About 52 percent of surveyed women who wear high heels regularly said they have experienced deformation of their feet, Himchan Hospital said Monday.

The hospital surveyed a total of 502 women in their 20s and 30s, of which 77 percent said they wear high heels two-three times a week. Among the heel lovers, 46 percent wore shoes with heels exceeding seven centimeters. The respondents wore the shoes for more than five hours a day.

Those who have experienced deformations said their toes have become crooked, their insteps have become swollen or their heels have been twisted.

The hospital noted that those who enjoy killer heels said they feel more comfortable in heels than in trainers and other low-heeled shoes. “The Achilles tendon shrinks according to the level of the heels. Therefore, one feels comfortable when their heels are lifted,” the hospital stated.

(baejisook@heraldcorp.com)