We’re top of the totterers! British ladies have highest heels in Europe

FRENCH women have long had a reputation for being on top of all the latest fashion trends.

Now British ladies have inched ahead of them in one respect – they wear the highest heels in Europe.

While the French slip into demure court shoes averaging 2.4in, Britons prefer to teeter on 3.3in stilettos, according to a survey.

Researchers found a growing number of Britons are braving four to six-inch heels, with 3 per cent of respondents wearing platform heels of more than six inches.

Celebrities such as Cheryl Cole have driven the trend for skyscraper heels, and Victoria Beckham has developed painful bunions as a result of her punishing footwear.

The average British woman is also suffering according to the survey, with 65 per cent saying they have experienced significant pain because of their shoes.

Yet half said they were prepared to endure the eye-watering agony.

The survey of 3,792 women by foot care brand Compeed found that Spanish women wear heels with an average height of 3.2in.

Danes prefer a more conservative 3in shoe, while German women opt for a sturdy 2.7in heel.

The study also found that shorter women are more likely to wear higher heels.

The average British woman is among the shortest in Europe – around 5ft 4in – which goes some way to explaining their love for high heels.

Psychologist Emma Kenny said: ‘A tall woman is considered more assertive, richer, capable and successful than those who are shorter.

‘British women are ambitious and if putting on a pair of six-inch heels increases their career prospects, the savvy individual will do so.’