Retractable leash.. Does it have a time and place?

Okay so please don’t come for my throat.. my girl is about 8 months old and likes to have a little freedom on walks to be sniffy. I’ve tested using a retractable leash that I used to use for my senior dog (RIP) and her martingale collar. When she gets to the end of the lead or if I lock it, she knows to stop moving or to check in with me. The same cannot be said for her normal leash. Where we usually walk and potty is not highly populated, but if we run into other people or dogs, I keep her on a shorter leash and she does fine. On a normal leash, she pulls and tugs and zigzags and whatnot and does not listen as well. Is this a situation where a retractable leash could have a place? Again, I know they’re frowned upon so be gentle!