Can women in high heels fight like in the movies?

Quick Answer: Yes, it is certainly possible, but you will either lose the fight or risk spraining your ankle in the process.

There are many action movies featuring female protagonists wearing high heels. Black Widow, Catwoman, Wonder Woman, Gamora, and even Nebula all engage in combat wearing stylish footwear.

In reality, wearing high heels makes you look taller and more elegant, but by the end of the day, your feet will pay the price. High heels are clearly not the most comfortable type of shoes, and they offer little practicality… Do you remember how many times you’ve stumbled or almost fallen because of them?

You can still fight in high heels.

So, when watching movies and seeing actresses, mostly women, perform daring stunts in heels that are nearly 15 centimeters high, you might wonder: “Is that really possible?”

Before diving into the physics of high-heeled combat, remember that movies do not accurately reflect real life; sometimes we can accept a bit of fantasy to make life more interesting. When watching mystical and sci-fi films, try to overlook the characters’ puzzling fashion choices. Often, these choices simply reflect the personality of a specific character. Take Harley Quinn, for example: would she still seem as crazy if she wore sneakers and gray workout clothes? Harley Quinn’s character is unrealistic and brutal, and her costume reflects that.

Now, let’s get into the details.

Types of High Heels

Not all high heels are the same.

Not all high heels are created equal. There are wedge heels, chunky heels (square heels), stiletto heels… and the most popular type is the thin stiletto heel. High heels can come in open-toe styles, lace-up styles like gladiators, ankle boots, classic oxfords, or even sneakers.

As for height, as of now, the world record for high heels stands at… 3.66 meters.

Some types of high heels are more suitable for fighting (and can be worn comfortably every day) than others. Generally, the higher and sharper the heel, the less practical it is for combat.

Another factor is whether the shoes have straps or not. Nobody wants their shoes flying off while kicking an opponent!

Fighters, especially superheroes, also don’t want vulnerable body parts exposed. The legs are one of those parts. If your shins break, how can you still fight? Shoes, especially high-top shoes (like those worn for horseback riding), help protect the legs from weapons like arrows or daggers. Even though Wonder Woman dresses quite revealingly, exposing her arms and thighs, she keeps her valuable shins covered.

Balance in High Heels

How do high heels fit a fighter? It all depends on the balance they provide.

In reality, standing on bare feet does not provide as much stability as many might think. Our center of gravity tilts slightly forward, meaning the body must constantly work to maintain balance. This process involves a multitude of senses – vision, hearing, vestibular, and proprioception (the sense of internal body information).

Proprioception

High heels change the height at which your brain typically perceives the surrounding world; the distance between the ground and your head becomes greater, and your limbs also feel longer. Your brain knows the reason for this change, but the senses are still trying to adapt to the new posture. Vision needs time to adjust to the height difference, and so does the vestibular system.

Ankles and Calf Muscles

When fighting, you also have to run, jump, kick, and stomp… Just one misstep, and your ankle could easily roll.

High heels shorten the muscles in your legs, particularly the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the calf. These shortened muscles are why your calves look quite attractive in high heels, but they negatively affect your body’s ability to maintain balance.

Our center of gravity shifts toward the front of the ankle (when standing upright). To prevent us from tipping forward, the ankle and the two calf muscles must perform a movement called plantarflexion.

Plantarflexion allows you to move your foot up and down, press the gas pedal while driving, balance on your toes, and maintain balance on your heels. However, wearing high heels for extended periods can affect this plantarflexion action, ultimately negatively impacting balance.

The position of the ankle and calf when wearing high heels also adds pressure on the knees, which is why those who do not regularly wear high heels complain about their knees wobbling when they do. The pressure on the knees is clearly not an advantage in combat.

The height of the heel also affects how the joints in the legs interact with the pelvic area, and once again, this causes many issues with balance. The muscles and connective tissues no longer operate separately, and the consequences can be felt in other interconnected areas, leading to a domino effect.

Shorter high heels mean longer calf muscles and less pressure on both the ankle and knee, thus providing greater mobility.

If you only focus on walking, all the factors mentioned above may not be a significant concern. But when fighting, you also have to run, jump, kick, and stomp… Just one misstep, and your ankle could easily roll.

Even Weight Distribution

Flat heels allow a female fighter to distribute her body weight more evenly, making her more balanced. Therefore, chunky and wedge heels would be a reasonable choice if you plan to wear them for fighting.

On the contrary, thin and sharp heels are definitely not a practical option. A stiletto heel, as sharp as a needle, means you have to maintain balance while your entire body weight is placed on that tiny point. The likelihood of falling, or even breaking the heel, is very high. It’s better to fight barefoot than to wear broken heels!

Moreover, many types of high heels do not provide good support for the arch of the foot. This part absorbs shock and helps prevent foot injuries, especially during high-impact activities or landings.

Using High Heels as Weapons

Anything with a sharp end can become a weapon, including high heels.

Anything with a pointed end can become a weapon, and high heels are no exception; just ask Avital Zeisler (above), a self-defense expert. Her self-defense method includes using high heels as weapons. The heel can inflict significant damage on an opponent; in movies, you may have seen protagonists use it against enemies—whether they are human or any other species.

If you can overlook the inconvenience and instability of high heels, their pointed tips can aid you in fighting off an adversary. A kick from a stiletto heel will certainly cause considerable harm!

Conclusion

High heels are not a good choice for fighting. They not only make you unstable but can also break, hurt your feet, and the “clack” sound they produce can indirectly sabotage your discreet escape plan.

However, if you find yourself with no other option and unexpectedly encounter an enemy while wearing high heels, then the advice for you is: take off your shoes and fight barefoot!