WEARING stilettos could be a smart step in the right direction when it comes to keeping fit, scientists suggest.
The glam footwear is said to strengthen the calves and ankles — and blokes could benefit too if they are brave enough to wear them.
1
It means a guilt-free night on the town for those wearing high heels because exercise comes included.
US expert Professor Gregory Sawicki says: “People typically wear high heels to improve their looks, but there may be more to these shoes than meets the eye.”
His team’s study of people in heels found tendons in their ankles and calves toughened up, making the leg muscles more powerful and efficient.
Wearers found walking in normal shoes much easier after 1,500 steps per day in heels for 99 days.
Georgia Institute of Technology tested women and men who had never or rarely worn them before.
They walked in specially-made trainers with three-inch heels daily over 14 weeks to test the impact.
Writing in the Journal of Applied Physiology, Prof Sawicki said: “Habitually wearing high-heeled footwear structurally remodels leg muscle tendons and improves walking economy.
“High heel wearers may enjoy the benefits of less effortful walking for weeks afterwards.”