Look Taller And Slimmer
I love wearing high heels, but they always hurt my feet. How can I find a comfy pair?
By Jacqui Stafford
Q: I love wearing high heels, but they always hurt my feet. How can I find a comfy pair?
A: High heels place a disproportionate amount of stress and pressure on the ball of the foot, explains New York-based podiatrist Frederick Brookman, D.P.M. "They change your natural gait, which throws off your body's alignment," says Brookman. "Wearing them constantly can shorten the muscles in the back of the leg, causing pain." The key to comfort? Shoes that allow the foot to spread when standing, and cushioning under the ball of the foot. Shoe guru Manolo Blahnik, whose designs adorn the feet of celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, says comfortable heels have the perfect balance of being lightweight with a well-constructed heel. "The higher the heel, the more complex the construction. Designers often focus on how a shoe looks rather than a comfortable fit," he says. To test for comfort, stand the shoe on a table; if it wobbles, it will be hard to walk in. Another fit tip: "About 90 percent of people have different-size feet, so fit the larger one," advises Tina Aldatz Norris, founder of Foot Petals, the designer shoe cushions for high heels. "Walk around when you try on shoes--feet can expand as much as half a size with the pressure of your body weight when you stand up."
© 2008 Weider Publications, LLC, a subsidiary of
Submit a comment
READER COMMENTS
MB's answer is more helpful than you think.
Having sold shoes I can tell you that:
1. The types of heel that will place undo pressure on the ball of your foot is going to be specific to your foot and
2. With a proper fit (which will be determined by style and size), you won't get bunions and hammer toes nor will you always need cushioning - kinda his point... and
3. A large number of people buy the wrong size/style for fit because the shoe is "so cute". Having personally worn Manolo shoes, I can tell you the 4 inch heel on his shoes IS as or more comfortable for my feet and knees and low back than some of my flats.
The real key - find a designer that uses a foot similar to yours when designing. Wide feet will not do as well with Stuart Weitzman and Christian Louboutin as they will with Donald Pliner and Manolos. (Always exceptions). Even then, the width could be good but the toe box too shallow or the arch placement just a bit too forward or any other number of things.
Best bet- find your designer (at any price point) and still try on the shoes to be sure.
Also, if you buy at Nordstrom, you can buy/wear the shoes a few times and if they kill your feet they will take them back and help you find a better fitting shoe - risk free. A knowledgeable salesperson can guide you to the best types of shoe for your foot.
Having said that - if you wear heels every day at work, try to go barefoot often and practice yoga - keep the muscles in your legs and feet guessing and you will lessen or avoid injury... the way changing your workout helps you avoid a metabo-rut.
HAPPY SHOPPING!
— Teri
I thought that Jacqui Stafford was one of the Weight Loss Diarists?
— Lana
This answer isn't helpful at all. Make sure the shoe fits you? Duh. How about more useful advice about shoe cushioning or the types of heel that place more pressure on the ball of the foot?
— Emily
see all comments>