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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
What’s your favorite shoe for fashion AND comfort?
Life is short. Wear the good stuff.
7 comments
September 24, 2012 at 8:54 pm
Dr. Scholl’s 🙂 Seriously. I have several cute and comfy pairs. Also I enjoy several Kate and Kelly offerings. I still love my heels but, like the man said, all things in moderation.
September 25, 2012 at 11:30 am
Amen…and amen!
September 25, 2012 at 1:26 pm
I completely agree! The tallest heels in my closet are 4 inches with platforms, that puts them at really a 3 1/2 in heel. My favorite shoes are by Paul Green and I have had them for several years. They are well made have only a two inch heel and are very comfy. They also cost me dearly, however, after an ankle surgery for peroneal tear and plantar fascia in both feet I have learned to take care of my feet and ankles. No more craziness of my youth. I do remember those Candies. I really like the Cole Hahn heels with the Nike Air technology. It makes for a comfortable shoe as well.
September 25, 2012 at 2:58 pm
I always learn so much from your comments. I hadn’t heard of Paul Green and want to keep an eye out for that brand. Funny that you remember Candies…as I recall there was no acceptable substitute. Those were the times. Cole Haan I love, but sooooo expensive! Alas, I never see them in my size on sale.
September 25, 2012 at 3:05 pm
I knew this would draw you out, Miss Linda, woman of many shoes! I’m going to have to search for the Kate and Kelly brand. Thanks for sharing that!
September 26, 2012 at 2:32 pm
I wish I could wear super high heels, but I can’t. I got knee surgery in my mid-twenties (oh boy!) and my knees can’t handle them. What I *can* wear is super tall platform heels. If you can handle your center of gravity being a little off (which I’ve acclimated myself to), you’re golden. I love them. They’re tough and not delicate. They elongate my legs and let me have a taste of what it’s like to be tall. I’ve found that flats are just as bad (or worse) for my feet/knees than super high heels. Dr. Scholl’s are a must.
September 26, 2012 at 4:29 pm
You? Knee surgery! Okay, now I’m feeling better about protecting my parts. I know what you mean about flats. I have a couple of pair that were really expensive and they are worse than house slippers. I worry about walking on concrete in them. Plus, I just gotta have a little height to balance me out! I’ve heard other people say great things about Dr. Scholl’s too. Thx for the comment!