If you haven't worn high heels since last year's lockdown and recently went out for the first time, you're likely to feel tightness in your calves the next day. Nowadays, even people who are used to wearing high heels are also distressed about returning to the "daily", why is this?

'The biggest problem with high heels is that they tighten and shorten the Achilles tendon. "Warns Margaret Dabbs, founder and CEO of the London Foot Health Clinic. The clinic provides foot care to royalty, A-listers (before and after the red carpet) and supermodels fresh off the runway from around the world.

Celebrities are now fusing to Dabb's popular "Medical pedicure" - a 45-minute session that combines a diagnostic tool, a foot hygienist and a foot "beautician".

'The Achilles tendons need to adjust when the feet are put on after a long rest.' If you've recently experienced "exercise tension" in your calves after wearing high heels, this could be the reason.

But do we really want to go back to wearing heels?

Perhaps now is the perfect time to part ways with heels for good?

What effect do high heels have on the feet?

Dabbs affirms the benefits of high heels, such as the confidence they give and "their ability to build calf muscles", but they can have a negative impact on the Achilles tendon and lead to a host of health problems.

Prolonged wear can lead to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the soft tissues of the feet that can also affect a person's posture.

"Leaning forward and putting weight on the balls of your feet can cause back pain and cause a chain reaction in your bones," Dabbs explains via Zoom.

If you've spent the past year sitting at a makeshift desk with a cat at your laptop, pay attention. High heels have some more obvious side effects. "If you have thumb valgus, putting weight on the big toe can further exacerbate the condition."

Remember that pre-pandemic feeling of toe cramps after a long outing? "At that time, corns and crusts are particularly likely to develop (especially under the metatarsal head or on the ball of the forefoot). When the toes are squeezed, especially in pointy shoes, it can cause hammertoes. Toenails can also be damaged, which can have long term adverse effects."

Women are also more likely than men to develop interdigital neuroma, a pinched nerve in the palm of the forefoot. "People with thin feet tend to suffer more, and walking long distances in slippers may also exacerbate this." Waking up in the morning can be particularly painful."

Should we say goodbye to high heels forever?

The short answer is no. But choosing the right heels and setting a time limit for wearing them is key. Dabbs explains, "It's better to wear heels an inch and a half high than not to wear heels at all. Wearing high heels will shorten the Achilles tendon, but if there is no heel at all, the Achilles tendon will be stretched. Ideally, both extremes should be avoided."

You may wish to choose a lower and wider heel design, which puts less pressure on the foot and has better stability. Dabbs' advice for getting back into heels after the pandemic: "Always wear a comfortable front heel pad."

So how long is it okay to wear heels? "No more than four hours is recommended. "If you're going to wear heels to a great event (which everyone expects), put them on at the last minute and don't wear them unnecessarily."

If you're a shoe addict, don't worry. Try alternating between different types of shoes so your feet aren't subjected to the same friction or pressure frequently.

Which shoes are best for foot health?

Regardless of the type of shoe, the advice from experts remains the same: "Moderation is good." The same rule applies to Birkenstock, the recent comeback of simple clogs, Y2K style Muellers and Vivienne Westwood's [4] sky-high platform pumps.

The benefit of clogs is that they provide support for the front foot. The space around the toes is also spacious, reducing the risk of friction and compression and reducing the chance of crusty skin and corns forming. "Birkenstocks also 'hold' the feet well, providing stable support. But it is best not to wear barefoot all the time, which may cause dry feet and dehydration."

"I can tell who wears Birkenstock by looking at the soles of their feet because the bumps at the back rub against the heel. When the top layer of Birkenstock's insole wears down, it starts to absorb moisture from the skin, causing it to dry out and crack."

In addition, she suggested that we carefully check the size of Birkenstocks. 'If the shoe is a little too short, the heel will come under pressure, which can lead to the formation and build-up of crusty skin, which can also cause cracking.' (It can be repaired with vegan heel crack cream).

If you've been stuck with your sneakers for the past year, consider upgrading to a style with a slightly wider toe to free your toes from prolonged pressure. Adidas by Stella McCartney's wide sneakers are not only approved by experts, but also perfect for all kinds of flowing summer dresses.

What are the worst shoes to wear on a hot day? Flimsy ballet flats. Mr Dabbs calls it a "disaster".

Home office slippers are not a blessing

Dabbs says, "Loose, fat shoes are comfortable to wear, so we take them for granted. But in the long run, the opposite is true. Unsupportive shoes can nourish and exacerbate all kinds of bad habits."

She would also like to remind anyone who has been barefoot for the past year: pay attention to how soft the floor is. "It's certainly comfortable to walk on softer surfaces at home. But constant [barefoot] walking on hard surfaces can trigger interdigital neuroma."

Include foot care as part of your weekly self-care routine

"People go to the dentist and optometrist to prevent illness, but often don't realise that their feet need care until they are injured." If you can afford to see a specialist, do so. "I hope that after a foot maintenance at our clinic, clients can comfortably put on the shoes and sandals they want to wear."

It seems we don't have to say goodbye to Harris Reed x ROKER's seven-inch H platform boots and Bottega Veneta quilted slippers for a while.