‘Let’s keep the fad to movie stars’ – Doctors warn against viral ‘Barbie Foot Challenge’

It seems the world just cannot get enough of ‘Barbie‘. The Greta Gerwig directorial starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie has scripted box office history by recording the biggest opening weekend ever by a female director.

A number of movie-goers unable to hide their excitement wore pink outfits to echo the theme of the film. ‘Barbie’ took the internet by storm and prompted days of pink fever that’s been continuing till today. It even contributed to birthday party themes, food and restaurant decor.

Amid the trend, a particular scene from the movie has netizens, and even celebrities, obsessing over it. The scene showed the female lead slipping out of her pink heels and standing on the tips of her toes, while her heels remained in the air – resembling Mattel’s iconic Barbie dolls.

That shot of Robbie’s perfectly arched feet against a pink background has inspired a new TikTok challenge called the ‘Barbie Foot Challenge’. The trend sees netizens recreating the scene, with hashtags like #BarbieFeet and #BarbieFootChallenge garnering millions of views.

Wearing Heels And Doing The Barbie Foot Aren’t The Same

TikToker Shanna Scribner kickstarted the trend by posting the first video based on the scene. But the viral challenge has sparked concerns among medical specialists, who ask netizens to “keep the fad to movie stars who have props and multiple takes.”

The Barbie Arch makes a woman’s legs look toner and attempting the pose once or twice will likely be “OK” and produce a great TikTok video too, Dr Jodi R. Schoenhaus, DPM, RPhs, FACFAS and board-certified podiatrist at Foot, Ankle & Leg Vein Center, told The Post.

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But he warned against attempting the pose over long periods, stressing the possibility of ligament sprains and injuries as the ankle is unstable, muscle and spine issues as the pose strains the lower back, and even impact on growth plates.

The doctor also explained how the pose places more strain on the body. He said wearing heels and doing the high-arched pose wasn’t the same as heels provide support to the rear of the foot but the Barbie Foot gets no support at all.