The influence of high heeled shoes on balance ability and walking in healthy women

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of high heeled shoes on balance ability and walking on healthy women. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty healthy female subjects, without orthopedic history of the lower extremity were selected for the present study. The 3 cm, 6 cm, and 9 cm shoes were worn according to the prescribed order to perform a balance and walking test. [Results] Significant difference was shown after the experiment, in comparison of the groups in all variance, and as the result of post hoc test. Time, anterior-posterior length and medial-lateral length of balance variables as well as velocity of walking variables showed a significant increase between 3 cm and 6 cm, 6 cm and 9 cm, 3 cm and 9 cm. In addition, the balance index of the balance variables as well as the step length and single support ratio of the walking variables showed a significant decrease between 3 cm and 6 cm, 6 cm and 9 cm, 3 cm and 9 cm. [Conclusion] It was found that the higher the shoe heel height, the lower the balance and the less the efficiency of walking.