended purpose -- worn just a few minutes as relief from aches, or while deskbound or on a plane -- they're not terrible, foot specialists say. But it's a problem when women wear the slipperlike coverings, made by several companies and selling for $8 to about $35, as regular shoes. "There's no structure, essentially no sole, they're too flat, and there's no support," says Michele Colon, a podiatrist and shoe blogger in El Monte, Calif.
"They're just as bad as flip-flops and UGGs" -- long on doctors' worst-footwear lists -- says podiatrist Kendrick Whitney of Temple University's School of Podiatric Medicine.
Fact is, much of the current crop of popular shoes makes podiatrists grimace. Foot deformities, including hammer toe, bunions, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis and even ankle, knee, hip and back problems, can arise from long-term wearing of bad footwear, experts say.
Best everyday option for most women: "Something with a 1- or 2-inch heel" that's well-constructed and fits well, Colon says. "You're giving the foot a little bit of an arch. It puts the body into a normal position for walking."
Their take on today's faves:
Sky-high stilettos: "Those shoes that are 4, 5 or 6 inches high put too much pressure on the ball of the foot and shift the center of gravity," setting the stage for posture adaptations that can lead to ankle, toe and hip problems, Colon says.
Stiletto pumps with thick soles: Better. "If you have a 4-inch heel but also a 1-inch sole, your foot's closer to the 2-inch heel positioning best for most women," Colon says.
Flat slip-ons with glovelike toes: Made for those who believe running barefoot is best (a debated position), they're sometimes worn as street shoes. "I'd rather see my patients wear them than go completely barefoot," Colon says, "but it's not the support they need." This summer, the U.S. Army banned the shoes for training because they detract from a military image.
Curved-bottom or rocker-bottom walking shoes: Colon doesn't like them, partly because "they're not living up to the claims" that they'll sculpt butts but also because some people are unstable in them and fall. Whitney, however, actually recommends them for some people who need to reduce pressure on areas of their feet.
If you must wear them, stretch
Calf stretches may combat some ill effects from super-flat shoes, Kendrick Whitney says. And foot and toe stretches can help anyone, says Michele Colon, especially women who wear very high heels often.
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