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Come let us reason together. Perhaps a Biblical appeal (Isaiah 1:18) is the best way to entreat women in a campaign against a hazardous trend that’s gone too far—high heels. I thought I was done with this series. But I was pressed into service by Jennifer, a good friend who asked for this post.

Honestly, I considered the topic earlier, but dismissed it as futile. Why spit into the wind, I thought. No one could convince me to give up high heels when I was a young adult. During college, I teetered around campus in my four-inch Candies (remember those, Baby Boomers?) without a second thought for the future health of my feet, back, and joints. Oh, how I miss the bullet-proof days: my skin would never wrinkle, my butt would never sag, and my body was ever in good service.

With the benefit of hindsight, I can see how foolish I was to wreak such havoc on my body for the sake of fashion. Now that I’m well into body preservation, I feel it’s my duty to remind women of the perils, both present and future, of wearing mega-heels.

Who should buck it
With heels soaring to seven inches and models spilling all over the runways, it’s time to stop the insanity. At a recent fashion show in Montreal, no less than six models fell while strutting down the catwalk. A You Tube video recorded this epic fashion failure, which was harrowing at its worst and empowering at its best.

To wit: When the first model fell, rather than scrambling to her feet in her ridiculous heels, she kicked them off jauntily and carried them. That set a precedent for the next five models who followed suit when they wiped out on the runway. If models tutored in the art of walking in heels can’t manage seven-inch heels, we have no business wearing them either.

What to wear instead
For review, I’ll share what any good podiatrist worth his/her salt will tell you: wearing high heels frequently can be hazardous to your health. It adversely affects ankle joints, Achilles tendons, balls of the feet, knees and backs. Remember: parts are parts and parts wear out. Consider the immediate risk of broken ankles and torn ligaments not to mention the long-term effect of heels.

If you can manage it, stick with a two- or three-inch heel with a rounded or open toe. Choose wedges, platforms, or thick, stacked heels over stilettos. One need only look to national fashion plate Michelle Obama to see how lovely a low, kitten heel can be. I’m drawn to a few brands that merge comfort and style. One of my favorites is this vintage-inspired Beautifeel Boot, which has true Victorian cache. Get your pocket books out if you’re buying. I bought a pair on sale for $150. I shuddered at the time, but I wear them several times a week during the winter months. That’s a good value.

What’s your favorite shoe for fashion AND comfort?

Life is short. Wear the good stuff.

 

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