It’s universally known that women have a love-hate relationship with heels. Looks, looks and looks – that’s what matters first when a fashionista goes shopping for heels. Covered in glitter? That red sole? The signature YSL initial heels? Wear it all. The discomfort that often accompanies pointed high heels is also well known. At the very least, they can be pretty even if they’re not comfortable. (Girls, the math happened here.) It’s a compromise many are willing to make!

However, there’s a viral ‘shoe rock test’ going around online that promises to help you avoid the dreaded wobble. This simple test doesn’t even require you to wear the shoes to assess their stability.

What exactly is the shoe rock test?

The shoe rock test involves placing the shoe on a flat surface and slightly shaking it to see if it moves. The idea is that a well-made shoe will remain stable, indicating good support and structure. On the other hand, if the shoe wobbles or flips over easily, it may be less stable and supportive.

Fashion content creator and thrift shopper Asia Marquis popularized this test on social media when she shared a tip she learned from her grandmother. The internet is buzzing about it, and it’s a quick and easy way to ensure your next pair of heels won’t leave you struggling to balance.

“So, next time make sure you check the wobbling of the shoes and if they bend they will wobbling with it, so leave them behind,” Marquise told her followers in a reel about testing this on a pair of shoes at a thrift store. One of the shoes clearly wobbled at a subtle push, meaning it failed the test.

In another reel, she tried this rock test on the iconic YSL heels. The beautiful heels didn’t even need a push to move. A miserable failure!

In the meantime, here’s a video of the glitter heels that passed the test.

This test works for stilettos as well as block heels. We tried it on some old and new shoes; while some shoes remained stable and sturdy, others struggled to maintain balance.

Why can’t we reach a compromise on balance?

Walking in heels that provide proper balance distributes body weight evenly. Even a slight imbalance increases the risk of back, knee and foot strain.

Balance is one of the most important aspects while buying shoes. Dr Akhilesh Yadav, Associate Director, Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Vaishali, Delhi, says, “It is important to maintain the right balance even when buying shoes with small heels. Maintaining proper balance reduces the chances of foot pain, chronic diseases like ankle twists and bunions or poor posture as it provides adequate support to the feet.”

Dr. Yadav says that people can benefit from the viral shoe rock test.

Dr. Yadav says, “Ankle problems can be avoided and comfort is greatly enhanced by a strong heel. Before making a purchase, customers can quickly evaluate the quality and durability of the heel with this simple test. Although this is not a perfect method, it can help identify poorly constructed shoes that may cause discomfort or accidents.”

What the shoe rock test doesn’t tell you

While this viral test helps to judge the balance of a pair of footwear, it has its limitations. For instance, it does nothing to determine other important factors like arch support, cushioning, and fit. Hence, this rock test should only complement and not replace other factors when making a purchase.

Dr Santosh Shetty, Director and Head, Department of Orthopaedics and Robotic Joint Replacement Surgery, Surana Group of Hospitals, Mumbai, shares a list of some points to keep in mind:

Rest: Choose shoes that feel comfortable from the start. Avoid assuming they will “break in” over time.

Help: Shoes should have adequate arch support and cushioning, so that they can absorb shock and reduce stress on the feet.

Suitable: The size of feet can change over time, so it’s important to measure them periodically. Make sure there’s enough room in the toe box for you to move your toes comfortably.

If you regularly wear high heels for long periods of time, rock testing the shoe or other factors won’t necessarily be helpful.

“The heels shift the body weight forward, which can alter posture and put extra pressure on the lower back and knees,” says Dr. Shetty.

It can also lead to foot problems such as plantar fasciitis, hammertoes, and bunions.

“Regular use of heels can also shorten the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, increasing the likelihood of strains and other problems,” says Dr. Yadav.

So, wear your heels, but not for too long. And the next time you go shopping for heels, remember the shoe rock test!