Is the 'flatform' the most dangerous shoe of summer? Experts argue the awkward structure puts wearers at high risk of injury

The flat shoe-platform hybrid is currently popular with stars including Miley Cyrus and Suki Waterhouse

Flatforms, which lack the discomfort of high heels or steep wedges, may be summer’s newest footwear trend – but they might also be the most dangerous.

Though the retro-looking lovechild of a flat shoe and a platform may feel comfortable, their inflexible elevated form makes walking on uneven surfaces a serious occupational hazard.

Vogue writer Liana Satenstein recently revealed that she tore a ligament after one of the many falls she has suffered while wearing flatforms, and in Japan, where they have been popular for many years now, flatform-related accidents are widespread...more after the cut

Watch your step: Flatforms, the popular love child of a flat shoe and a platform, may look pretty sturdy, but their inflexible structure makes them tricky and dangerous to walk in, particularly on uneven surfaces

Yamuna Zake - a yoga instructor who specializes in 'foot fitness' and teaches classes on how to walk elegantly in high heels - suggests that better attention to weight distribution can help wearers master the art of the tricky flatform.

'Distribute your weight from your big toes to little toes so you are never keeping all your weight bearing into one point in your foot,' Ms Zake told Vogue.

'If you keep your weight in your heels, it is easier to keep the ankles from collapsing inward. This keeps the ankles strong and feminine while also preventing swelling.'

  

Flatform fanatics: The clunky, retro-looking shoes have been popular with young starlets of late, frequently sported by Miley Cyrus (left) and Suki Waterhouse (right), who has even designed her own line of them

  

In vogue: Kate Bosworth wore shiny patent flatforms to this year's Coachella festival (left), while Willow Smith opted for silver lace-ups at last year's BET show (right)

Not messing around: Shoe brand Y.R.U. have gone the whole hog with one of their recent designs, the 'Everest Platform,' which retails for $79 (pictured)

Origins: Flatforms are a later version of the iconic platform sneakers often worn by The Spice Girls, pictured in 1990

The flatform concept was first popularized in the 90s - most notably by The Spice Girls, who wore sky-high lace-up versions - although they didn't gain their new high-fashion hybrid name until they came back around in style three years ago.

They made another revival on this year's spring 2014 runways, with Tommy Hilfiger and Alice + Olivia among the designers to send them down the catwalk, and they have been spotted on the famous feet of Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, and Willow Smith, to name a few.

'If you keep your weight in your heels, it is easier to keep the ankles from collapsing inward'

Suki Waterhouse - British model and current squeeze of Bradley Cooper - has even designed her own range of them for UK brand Superga.

Fans of the esteemed flatform, however, would be prudent to watch their step, in order to avoid falling victim - literally - to this current fashion fad. 

*culled from dailymail.