In the comment section alone, you’ll find members of Gen Z defending their desire for comfort, as well as 30- and 40-somethings applauding the generational shift. One commenter wrote, “I remember the PAIN we suffered through on top of the unrelenting toxic AF beauty standards of the ‘00s, [and I’m so happy] for and proud of the Gen Z girlies for starting to really break that cycle…”
Other anti-heel advocates on social media say they’d rather avoid having foot problems later in life. Indeed, one former PureWow editor was advised by her podiatrist to swap her heels for flats after suffering from bunions. According to Greater Washington Advanced Podiatry, heeled shoes can also cause forefoot injuries, heel and arch strain, posture and gait problems and even increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Clearly, the kids are onto something.
But while Gen Z may favor more sensible shoes for long nights of dancing and barhopping, that’s not to say they’ve given up heels altogether. A number of commenters on @raechristine___’s TikTok have mentioned that they wear higher shoes for sit-down outings like brunch and dinner, especially if there’s an #OOTD photo opportunity involved. “I’ll literally wear 6-inch heels, hobble from the car to the restaurant, take a picture and sit my ass down for the rest of the time,” one explained. Meanwhile, self-described zillennial—and PureWow editor—Stephanie Meraz told me that she’ll wear sneakers out on the last leg of an eventful weekend. “If I already went out in heels and my feet are on the brink of breaking into a million pieces, then I’ll opt for comfort and sacrifice my cute heels.” Makes sense to me.
So, fellow millennials, if you’re reading this: Go ahead and hit the town in whatever footwear suits your fancy (I, for one, may start embracing the kitten heel)—but keep in mind that, thanks to Gen Z, comfort is currently all the rage.
