Scientists: the ideal heel is 2.5 cm

Orthopedists and surgeons have long been warning women about the dangers of high heels. However, they recently issued a new warning - flat soles can also be harmful to the health of your legs and back. Some types of shoes, such as flip-flops, ballet flats and gladiator sandals, can cause as much damage as high heels.

American orthopedic surgeon Mike O'Neill has noticed that the number of his patients has increased over the past three years. These are mostly women who have abandoned heels in favor of flat soles. The most common problems they see a doctor for are leg pain, shin splints, back problems and arthritis.

Scientists explain that shoes without heels cause the feet to move inside the shoes, which leads to sprains and tendons, pain and damage to the toes and later knees. Thus, flat shoes can be just as harmful as high-heeled shoes.

Mike O'Neill and his colleagues conducted a study and found that the ideal heel size for healthy feet is about 2.5 cm. This heel size allows the legs to maintain their natural shape without overloading the ligaments and tendons, and without harming the back.

However, we should not forget that each organism is individual. Some people may experience discomfort wearing shoes with even an inch heel, while others can wear higher heels without any problems. Therefore, when choosing shoes, it is important to consider not only fashionable design, but also foot health.