The Effect of High Heels (shoe height) on Stride Rate and Step/Stride Length

ABSTRACT

Introduction: High heels are a common wardrobe choice for women despite their known negative effects on gait. To further understand the effects of heel height on gait, this study observed changes in the angles of the ankle and knee, as well as step length, stride length, and stride rate. Methods: A 21-year-old female was recruited to analyze walking patterns while wearing tennis shoes, low heels, and high heels. PowerChalk was used to analyze the angles of the ankle and knee for each frame, stride and step length, and stride rate. Results: Plantar flexion of the ankle and flexion of the knee increased with heel height. Additionally, step and stride length increased consistently with greater heel height. Lastly, stride rate increased with high heels compared to tennis shoes. Discussion: These results show that heels can affect one's gait. As high heels are still regularly worn by many women, more research is needed to investigate the potential long-term effects of high heels, and how other factors, such as experience, may cause greater influence.