Heels & Your Health

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA) -- Most women know wearing stiletto or wedge high heel day-in and day-out isn't good for your feet, or your back.

But podiatrists say the popular ballet flats, skimmers, and other flat shoes in fashion this season can be damaging as well. Even too much time in flip-flops can hurt a person's feet.

British podiatrists are quoted as saying that, while flat shoes feel comfortable, they can end up causing severe foot pain, bunions, backaches and shin splints.

The spokesperson for a UK podiatric society says ultra-flat shoes can can interfere with posture, and cause the feet to roll inward. That stretches ligaments and tendons, which according to these specialists, pulls toes out of alignment with the rest of the foot. Severe pain and bunions may result.

People who do a lot of walking, especially up and down hills, may experience shin pain if they wear shoes without any arch support.

One podiatrist says the ideal heel size is about one inch in height.