We've given up trying to figure out how many times experts have warned about the dangers of wearing killer heels. But now it seems wearing flat shoes - specifically ballet-style pumps - is bad for us too (Amy Winehouse, take note).
Forget the shoes, those tutus could probably do you a mischief too. Photo: Getty, George Doyle
According to the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists the craze for wearing ballet shoes inspired by Natalie Portman's role in the movie The Black Swan could damage not just our feet, but they could also put pressure on our knees, hips and back too.
In other words, wearing ballet-style shoes could increase your risk of developing arthritis. Not just that, but if watching the movie has encouraged you take up ballet classes, wearing real ballet shoes with pointes (hard blocks of resin in the toe that help you stand on your toes) can cause all manner of foot deformities, including crushed toes, blisters, corns, bunions and split toe nails.
Ballet pumps have been around for a while, and are an essential item in any fashionista's wardrobe (particularly if you need a break from heels every now and then). And to be fair, it's not the first time foot experts have warned us about their lack of foot support either.
So what is the best type of shoe to wear if you don't want to end up with claw toes or other foot-deforming problems? The ideal shoe, according to the society, has a broad heel that's no greater than 4cm in height with laces or straps to hold the foot securely. Funnily enough, we don't see shoes that match that description exactly catching on.
How do you suffer in the name of fashion?