There's a lot to love about Mattel's best creation, but the Barbie Foot Challenge is one thing we don't recommend attempting.
By all means, we highly encourage scoping out pink Barbie merch for your closet and home. You can rest assured we'll be one of the thousands of fans slated for a Barbie/Oppenheimer double feature on the premiere day. But as far as those ballerina-like tiptoes, well...let's not get ahead of ourselves.
What is the 'Barbie Foot Challenge'?
Like the iconic doll, Margot Robbie walks on her tiptoes in the Barbie film. In fact, there's a buzzy scene from the trailer where the actor is sliding out of her high heels and her feet are still arched, despite having stepped out of the pumps. And just like that, eager fans decided to quite literally follow in Barbie's footsteps. Now, the #BarbieFootChallenge is making its way across FYPs, which has gotten plenty of attention. See below for the copycat footage. It's not so simple!
@annacyphre ♬ Makeba - Jain
Is the 'Barbie Foot Challenge' safe to attempt?
One or two tries isn't likely to be detrimental, but if you repeatedly attempt to nail this next-to-impossible move—which was done under professionals' care during filming—it's likely you're going to experience a few aches and pains, according to Dr. Jodi R. Schoenhaus, DPM, RPhs, FACFAS, and Board Certified Podiatrist at Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center.
“Although the Barbie Arch makes a woman's legs appear longer and toner, it is not without risk," she said in a statement. "If someone attempts the pose once or twice, they will likely be ok and produce a great TikTok video. However, if attempting the pose and stride over long periods, there are some risks involved."
What are the likely outcomes? If your ankle isn't supported, you're liable to wind up with ligament sprains and injuries, plus you could see muscle or spine issues arise since you're putting more weight on your lower back leg. And while this tiptoe maneuver might look similar to wearing heels, there's a big difference, so don't let the film fool you.
"They are similar in that the position of the foot is the same in a high heel and with the Barbie Arch, but at least in a high heel, you have some support of the heel and rear foot, but in the Barbie Foot, there is no support, placing more strain on the body," Dr. Schoenhaus added.
If you want to feel nostalgic and show some love for your favorite childhood toy, look to heels that you can comfortably walk in and don a pink dress like our leading lady. Rock out to the celeb-filled Barbie soundtrack. Heck, go for that Barbie/Ken relationship when you're out in the dating world. But as far as the foot challenge, leave it to the people behind the camera.
"Considering we aren't trained ballerinas en pointe, let's keep the fad to movie stars who have props and multiple takes to make it look perfect," Dr. Schoenhaus added.
@screenrealm ♬ original sound - screenrealm.com
Barbie hits theaters in all her glittery, pink glory on Friday, July 21. (And Ken, too.)
