Question
QUESTION: Hi.  I'm not sure if you can answer this or not, but I have a question about the ballet flat style of shoes that women wear.  I've heard that these shoes are not very supportive or good for women to wear.  Is that true?  Does it depend on the brand, or are they all bad?  Thanks

ANSWER: Dear Danielle,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661, Roscoe Village 60618, Ukrainian Village 60622, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says,
Generally speaking ballet shoes for recreational ballet are for protection & not support. As you progress to more advanced ballet, the shoe-gear becomes more substantial. If support is needed, then a  custom made orthotic will fit and do the trick. Follow up with a local sports podiatrist if you think you may need support.
For more information on orthotics go to  http://www.anklenfoot.com/Orthotics/tabid/176/Default.aspx
I made this public, since not only do I practice sports medicine, but also one of my daughters wears orthotics. Since its recreational & occasional-I don't make her wear them (plus she doesn't complain of any issues).
Hope this helps &
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos,Dr Svetlana Zats, Dr Mariano Rivera, Dr Ryan Holmbeck, Dr Telva Hernandez & Dr Kevin Massard
Chicago 60661, 60618 & 60622, Elmhurst 60126, Bartlett 60103 Podiatrists
Board Certified swimming or wearing a knee bin Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I was actually referring to the ballet style shoes women wear on the street, not in ballet class.

Answer
Dear Danielle,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661, Roscoe Village 60618, Ukrainian Village 60622, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says,
Generally speaking low shoes are for protection & not support.Some may offer more cushioning in the sole than others & the amount needed would depend on your weight & activity. The usual problem with ballet style shoes is that they may overstretch your Achilles tendon-especially if your Achilles tendon has become used to a higher heel. Some of this issue may be overcome with a heel lift or orthotic placed in the shoe.

Hope this helps &
Good Luck!

Dr George Tsatsos,Dr Svetlana Zats, Dr Mariano Rivera, Dr Ryan Holmbeck, Dr Telva Hernandez & Dr Kevin Massard
Chicago 60661, 60618 & 60622, Elmhurst 60126, Bartlett 60103 Podiatrists
Board Certified swimming or wearing a knee bin Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661

DISCLAIMER:
This information is offered as free advice and as general information. It may not be applicable to the specific questioner and his/her problem.  It is not based on actual knowledge of the questioner or his/her medical history and it cannot and should not be relied upon as definitive medical opinion or advice.  Reliable medical opinion and advice can only be obtained through hands-on physical contact and exam of the patient to establish an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.  No doctor/patient relationship is created or established here and may not be inferred through answers on this site.  The questioner and other readers must consult his/her own doctor before proceeding or implementing any suggestions contained within this document and answers on this site.  The questioner is only to act upon his/her own doctor抯 orders and recommendations. By reading this posting which follows, the reader fully understands and confirms that he/she holds harmless this writer. If this is not fully agreeable to you, the reader, and/or you have not attained the age of 18 years, you hereby are advised to read no further.