Should I correct or encourage my gf's habit of walking barefoot everywhere on tiptoes?

Question

She goes barefoot everywhere and she's always on tiptoe. Outdoors and indoors, every day. Except at school, where she slides on some sandals (high-heeled, to support her tiptoeing). But everyday after school, I walk with her the 2 miles back to her house, and she's always barefoot and on tiptoe.

Pros and cons...

Pros:
It looks cute. I know it sounds stupid, but it's adorable with my girlfriend especially since she wears cute clothes, has a small frame, and has the nicest legs and feet ever.

It doesn't hurt her. She tiptoes barefoot across gravel paths like it's the most comfortable thing in the world. She says she's walked like this since she was little.

Cons:
I massage her feet sometimes. Her foot muscles are as stiff as rock, the balls of her feet are all callused and rough like sand paper.

Obviously, it's not normal. Yes, people give her weird stares (not that she cares). And I don't know if constant tiptoeing and bare feet are good for her or not.

Your advice?

To Charly: She's 18, I'm 17.

To Rae: I used the word "correct" because I couldn't think of any better word to use. But no, I'm not trying to control her. I wouldn't force her to do anything and if she wants to walk this way her whole life, it's her decision.

Answer 1

Are you kidding? I would love to be with a woman who was barefooted all the time!!

Answer 2

My boys both do, they haven't had anything on their feet since mid March. Both my boys do, and always have. Neither of them have had anything at all on their feet since mid March, and won't be putting on shoes till at least the end of November. If I were a boy I'd be barefoot everywhere too, and as it is, I'm always barefoot in and around my home and whenever I drive. Even when we're out walking, the barest of sandals are all I ever want to wear, at least for most of the year, and the only reason I wear them is because I grew up with the idea that bare feet were the best thing for a boy, but a girl needed shoes to keep her feet soft and pretty. i

Answer 3

I don't know the extenuating circumstances of the situation, but I have muscular dystrophy and for a long time, I walked on my toes. This has caused severe muscle cramps in the bottom of my feet and my calves. I've also been told it weakens the calf muscles. Because of this, I have to sleep in leg splints that help stretch and strengthen the back of my legs, and also wear shoe inserts. I think your concern is amicable but you also have to respect your girlfriend's boundaries. Perhaps you could talk to her about it, but let her decide whether or not to try breaking the habit. Whatever she decides though, you should support her in her decision and help in any way possible. Good luck with your situation, I'll cross my toes for you.

Answer 4

I would like to know how old she is? I know a woman who does this, she is an adult in her 30s, and it is not cute at all. It is a very sad truth that in order for people to take you seriously you must conform to societal norms. I don't necessarily agree that it should be this way, however from my observations it just is. I would suggest you convince her to visit a podiatrist so that he may explain the possible damage she is doing to her feet. Keep in mind that the human foot was not designed to walk tip-toed. That is why so many women suffer from damage after years of wearing high heeled shoes. My guess is that she was told this is cute from a young age and seeks the attention it brings. It is now more of a habit than anything. Help her break it!

Answer 5

My daughter is 4 years old, and she walks on her toes. The video of her first steps are with her walking on her toes as well. The doctor has checked her legs and feet out and found nothing wrong. She can walk flat footed, she just doesn't. (She has the cutest little calf muscles)
I would tell your girl friend that she needs to try walking flat footed when ever she thinks about it. The doctors told us to remind our daughter to walk flat footed. They said that if she continues to walk on her toes, she can shorten the muscle fibers in her heel and sole of her feet. Which would mean that she would have to walk that way. She needs to stretch her muscles out.

Answer 6

Its nice for your concern for her. I would suggest she walk normally as much as possible so her feet will last her a liftime..It can cause problems in her future. God gave us a whole foot to walk on and we need to use them safely.I wlak barefoot in the yard but my grass is nice..but on pavemnet no it is not good for your feet..Tip toes only when needed...like when shes walking through tulips..;0)

Answer 7

Ask her about it. It sounds to me like her tendons are shortened which could lead to medical problems but I don't know what. Can she walk flat footed she might want to see a doctor. But if this isn't the issue I wouldn't worry about it.

Answer 8

Hi,

I walk on my tiptoes from time to time.
We think it's normal becuz we have done it for so long.
It's the most comfortable way to walk for her.
If she doesn't mind and neither do you, dont worry she may grow out of it as she gets older.

I have for the most part. =)

Answer 9

hey my best friend got the same exact problem lol i told her to stop with the tip toe barefoot and i was honest with her you should be honest with your girlfriend and tell her how you feel and no its no good for her to tip toe...

Answer 10

You are too controlling. Who are you to even suggest that you might "correct" your girlfriend's walking habits? She is not your child. Go get some therapy!