The Body of Evidence 163 – Do high heels cause bunions?
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Dec 10, 2025 Sophie, a frequent co-host with a knack for exploring medical topics, joins Christopher to unravel the mysteries of bunions and high heels. They dive into the origins of heels as a fashion phenomenon and discuss how shoes might influence foot structure. The duo explores genetic factors, the prevalence of bunions in women, and the debate between shod and barefoot lifestyles. They also provide insights on conservative treatments and share practical advice on footwear choices, concluding that occasional heels are fine, but daily wear could increase bunion risk.
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Shoe Shopping And Cobbler Repairs
- Sophie described being a huge shoe person who buys secondhand boots and uses a cobbler to stretch them.
- She values shoe accumulation and repair over frequent disposal.
What A Bunion Actually Is
- A bunion (hallux valgus) is a bony deformation where the big toe tip angles inward and the toe knuckle protrudes outward.
- About a quarter of people have bunions and prevalence rises with age, but many remain painless.
Age, Ligaments And Genetics Matter
- Age-related ligament loosening and prior foot injuries change weight distribution and predispose to bunions.
- Family history likely reflects inherited ligament or foot-structure traits that permit deformation.
