By Dr. Lori DeBlasi
The movie, “Barbie” has earned nearly $775 million globally after its second weekend. It is one of the highest-grossing films of 2023. Grandmothers, mothers, daughters, and everyone else with Barbie love have flooded theaters in their hot pink outfits and all-around nostalgic joy for the doll they grew up playing with.
In one of the scenes, the character of “Stereotypical Barbie,” played by Margot Robbie, steps out of a pair of fuzzy pink high heeled shoes. Her foot stayed in the position of being in a high heeled shoe, despite not being in the shoe any longer. Anyone that has ever owned or has seen a Barbie doll recognizes the classic Barbie foot position, as designed by Mattel. CGI was not used to film Barbie’s arched feet scene. Margot Robbie has said in interviews she achieved the pose by holding onto a bar for support and using double-sided tape on the floor to keep her pink heels in place while stepping out of them.
The foot position of relevé, meaning “raised or rise,” is a basic ballet foot position and is like the foot position of Barbie. The heel is in the air, unsupported, and all the body’s weight is on the ball of the foot and toes. This foot position makes one look taller and the calves more muscular. Trained ballet dancers over time can develop strength in their legs, feet and ankles allowing them to improve their weight distribution and transfer. In ballet, this position is used for short periods of time. A properly executed relevé will produce a floating effect.
TikToker Shanna Scribner, the originator and the first to post a video of the now labeled “Barbie Foot Challenge,” was inspired by a scene in the Barbie movie to create this new challenge. The hashtags #BarbieFeet and #BarbieFeetChallenge have now exploded on the social platform. To master this challenge, women are attempting to step out of high heels, walk on their tiptoes, and sustain their feet in an arched position.
In this foot position, the ball of the foot and the toes are bearing the weight of the body without any support. The ankle is not stable in this position, leading to the risk of an ankle sprain or fracture. This relevé-like foot position causes the Achilles tendon and calf muscles to tighten and may cause strain. This can also irritate pre-existing conditions in the ball of the foot (i.e., neuromas) and forefoot (i.e., hammertoes and bunions). This position increases pressure to the knee, causing back and hip issues also. These concerns exist whenever wearing high heeled shoes. However, the difference is that with a shoe under the foot, at least there is some added foot and arch support.
It might be okay to try it once, but repeated attempts or walking in that stance can increase your risk of injuries to the ankle and other parts of your feet.
It is best to leave the relevé to Barbie and those in ballet class!
Dr. Lori DeBlasi is certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery®. Dr. DeBlasi works at Family Foot & Leg Center at the Estero office. She is accepting new patients.
To make an appointment, call 239-430-3668 or visit www.NaplesPodiatrist.com.
21401 Corkscrew Village Lane,
Suite 4
Estero, FL 33928
(239) 430 – 3668 (FOOT)
www.NaplesPodiatrist.com