Why SJP, Posh, and Karlie Kloss Dumped Stilettos—And the Podiatrist-Approved Hacks If You Won’t

High heels have been debated for decades. Some women wear them daily for work, others save them for special occasions, and many simply enjoy how they look and feel. But what does the research actually say about wearing heels over the long term?

A study published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice found that regular heel wearers can develop greater adaptations in ankle strength and balance than non-wearers. Those benefits, however, come with trade-offs. Researchers also found that prolonged use may alter muscle function and increase the risk of foot and ankle problems over time.

The takeaway is less dramatic than “heels are good” or “heels are bad.” Like many types of footwear, their impact depends on factors such as heel height, fit, frequency of wear, and individual foot health. That’s why many podiatrists recommend moderation, shoe rotation, and paying close attention to comfort rather than relying on a single pair every day.

Doctors Warn: No Heel Height Is Completely Safe

Wearing heels may elongate your silhouette, but the long-term effects aren’t so pretty. As Dr. Heather Morgan explained on Personal Best, high heels — especially sky-high stilettos — can alter posture, curve the spine, and contribute to pain, bunions, and injuries over time.

And if you’re wondering what height is safest? According to Dr. Morgan, there really isn’t one: “Any shoe that elevates the heel above the toes brings some risk.”

Long before studies examined the effects of prolonged heel wear, some celebrities known for wearing towering stilettos had already begun incorporating flats into their wardrobes.

During the Fall/Winter 2014 season, for example, Victoria Beckham surprised many fashion observers by expressing her enthusiasm for flat Manolo Blahnik oxfords.

Victoria Beckham multitasks in style, testing out a treadmill desk while wearing sleek high-heeled black booties, as seen in the photo she shared on Twitter on March 12, 2014 (Credit: Victoria Beckham’s Twitter)

Sarah Jessica Parker is another famous high-heeled wearer who seems to have given up on stilettos.

After building her career around loving vertiginous shoes in ‘Sex and the City,’ SJP is now mostly seen wearing flats or low heels. She has even taken to wearing flats on the red carpet, a trend more and more celebrities have begun adopting.

Sarah Jessica Parker steps out in high-heeled booties while filming Sex and the City in NYC’s Meatpacking District on November 6, 2003, and later opts for glittery flats at the Irish Repertory Theatre’s Annual Gala at The Town Hall in New York City on June 8, 2015

As a top in-demand supermodel, Karlie Kloss practically lives in high heels. But that doesn’t mean that she prefers them. Like Posh and SJP, Karlie also seems to have given up on heels and now almost exclusively wears flats at red carpet appearances.

Karlie Kloss rocks gold Nicholas Kirkwood “Gabo Angel” knee-high sandal boots at the 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in London on December 2, 2014, and later showcases her chic Jimmy Choo “Genoa” flats at the 2015 CFDA Fashion Awards at Alice Tully Hall in New York City on June 1, 2015 (Credit: Andres Otero / Ivan Nikolov / Lia Toby / Vallenilla / WENN)

Will you take after Victoria Beckham, SJP, and Karlie Kloss, or will the doctors who conducted the research have to pry your heels from your cold, dead hands feet?

You don’t have to give up high-heeled shoes, though. You can make them more comfortable. Also, try some tips from podiatrist and fellow shoe lover, Dr. Suzanne Levine, on easing foot pain from wearing high heels.

While Dr. Levine doesn’t expect women to give up high heels entirely, she recommends a more practical approach to foot health. Her advice includes rotating between shoes with different heel heights throughout the day, regularly exfoliating and moisturizing the feet to prevent calluses and other common issues, and performing simple strengthening exercises—such as tracing the alphabet with your feet—to improve flexibility and muscle control.

She also stresses the importance of wearing the correct shoe size, noting that feet often become longer and wider with age, and suggests using cooling foot sprays or other soothing treatments to relieve discomfort after long hours in heels.

In addition to causing foot pain and blisters, wearing shoes that are too big can also look silly. Just take a look at Aubrey Plaza in Christian Louboutin “Pigalle Plato” pumps with a gigantic gap between her ankle and the back of her shoes.

Aubrey Plaza in Christian Louboutin Pigalle Plato pumps with a gigantic gap between her ankle and the back of her shoes

Margot Robbie uses a foot spray called Still Standing to stay comfortable in high heels during red carpet events. Her stylist, Kate Young, revealed that before the 2018 Oscars, she applied this spray to Robbie’s feet, enabling the actress to wear her Roger Vivier and Jimmy Choo heels throughout the ceremony and after-parties without discomfort.

Vanessa Williams Shares Genius Toe Trick for Staying Comfortable in Heels

While starring in The Devil Wears Prada musical — stilettos and all — Vanessa Williams dropped her go-to high heel hack on the Table Manners podcast.

Her trick? Slip corn socks (toe tubes) over the third and fourth toes, then gently tape the two toes together. The simple adjustment can help reduce pressure on the intermetatarsal nerve, creating a narrower, more supported fit inside high heels. “It actually works!” she assured a stunned Jessie Ware.

Finding the Right Balance Between Style and Comfort

Whether you agree with Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Karlie Kloss or remain firmly committed to your favorite stilettos, the lesson isn’t necessarily to abandon high heels altogether. The research, celebrity examples, and expert advice all point to the same conclusion: comfort and longevity matter just as much as style.

From choosing the correct size and rotating heel heights to incorporating foot-strengthening exercises and recovery techniques, small adjustments can make a significant difference. If high heels are part of your wardrobe, the goal isn’t to stop wearing them—it’s to wear them more thoughtfully so they remain a pleasure rather than a source of pain.

For more expert-backed advice on heel comfort, foot health, and choosing the right styles for your feet, explore the guides below.