A Podiatrist, an Instagram Expert, and Mattel Respond to the Barbie Feet Craze

Instagram trends can get weird, but before deeming them totally loco, we like to take our time to investigate the hype. Up on the chopping block today is the Instagram craze we like to call "Barbie feet," which models, celebrities, and fashion girls have taken an obsessive liking to. The idea behind this trend is to pose up on your toes to elongate your legs and flex your muscles a little bit. It appears as though you're wearing high heels sans the shoes. This positioning of the leg is nearly identical to the propped-up feet of Barbie. Typically, this pose is accompanied by a swimsuit or summery 'fit since those are the occasions where no shoes reside.

The hype is now confirmed (just scroll down to see all the Instagram proof), so to further investigate, we reached out to three experts in different fields to weigh in—a podiatrist, an Instagram expert, and a Mattel spokesperson. Read on to find out what each had to say from their own point of view and to shop some shoes that will give the Barbie feet allusion for all those times where no shoes isn't an option.

A Podiatrist

"I have had a lot of my patients ask me recently about 'Barbie feet.' I'm surprised this trend didn't begin earlier. 'Barbie feet' are obviously better than wearing high heels because the position of the foot is temporary. Posing with 'Barbie feet' can make you look taller and can possibly make your calves look more muscular, but this pose is not recommended for long periods of time because you can get calf shortening and pain and inflation along the ball of the foot." — Bobby Pourziaee, DPM, also known as "The High Heel Doc" of Rodeo Drive Podiatry

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(Image credit: @kourtneykardashian)

A Mattel Spokesperson

"As a global cultural icon for almost 60 years, Barbie is often referenced in cultural trends that are not created or endorsed by the brand. Today, Barbie is the most diverse doll line on the market with a variety of skin tones, body sizes, hair textures, and even dolls with flat feet that are resonating with consumers." — Mattel spokesperson

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(Image credit: @aimeesong)

An Instagram Expert

"The best shoes to wear on any summer trip (or #revolvearoundtheworld activation) is to not wear any at all! As far as bikinis, beaches, and boats are concerned, 'Barbie feet' are like the invisible counterpart to the so-now Lucite heel—they're deceptively lengthening and good for posture and give a whole new meaning to going nude." — Anna Tran, brand director at Revolve and Forward

"As we spent most of July in Bermuda for #RevolveSummer, we noticed a trend with almost all of the influencers balancing on their toes when they were without a high heel. Instantly they looked a foot taller, magically had defined calf muscles, and everything just seemed perkier (including their butts). It's hard not to like 'Barbie feet' when the outcome is just so much better in photos. Why set limitations on elongating yourself just because you're barefoot? Even the Instagram pros are doing it." — Justine Cuenco, brand manager at Revolve and Forward

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(Image credit: @revolve)

Shop and Study More "Barbie Feet" Goodies

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(Image credit: @jastookes)

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(Image credit: @bellahadid)

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(Image credit: @revolve)

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(Image credit: @romeestrijd)

Next up, shop the new trend that is about to replace skinny leggings.

This was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.

Lauren Eggertsen
Editorial Director

"Copy (200 words): Lauren Eggertsen is currently the editorial director of Who What Where and has worked at the company for nearly seven years, where she started as an associate editor and has since worked her way up. Lauren has over 10 years of experience in the fashion editorial space, starting her career with internships at Marc Jacobs, Marie Claire, and The Zoe Report, where she was later hired as their editorial assistant. Lauren has worked in the Los Angeles and New York Who What Wear offices but currently calls L.A. home. It is here where she leads and manages Who What Wear's fashion team and oversees all day-to-day editorial content and large tentpole moments. This includes all of the runway, trend, and shopping-driven content that ultimately helps to build a strong brand reputation within the industry. Lauren's role also includes helping to set the fashion direction for all original photo shoots and often styles many of the celebrity cover shoots, including big names like Sydney Sweeney, Lindsay Lohan, and Megan Fox. 


She has also attended multiple fashion weeks, including New York, London, and Milan, where her personal style has been featured on sites such as Elle.com, HarpersBazaar.com, and Vogue.co.uk. She prides herself on discovering and supporting small brands and on her knack for a good vintage shopping find. When she isn't working, she enjoys researching and dining at reputable restaurants around both her neighborhood and the globe.