Ep 21. Hell in Heels

Hell in Heels is the 21st episode of the 44th season of the award-winning investigative journalism show, ABC 20/20. This episode delves into the world of high-end fashion, specifically high heels, and the potential physical toll they can have on women who wear them.

The episode begins with a focus on fashion blogger, Chelsea Warner, who, like many women, believed that beauty was pain and often wore high heels for work events, despite the pain they caused her. One day, after attending a fashion event, Chelsea experienced a sharp pain in her foot and later discovered that she had developed plantar fasciitis, a common foot condition that can be caused by wearing high heels. This sparked her curiosity and she began to research the potential health risks associated with wearing high heels.

The episode interviews multiple experts in the medical field who discuss the potential hazards of high heels, from minor foot conditions to more serious injuries like torn ligaments and even spinal damage. They also discuss the disproportionate amount of pressure that high heels put on certain areas of the foot and the long-term effects this can have on the body.

The episode then shifts to a focus on the fashion industry, interviewing renowned shoe designer, Christian Louboutin, and other fashion influencers. These interviews offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative process behind designing high heels, as well as the societal expectations that have contributed to their enduring popularity.

Hell in Heels also explores the emerging trend of “uncomfortable fashion,” where designers intentionally create pieces that are uncomfortable to wear as a statement against societal beauty standards. The episode interviews a young designer who creates high heels designed to be unbearably painful to wear, and the backlash she has received from those who feel this is a dangerous trend to promote.

Throughout the episode, a recurring theme emerges: the idea that women’s bodies are often seen as mere symbols, rather than complex and multi-faceted entities that deserve proper care and attention. From workplace dress codes that require high heels to societal expectations of beauty, it becomes clear that women are often subject to unreasonable and harmful standards.

In addition to the informative interviews, Hell in Heels also features touching personal stories from women who have suffered from the physical toll of wearing high heels, including a mother who developed Morton’s neuroma from years of wearing high heels to work and a professional dancer who had to undergo surgery after years of wearing pointe shoes.

Overall, Hell in Heels offers a thought-provoking and informative exploration of the potential health risks associated with high heels and the cultural and societal expectations that contribute to their enduring popularity. It sheds light on the ways in which women's bodies can become commodified in the name of fashion and beauty, and reminds us all of the importance of taking care of ourselves, both physically and mentally.