'I'm Doing Great': Influencer Who 'Broke Her Spine' Attempting Stiletto Challenge Shrugs Off Injury

What began as a flashy social media trend quickly turned into a terrifying accident for a Russian influencer who ended up with a fractured spine after attempting TikTok's viral 'stiletto challenge' — just weeks after giving birth.

Mariana Vasiuc, a 32-year-old mother and lifestyle content creator from Yekaterinburg, Russia, filmed herself attempting the challenge in a now-viral Instagram video. In the clip, Vasiuc is seen balancing in towering heels atop a tub of baby formula placed on a saucepan on her kitchen counter — while someone holds her hand for support. Moments later, the makeshift platform collapses beneath her, sending her crashing backward off the worktop.

A Fractured Vertebra, But Not Her Spirit?

Following the fall, Vasiuc revealed that she had suffered a compression flexion fracture in her thoracic spine, specifically at the T9 vertebra. In a light-hearted Instagram post, she shared: 'I decided to start blogging, and here I am leaving the doctor diagnosed with Th9 compression flexion fracture of the body.'

She added in a separate post: 'Irony? Karma? Or just life — which always tests our strength at the most unexpected moment.'

Despite the serious nature of her injury, Vasiuc maintained an upbeat tone, assuring followers that her baby was safe and being cared for by a nanny during the filming. 'More than 50 people sent me my reel from different publications today. I'm doing great, following the guidelines and now living in "star" status,' she said.

What Is the Stiletto Challenge?

The challenge draws inspiration from Nicki Minaj's 2013 music video for High School, in which the rapper confidently balances in heels by a pool. Revived by TikTok users, the trend has evolved into a risky balancing act involving high heels and unstable household objects — from food containers and toy cars to nail polish bottles.

One clip viewed over 60 million times featured a nail technician walking atop rows of tiny nail polish bottles. Others have used cans of Spam, cleaning products, or even children's race tracks in their attempts.

Medical Experts Warn of Long-Term Damage

Medical professionals have since warned of the risks associated with the challenge. A physiotherapist not involved in Vasiuc's treatment explained: 'Compression fractures are more common than people think — especially in the thoracic spine — and they can occur when the spine is put under sudden stress or excessive pressure.'

Although Vasiuc's fracture did not require surgery, she will likely need extended rest and may face ongoing discomfort. Thoracic spine injuries, depending on severity, can lead to long-term complications if not properly managed.

Divided Reactions on Social Media

Vasiuc's dramatic fall ignited debate across social media platforms. While many sympathised with her injuries, others criticised the unnecessary risks taken for internet fame.

'I have involuntarily seen this challenge far too many times and I simply don't understand why people would do something so dangerous and so pointless,' one user wrote.

Another added: 'This is the second grown woman I've seen do this challenge from more than three feet off the floor and get hurt... Do the challenge on the ground. Eight inches up, max!'

Some were more cynical: 'She seems happy to have broken her back despite lifelong pain or disability because as a result she got what she always wanted: a little bit of internet fame.'

Still, others came to Vasiuc's defence. 'It's a silly challenge done for fun. I get it! But at some point one must understand that gravity isn't always our friend.'