Women who cherish footwear worship at the altar of Manolo Blahnik. His delicate creations infused with an undeniably sensual essence are what our dreams are made of. But, if you have been walking perched atop impossibly tall stilettos for a while you too must know that the fascination with soaring heights comes at a steep price. High heels cause an array of serious foot problems ranging from painful bunions to unsightly calluses. Since no self-proclaimed fashionista can imagine a world devoid of towering Manolos and strappy Jimmy Choos, it is time we learned to cope with our addiction. Though stylish gals know the latest styles sold in the Neiman Marcus shoe salon like the backs of their hands, many cannot seem to buy them in the right size. I certainly have been guilty of investing in several pairs of shoes one size too big. But regardless of how amazing a model looks, a perfect fit is necessary for wearability. No two feet are created equal. So before making a purchase, try on both shoes in several different sizes to determine which selection feels most comfortable. Don’t rush to shoe shop at the early hours of the day. The afternoon is a far better time for your pursuits, as the feet swell to their natural size after several hours of activity. Orthopedists recommend wearing platforms as opposed to stilettos. Platforms provide the feet with greater support while affording the wearer a gravity boost. When picking the perfect pair of platforms, pay special attention to the toes. If you can’t wriggle your toes in the shoe, then the front must be excessively rigid or pointy. In either case the toes will sit slightly bent, causing pain and corns. Like calluses, corns are caused by the accumulation of special epidermal cells called keratinocytes. These cells accumulate in response to pressure or friction, usually over a bony prominence, like toe joints. To prevent their formation, refrain from buying footwear based on purely aesthetic considerations. We all have unique walks. Some saunter as others race down the street. Regardless of predisposition and habit, it is necessary to slow down when wearing heels. Take smaller steps and don’t lift the feet too far off the ground in strides. Refrain from leaning forward. Keep a straight posture and push the hips forward to balance the body. First press on the heel and subsequently land the sole of the foot gently on the ground. The key word is “gently”. If you are stomping instead of floating, people will be much more inclined to focus on your gait rather than the $800 Louis Vuitton concords you are sporting.
|
|