Formal pump heel height affects the external force exerted on the foot during normal walking

Forefoot pain, hallux valgus, shoe sore, flat foot, and calluses are among the common foot problems encountered by high heel wearers. This study aimed to investigate the external forces associated with shoe sore and callus while wearing formal heel shoes. The external force on the 1^st, 2^nd, and 5^th metatarsal heads and heel center was measured using the ShokacChip. Women were asked to wear pumps with four heel heights (10, 30, 55, and 80 mm) and walk 15 m twice. Thirty-five women were included. The data of two participants were excluded due to sensor fault. With higher heels, normal stress (pressure) was significantly stronger on the inside of the forefoot and significantly weaker on the outside. Shear stress did not always increase or decrease proportionally with respect to heel height. SPR-i of the forefoot associated with callus formation was minimal in the 30-mm heel. Clinical Relevance— This study aims to provide a guide for shoe selection in order to avoid foot troubles in women