# Shoe Diets Avoid Injuries from Killer Heels By Cowbag | Published 2008-10-24 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/killer-heels-the-real-cost-of-sexy-shoes References: [shoediet](http://www.shoediet.co.uk) The MBT Academy has completed a survey to show that high heel-related injuries cost £29 million a year in the UK alone! They may grace the feet of A-list celebrities (and Trend Hunters) who propel them into new heights of glamour, but high heels are quite literally crippling, both physically and financially. [Stilettos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biscuiteers-and-manolo-blahnik), wedges and even [strappy sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/softstar-camino-lite-sandals) may look glamorous, but wearing high heels or ultra flats for too long actually costs the UK £29 million in operations and medical procedures to combat the painful damage they cause to feet. Every year, women’s poor shoe habits are leading to a record number of related medical treatments, from bunion removal to toe straightening and even cosmetic surgery, which can cost sufferers up to £4,000 per visit. They recommend a more balanced “shoe diet,” which involves wearing super-high heels sparingly, just as dietitians recommend eating sweets infrequently. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.0/10 - Popularity: 16% | Activity: 36% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **High Heel-related Injuries:** Opportunities for innovative products and services that help prevent or treat high heel-related injuries. - **Shoe Diet:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in creating new products and technologies for a more balanced and healthier shoe usage. - **Cost of Shoe-related Medical Treatments:** Potential for disruptive innovation in the healthcare and medical industries to reduce the cost and improve the treatment of shoe-related medical conditions. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** Opportunities for fashion brands to design and promote comfortable and stylish shoes that prioritize foot health. - **Healthcare:** Opportunities for healthcare providers and medical professionals to develop innovative treatments and procedures for shoe-related injuries and conditions. - **Cosmetic Surgery:** Potential for cosmetic surgery clinics to offer specialized procedures for foot and ankle enhancement and correction. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Comfortable Hybrid Heels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sneex.md) - [Shoe Mileage Trackers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shoes-lifespan.md) - [Balletcore Heeled Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandy-liang-1.md) - [Dynamic Ultra-High Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/platform-sneaker-1.md) - [Virtual Heel Try-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heel-try-on.md) - [CBD-Infused Foot Pads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-heels-foot-pads.md) - [Platform Statement Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/8inch-flipflops.md) - [Comfortable Stylish Heel Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inez.md) - [Celebrity-Inspired Cartoon Heels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/katy-perry-1.md)