A few weeks ago, as I was walking through the store, I watched a little girl, maybe 5, wearing heels. Trying in vain to keep her mom’s stride, she was quickly falling behind. As I passed her, the girl slipped and fell to the floor. Her mother, seeming oblivious to what was taking place, continued shopping.
When did it become okay for little girls to wear heels?
I’ve seen celebrity children, most notably Suri Cruise, sport the look and pretty frequently. I suppose that’s why the rise in little girls wearing heels has been called “The Suri Effect.” A quick search of kids in heels takes you to retail sites like Nordstroms and Shoes.com, who have a slew of “mini-me” styles for your little one.
Honestly, I don’t understand the purpose of little girls wearing heels. What are they getting from wearing a heel? As a woman, a GROWN WOMAN, I wear low heels or a slight wedge because they feel better on my lower back (possibly the result of wearing heels for so many years), to look sexier (my abs looks flatter, my butt firmer, and my calves toned) or to look taller.
I, like every other woman, wear heels at my own risk. Heels can cause aches and pains, stress fractures, increased wear and tear in the joints and soft tissue, arthritis, trapped nerves, compression of the spine, blisters, cracked heels, corns, fallen arches, hammertoe, and ingrown nails.
Little girls don’t need to look taller or sexy and their feet and bodies are still developing. So why subject them to potential problems so early?
In this case, I have to agree with Samantha Yanks, editor-in-chief of Gotham and Hamptons magazines and mother of a 3-year-old, “High heels are for dress-up. They’re cute for playtime, and that’s where it ends. My daughter loves putting on my Louboutins and marching around the house, but not outside. Wearing heels, like makeup, is like a rite of passage — it’s not meant to happen when you’re 3.”
Would you allow your little one to wear heels?
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Not for all the tea in China! Honestly, it`s very sad that it`s allowed. It can deform not only her feet, but the growing bones, the spinal curvature and the posture. And it`s not that cute, is it? A 5-year old can be a stylish kid. But should not be forced/allowed to be a stylish woman. You have to wait a bit. Because it`s worth waiting. And time goes by so fast.
Well said Sylvie!
Dress up only for my little princess!! Not until she’s older – the physical risks are too great while their little bodies are developing!! =(
I don’t see any reason to subject little girls to the pain and discomfort (not to mention joint problems) heels can bring. Once they are teenagers, there may be no stopping them, but I would never let my little 2-year-old run around in heels… even when she is Suri’s age.
Great post!