Is Black Swan craze for flat ballet shoes damaging women's feet?

At first glance they seem more sensible than sky-high stilettos or strappy sandals.

But ballet-style shoes can seriously damage the feet, knees, hips and back and may lead to arthritis, experts have warned.

Stylish ‘ballet flats’ have risen in popularity on the High Street thanks to the film Black Swan, which stars Natalie Portman as a ballet dancer.

Fashion forward: Stylish 'ballet flats' have risen in popularity on the High Street thanks to the film Black Swan, which stars Natalie Portman as a ballet dancer

However, they offer little support and should only be worn for short periods, according to the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.

Lorraine Jones from the society said: ‘Professional dancers are no strangers to the perils of ballet shoes, which offer the feet little cushioning, leaving the lower leg and foot to absorb the full impact of movement.

‘This puts increased pressure on the knees, hips and back, which over time can increase a person’s chance of developing arthritis.

On trend: They may look stylish but ballet-style pumps offer little support and should only be worn for short periods, according to the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists

‘If you embrace ballet fashion then try to opt for a shoe with a slight heel and higher sides which offers the feet a little more support.

‘Try not to wear them for long periods, particularly if you are doing a lot of walking, and make sure you alternate regularly with a more supportive shoe.’

She added that anyone who wore the shoes for dancing should also ‘take precautions’, such as daily calf stretches to keep muscles supple.

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