Question
Have two girls aged 7 and nearly 9 who desperately wanted some high heel shoes so I bought them a pair. The heels are 2 inches and they wear them at weekends usually for a period of about two hours, very occasionally longer.

I find myself criticized a lot, people are telling me I am causing damage to their developing feet.

The shoes are well fitting and I find it hard to believe that short periods of wearing them can cause harm

Their dance teacher says they can strengthen bones and aid balance.

My oldest does gymnastics and they do this in either bare feet or socks, I watch them hitting the hard wooden floor quit hard and sometimes from quit a height and worry this can cause damage, any thoughts on this.

I will stop writing and await your reply.

Answer
Hi Julie,

I see no harm in 2 inch heels.  There is a greater chance of getting injuries from gymnastics, however, children are able to tolerate these activities and it is good for them.  There are so many children that are sedentary these days.  

Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
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