A stiletto heel ( spike heel) is a long, thin heel found on some boots and shoes, usually for women. It is named after the stiletto dagger, the phrase being first recorded in the early 1930s. Stiletto heels may vary in length from 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) to 5 cm (2 inches)or more if a platform sole is used, and are sometimes defined as having a diameter at the ground of less than 1 cm (slightly less than half an inch). Stiletto-style heels shorter than 3 cm are called kitten heels. Not all high slim heels merit the description stiletto. The extremely slender original Italian-style stiletto heels of the very early 1960s were no more than 5mm in diameter for much of their length, although the heel sometimes flared out a little at the tip. After their demise in the mid-late 1960s, such slender heels were difficult to find until recently due to changes in the way:
In an interview...:"
Q) Are stilettos bad for the body?
As a chiropractor and conditioning specialist, I am definitely biased towards the drawbacks over the benefits of wearing stiletto shoes. Although wearing high heel shoes is fashionable and makes women appear taller, the addition of the extra heel height significantly affects the way one stands, walks and performs other weight-bearing activities. High heels alter the natural alignment of the foot and joints of the body from their normal position, affecting the normal biomechanical structure of the kinetic chain and one's ability to carry body weight against gravity. This subjects individuals to altered stresses throughout the body, potentially leading to injury and other joint problems.
Q) Are stilettos bad to run in and why? (even for a short race)
Au: Stilettos are definitely a poor choice to run in, I would highly recommend against it — even for a short race! Wearing high heels considerably alters one's gait and these shoes were not designed for running or other athletic activity. An example of an obvious change in gait would be, instead of striking with the heels down first, women wearing high heels set their heel and toe down simultaneously (as the foot would be unstable with only a tall, narrow heel on the ground).
Having the heel in an elevated position also increases the activity of the calf muscles as well as muscles in the side of the lower leg, and places the foot and ankle in an unstable weight bearing position. In addition, wearing heels increases torque and compressive forces through the knee, resulting in increased pressure in the patellofemoral joint. When combining the change in bodily biomechanics with the high impact activity of running, an individual is at elevated risk of injury. My advice, plain and simple, when running or jogging, wear a good pair of supportive running shoes to avoid injury and other biomechamical problems.
