Love how heels lengthen your legs? Dress up your look? Give you calf muscles you didn’t know you had? Maybe. But wearing heels could be detrimental to your health.

If you think you’ll be the only gal in town sporting flats, think again. Victoria Beckham announced she will be hanging up her heels.

Yep, the former Spice Girl and fashion guru has declared she can no longer “do heels”, and will opt for flat shoes more often. Don’t believe it? Check out the footwear she chose for her NYFW show in February.

Sure, white sneakers are hot for spring. But VB in them at the Fall shows means this is serious.

So, are high heels really all that bad? A recent study shows that, over time, wearing heels can negatively affect muscles in the legs. Because the ankle is bent forward, calf muscles shorten in the back of the leg and lengthen in the front of the leg, which could weaken the muscles.

As we can see, sore feet aren’t the only detriment of wearing heels. Other possible problems? Knee and back pain, and spider veins.

Those die-hard high heel wearers can strengthen foot and leg muscles with exercises recommended in the study above. If you’d like to kick your stilettos to the back of the closet, here are some flat but still stylish options.

Sneakers are cuter than ever right now. ModCloth has a wide, and super cute, selection. And yes, you can wear tennis shoes with skirts.

It’s almost time for sandals. Yay! Take a look at these stunners by Aldo. Perfect with shorts, skirts, dresses, or pants.

A great gladiator screams summer music festivals. Grab this vegan pair at Free People.

Espadrilles are a summer classic. Try them in white or black vegan leather by Soludos.

No need to kill your feet or back for fashion. If Victoria Beckham is ditching her heels, so can we.

*Disclaimer: Help support EcoSalon! Our site is dedicated to helping people live a conscious lifestyle. We’ve provided some affiliate links above in case you wish to purchase any of these products.

Related on EcoSalon

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11 Ways to Rock Cool Sneakers While Still Looking Fashionable

Image of woman with high heels via Shutterstock

The post What Wearing Heels Really Does to Your Body (and Flat Options You’ll Love!) appeared first on EcoSalon.

Feminine oxford shoes are a versatile replacement for fall’s flats.

Following on the heels of the classic, tailored menswear trend is the versatile oxford which celebrities from Jessica Biel to Sienna Miller love to pound around town in. We like how quickly it makes a feminine silhouette just a little edgier, and it’s a welcome respite from wedges and platforms.

Worn with skirts, pants, or leggings, oxfords are wardrobe multi-taskers and with or without tights, we are smitten and ready to go kick some fall leaves around. Here are a few sustainable options for you:

Sang Low Heel Oxford from Coclico

Megumi Ochi 1984 Black

Osborn’s Justine Ashbee Oxford

Neuaura’s Cedar in Washed Sand

Melissa Enjoying Vanilla Oxford

Image: Chanel and a Cup of CoCo

The post On Trend: Oxford Shoes appeared first on EcoSalon.

Artisan crafted shoes in a vertically integrated manufacturing facility.

Sweet flowers and ribbons adorn these classically shaped ballerina flats from Osborn. Featuring a crafted shoe body that will soften and conform with wear to make spring stepping out, light and fun. A unique limited edition run.

$138

Look for Lustables daily at EcoSalon. 100% gorgeous green finds, and never sponsored. Submit your favorite to tips@ecosalon.com

The post Lustables: Osborn’s Italian Floral Ballerina Flat appeared first on EcoSalon.

Sweet sun-filled days and warm weather evenings prompt a resurgence of stylish flat sandals that easily transition from day to night and let you roam the streets freely. Fashionable flats are always en vogue for summer.

The gladiator trend stuck around for another season and offers some daring variations – like the mid-shin version from Cri de Coeur. Balance a street chic look with a pair of Baltic flats from Olsen Haus, or keep things simple with a faux reptile skinny sandal from Sam & Libby.

Summer dresses, rompers, jeans and a tee – no matter your outfit a pair of stylish flats keep you cool and comfortable. A tad more dressy than a pair of flip flops, these flats keep you looking put together whether you’re at the pool, passing through an airport or Saturday brunching with your besties.

The post Flat Out Fab Sandals That Sizzle This Summer appeared first on EcoSalon.