Negative Effects ~

A lot of work has to be put into wearing heeled shoes, which makes the attraction of wearing them not so appealing to the body. The arched back brought on by the heeled shoe alters the positions and angles at which joints are allowed to move. The pelvic and abdominal organs must adapt to these positions, which puts strain on the body. The high amount of pressure focused on the ball of the foot adds stress to the ball. Even the heel experiences strain. When walking in four inch heels, the force on the heel of the foot is equivalent to the force felt when running. The way the heel creates the look of long, muscular legs actually takes away from the propulsive power of tendon and leg muscles. This power has to be taken from somewhere else, so knees, thighs, hips, and buttocks are strained.

Hybrid Heels

Luckily, there has been a response to the pain of walking in heels. Shoemakers have come up with a less painful design by integrating technology already found in athletic shoes. Recently, high-heeled shoes were released with pouches of gas similar to those found in running and basketball shoes. These air bags are made from “two layers of fabric connected by thousands of fibers. The fabric layers are surrounded by pressurized gas and encased in and attached to a flexible plastic capsule” . These pockets distribute weight more evenly across the shoe, so the shift in center of gravity, as previously discussed, is minimized. They are inserted in the heel and under the front sole in a variety of hybrid high heels in order to counterbalance pressure put on the ball of the foot while walking and on the heel of the foot while standing.

Now, some might wonder why it would be beneficial to buy these shoes when inexpensive gel cushions can be used. One obvious reason is that inserts can be seen if the shoe does not enclose all sides of the foot. The best reason, however, is that the air bags do not erode. When compressed by a footfall, the capsule compresses and then springs back into shape to provide cushioning and absorb shock from the next footfall. So, in addition to being comfortable, these shoes are attractive and durable. Hyrbrid heels will not completely rid all the strains caused by high heels, but they are a start. “There’s still a lot of room out there for development,” says Karen Mickle, a PhD student at the University of Wollongong’s Biomechanics Research Laboratory. Footwear scientists predict many more advances in heeled footwear are on the way.

Conclusion

High-heeled shoes are a classic way to enhance appearance because they create a classic poise and walk. They are able to transform the body to move in a provocative way mainly because they shift the center of gravity and cause the body to use more muscle and movement to maintain balance. Women have forever been complaining about the way these shoes make the body ache, so innovations are finally being made to high-heeled shoes, although no solution has yet been found to completely rid all the strains of wearing these tall shoes. Engineering comfortable heels could turn out to be problematic since it may require alterations of the classic high-heel design that has been around for the past 50 years. Still, it is a step forward in the world of shoe engineering to move away from the athletic department and into an untouched fashion zone.

Post Note* As of 2010, several higher quality heel designers, have added a padded platform to the  outside bottom of the higher 4-inch heel shoes. This allows less pressure on the ball of the foot and helps with balance. I recently selected a pair at Nordi’s and quickly realized it was worth the extra expense, to have “happy” feet. Do your research, for a platform bottom in your shoe size. Also, select a shoe that has EXCELLENT (1) strap support around the heel,(2) across the top middle, (3) and across the toes. Try for thicker heel,  or stick with the classic 3 inch high heel, or try one of the newer high-higher-highest wedge which works well for comfort, balance and style.  Also, observe professional ball-room dancers on television. The lady pros wear a “dancer high heel shoe” for balance…which is basically full leather  non-stretch support  strap. Many wear a T -Strap shoe,  which is an excellent style choice for balance and comfort.  

We all love our high heels (I started stealing my mothers high heels at age 4 ).  However, spending extra time shopping and money to find your perfect fitting- basic black high heel shoe, is one of your most important wardrobe purchases.  You don’t need a lot of shoes, you need ONE great fitting black heel. Many, if not most of my clients, arrive for a consultation with me, wearing heels their unable to stand and walk in…without a ”wobble-heel”. (A wobble heel is the kiss of death in modeling school)!  Next, my girls say over and over, “But Denae,  I love my (3, 4 or 5 inch) heels”. My reply? “I love them too, but you must consider the effect they have on your first  impression upon entering a room.. shaky at best.  Lets get real with ourselves. We all LOVE wearing heels, they help us look sexy, thin, and they CAN help our walk look like a million dollars; so we all need to realize what is most important. At the end of the day….no one will remember (or care)  about the heel height you wore…but YOU!  However, everyone looking at you,  WILL see and remember how you looked walking and moving during the entire event! 

  A lesson, I had to learn, myself.