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Journalism of Courage
When you think of police officers, you probably imagine discipline, courage, and strength. But here’s something you might not notice at first glance — their shoes. Those stiff, shiny black boots with a slight heel may look sharp, but they could be doing serious damage to the officers’ backs, knees, and overall mobility.
Recently, actor Akshay Kumar pointed out a simple but powerful truth: “Ye log jo joote pehente hain, uske andar jo heel hoti hai… It’s not an easy job to run in those heels. Mere hisaab se, being an athlete, being a sportsman… mujhe pata hai ki jab ye bhaagte hain, ya itna chalte hain, toh Maharashtra Police ki peeth pe humesha koi na koi problem aati hai. You can get a slipped disc or an L4-L5 problem because of that heel. Agar unke joote change ho jaayein, toh Maharashtra Police ke liye bahut kaam aayega — they can run much faster than a criminal, ” the 58-year-old actor said at an event in Mumbai.
For decades, police personnel across India have been wearing leather shoes with hard soles and a mild heel — a design rooted more in tradition and uniform aesthetics than functionality. These shoes may project authority, but for officers who spend long hours on their feet, patrol through uneven terrain, or chase down suspects, they’re far from ideal.
Dr Lakshya Singur, a physiotherapist and ergonomic specialist, explains: “The human spine is designed for natural alignment. When footwear adds artificial elevation to the heel, it shifts the body’s centre of gravity forward. Over time, this causes strain in the lower back, particularly around the L4 and L5 vertebrae, leading to chronic pain, stiffness, or even early disc degeneration.”
In simpler terms, the very shoes designed to make officers look ‘sharp’ might be slowly dulling their physical edge.
Modern sports shoes are engineered for support, shock absorption, and balance — all essential qualities for a police officer during a chase, long duty hours, or sudden movements. Lightweight soles, flexible grip, and cushioned insoles not only enhance comfort but also reduce the risk of injuries.
Dr Singur adds, “If we can design uniforms and protective gear with functionality in mind, why not footwear? A switch to ergonomically designed shoes could drastically reduce back and knee problems among officers, improve posture, and enhance agility. It’s an investment in human performance.”
Countries like the UK, USA, and Australia have already adapted their police gear to modern demands. Their officers wear tactical sneakers or boots with flexible soles, breathable materials, and zero-drop heels — a perfect blend of durability and comfort, he added.
“In India, some states have begun experimenting with lighter uniforms and breathable fabrics to beat the heat. Footwear, however, remains one of the least discussed yet most impactful aspects of the job,” Dr Singur concluded.
