Question

Assalamualykum,

What is the ruling regarding high heels? I wear 4 inch stilettos and recently got told it is haram and sinful to wear them. I am not sure why, could you please tell me the rules regarding shoes? A lot of Muslim women out there wear heels, so I think it would be good if we all know the rules regarding heels. My heels do not make loud noise to attract attention as I walk slowly and mostly just stand in one place when I do wear them… (parties)

Answer

Walaikumussalam w w

There are reasons why scholars may say that high heel shoes are not permissible for wear in public.

1) The noise they make attracts attention.

2) They make the hips sway; attracting attention.

3) They are injurious to feet, ankles etc.

Granted there are some heels which do not make loud noises when walking but the second factor will be taking place as the high heels force the body to tilt emphasizing the breasts and rear.

So in general wearing such shoes makes the woman’s walk enticing and seductive to men. Therefore, a woman should not wear them, especially when medical experts also warn against them.

This desire to look fashionable continues to drive women to wear high-heeled shoes, despite causing significant pain in the ball of the foot, or bunions or corns, or Hammer toe. A survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association showed some 42% of women admitted that they would wear a shoe they liked even if it gave them discomfort.

Search ‘the worst shoes for your feet’ on www.webmd.boots.com for further information on the injuries caused by high heels, stilettos etc.

(Tahir p 06/12)