TIPS FOR Wearing High Heels
Why do women wear high heels? A quick online search tells us that the reasons are many. A sense of empowerment, a more pleasing shape to the calf, loving a wide variety of styles, even simply just being taller!
However, due to extensive research by and advice from those in the skeletal-know, that high heels pose problems for our physical well-being. The difficulties can range from blisters, to corns and callouses, to serious and debilitating foot, knee, and back pain.
And yet we still want to wear those dramatic black stilettos, or those nude heels to help us channel our inner Duchess of Cambridge. So how can we have the empowerment, fashion, and fun without the bodily affliction?
OUR TOP Tips for Wearing High Heels
WHAT TO DO & WHAT NOT TO DO
Well, there’s good news! We can all wear those gorgeous high heels with confidence and ease of mind. Just follow a few simple rules to keep your feet healthy & happy, and the high-heeled world is your oyster.
It is recommended that we should reserve our daring and delightful heels for special occasions. Much like with our favourite frocks and best jewellery; our high heels should only come out to play when the event is worth it.
This is especially true for those backless high-heeled shoes that you coveted but now find difficult to wear all day long. Because backless shoes force our toes to scrunch up as we walk, this places much more strain on our muscles to keep us upright and moving forward. Wearing them all day long will not only be uncomfortable, it will take a long-term toll on your physical well-being. So save them for when you have an evening of absolute glamour – and very little dancing – ahead of you!
How Often Should I wear high Heels?
Varying the styles of shoes you wear, especially the heel heights from day to day is another way to conserve your foot, knee, and back health for the long haul. If you know you wear a pair of high heels on Friday evening that demands those stilettos come out of the closet, prepare for it in advance by wearing lower heels or flats in the early part of the week. For everyday use, aim to keep your heel height to about 3.5cm – 4cm. And then wearing those stilettos will be all the more dramatic at the weekend.
Stretch to Help Feet Stay Supple
Calf stretches will also help you keep your feet supple and maintain a wide range of movement. You can do these stretches every day, not just when wearing heels, to keep those lovely legs limber.
- Stand facing a wall with your feet hip-width apart, slightly bent at the knee
- Take one step forwards, and using your arms to lean against the wall, keep your front leg bent while straightening your back leg, with both feet flat on the ground
- Lean in towards the wall, feeling your muscles stretching in your calf and heel
- Hold for 20 seconds and return to a standing position
- Alternate legs until each calf has been stretched 5 times
Most importantly, if you experience any problems with your feet, seek advice from your GP and/or an HCPC registered podiatrist/chiropodist. Your GP can refer you or you can look for a list of private practitioners. Although we are usually quite happy to suffer a bit for a little fashion in the short term, pain should never be a normal part of your everyday shoe-wearing experience. If your feet, knees, or back are always hurting, it’s time to find out why.
The Importance of Professional Shoe Fitting
In addition to these suggestions, we recommend that you always have your shoes professionally fitted. The right fit can make all the difference in the world to your toes and heels. Visit any one of our stores and have a chat with one of our fitting experts who can measure and professionally fit and advise you on the best brand and style for you. Plus, while you’re there, you can browse all the heels that are just waiting to be loved!
Following these simple tips for wearing high heels will mean you will have a lifetime to enjoy all those high heels that are sure to come your way.
Have fun!