I suppose before pursuing this much further one should define high heels. According to Jimmy Choo a ‘low heel’ is considered less than 2.5 inches (6 centimeters), while heels between 2.5 and 3.5 inches (8.5 cm) are considered ‘mid heels’, and anything over that is considered a ‘high heel.’ Others take a more simplistic view; ‘high heels’ range from 2" to 5" inches, with anything exceeding 5", deemed not functional but simply ‘jewelry for the feet.’
As I grew to reconcile myself with my height, I found myself tempted to try heels from time to time and in fact there is almost a societal expectation that a woman should wear them on certain occasions. Consequently I do have several pairs of low heels.
I can imagine some readers throwing up their hands in shock at my latest heresy. What got me kicked off in this vein was a brief discussion about the above pair of shoes I had with somebody while waiting for the dentist this week. Another woman showed them to me in a magazine with a dewy, far-away look in her eye and I went and spoilt the moment for her by suggesting they looked as though they had been designed for somebody with club foot.
So on the way home again I got to thinking about whether my aversion to heels was a sensible thing or not. Perceived wisdom is that high heels confer a range of aesthetic benefits:
They change the angle of the foot with respect to the lower leg, which it is alleged accentuates the appearance of the calves, although I tend to think they make calves look more rigid and sinewy.
They change the wearer's posture, requiring a more upright carriage and altering the gait which is considered seductive. If I’m truthful I might concede this point.
They make the wearer appear taller and legs appear longer. I already look like a flamingo so I’ve always felt this is a benefit I can eschew.
It is said they make the foot appear smaller. This is something I’ve never understood it almost takes you back to Japanese foot-binding. Besides what’s wrong with big feet? They should be in proportion to the rest of your body surely?
They make the arches of the feet higher and better defined. I must admit I’ve never had anyone compliment me on having lovely arches. Usually I find men’s eyes gravitate much further up the human frame.
It is said they may improve the tone of a woman's pelvic floor, thus affecting female incontinence and I must confess this is a new one of me. So I must reconcile myself to the fact that I should start buying shares in Tena Lady now.
Finally, they may help shorter people use items that have been designed for those of a normal height, e.g. sit upright with feet on floor on chairs that would otherwise be too high, reach items on shelves, etc.
And of course heels do allow you to pick apples up off the floor, something you can’t do with flatties.
The downside is heels cause foot pain, increase likelihood of sprains and fractures and can create foot deformities, including hammertoes and bunions.
Perhaps because of my judo days I value balance, surety of foot and the ability to react quickly. I find in heels I always feel I will topple over, they cause an unsteady gait, shorten my stride and render me unable to run or to react quickly.
Doctors say altered forces at the knee caused by walking in high heels may predispose you to degenerative changes in the knee joint and women who wear high heels have a higher incidence of degenerative joint disease of the knees. This is because they cause a decrease in the normal rotation of the foot, which puts more rotation stress on the knee.
Heels also slant the foot forward and down while bending the toes up which in turn causes the Achilles tendon to shorten. This may cause problems when the wearer chooses lower heels or flat-soled shoes. When the foot slants forward, a much greater weight is transferred to the ball of the foot and the toes, increasing the likelihood of damage to the underlying soft tissue that supports the foot. In many shoes, style dictates function, either compressing the toes or forcing them together, possibly resulting in blisters, corns, hammer toes, bunions, Morton's neuroma, plantar fasciitis and many other medical conditions, most of which are permanent and require surgery to alleviate the pain.
Also because heels tip the foot forward they put pressure on the lower back by making the rump push outwards, crushing the lower back vertebrae and contracting the muscles of the lower back.
The reality is in modern society, heels are an integral part of fashion, acting as a sexual prop. High-heels force the body to tilt, emphasizing the buttocks and breasts, highlights of a woman's sexuality. They also emphasize the role of feet in sexuality, and the act of putting on stockings or high-heels is widely seen as erotic. This desire to look sexy and erotic continues to drive women to wear high-heeled shoes, despite causing significant pain in the ball of the foot, or bunions or corns, or hammer toe. Perhaps more women think like me, but are constrained by societal pressure from acting? However, a survey conducted by the American Podiatric Medical Association showed some 42% of women said that they would wear a shoe they liked even if it gave them discomfort.
Anyway my nearest and dearest likes me in flatties as she says they even things up. What more could a girl ask for.
What kind of shoes do I like? Here are a couple of winter favourites one indoor one outdoor.
How about these Lady Ga Ga shoes?
Ok I do confess I do like the idea of being seen carrying heels although I realise some may see that as rather perverse….
And I do like red heels and I own two pairs which I wheel out for very ‘special’ occasions.
Here endeth this morning’s rant.
4 comments:
Yes, you in them or out of them is acceptable I'm sure. Of course to "even things up" in my case would take a heel of about negative 6"!
when most little girls were running around, testing out their mother's heels, I, however, was stomping around in my dad's workboots :-D
I was a great fan of wellies when I was small.
SHOESSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Post a Comment