Can Young Girls Use High Heels on a Daily Basis?

by Samah Alghafri Jul 19, 2023

High heels are a popular fashion item for women of all ages. But can young girls wear high heels on a daily basis without harming their health?

The Pros and Cons of Wearing High Heels

There are both pros and cons to wearing high heels. On the one hand, high heels can make you look taller and more confident. They can also improve your posture and make your legs look slimmer.

On the other hand, high heels can be bad for your health. They can put stress on your feet, ankles, knees, and back. They can also cause pain, injuries, and even deformities.

The Risks of Wearing High Heels for Young Girls

The risks of wearing high heels are even greater for young girls. Their bones are still developing, and their bodies are not yet strong enough to support the weight of high heels. This can lead to a number of problems, including:

Foot pain. The unnatural angle of high heels can put pressure on the toes, arches, and heels, leading to pain and discomfort.
Injuries. High heels can increase the risk of falls, sprains, and other injuries.
Deformities. Wearing high heels can cause the bones in the feet to change shape, leading to deformities such as hammertoes and bunions.
Back pain. The unnatural posture required to wear high heels can put stress on the spine, leading to back pain.

When Can Girls Start Wearing High Heels?

The American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) recommends that girls wait until they are at least 13 years old before wearing high heels. This gives their bones and bodies time to develop enough to support the weight of high heels without causing damage.

If You Let Your Daughter Wear High Heels, Here Are Some Tips

If you do decide to let your daughter wear high heels, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risks:

Start with low heels. Start with heels that are no higher than 2 inches. As your daughter's feet and body develop, you can gradually increase the height of the heels.
Limit the amount of time she wears them. Don't let your daughter wear high heels for more than a few hours at a time.
Choose comfortable shoes. Look for shoes that have good arch support and are made of soft, flexible materials.
Take breaks. If your daughter is wearing high heels, encourage her to take breaks to rest her feet.

The Bottom Line

High heels can be a fun and fashionable way to dress up. But it's important to be aware of the risks, especially for young girls. If you do let your daughter wear high heels, make sure she only wears them for short periods of time and chooses comfortable shoes.

Here are some additional tips for parents of young girls who want to wear high heels:

Talk to your daughter about the risks of wearing high heels.
Help her choose comfortable shoes that fit well.
Start with low heels and gradually increase the height as she gets older.
Limit the amount of time she wears high heels.
Encourage her to take breaks to rest her feet.
Make sure she wears high heels only for special occasions.

By following these tips, you can help your daughter enjoy high heels without putting her health at risk.