Any heel over 1.5 inches is dangerous territory from a health point of view, says Sarah Freeman
EGYPTIAN BUTCHERS wore them in ancient times to elevate themselves above the carnage and Venetian courtesans wore them to pick delicately through the sewage-strewn streets.
To many, high heels are an indispensable weapon in a woman's charm offensive arsenal. To others, they are the ultimate symbol of our oppression; the prime example of self-mutilation and subjugation in the craven business of man-pleasing.
Whatever one's view, it can't be denied that they do elevate the derriere and lengthen the legs appealingly and, as such, will be popular as long as the laws of attraction hold true.
With a recent trend for super high heels dubbed the "Gwyneth Effect", thanks to the actress's propensity for wearing seven-inch killer heels on the red carpet, the need for some guidance is paramount.
As someone who has fitted in as many trips to the chiropodist as to the cobbler over the years because of my penchant for high heels, I decided to find out exactly what kind of damage was being inflicted in the pursuit of perfection.
Chartered physiotherapist Mark Sexton has seen first-hand the effects of heels on clients and although he's loathe to rob people of the joy of wearing them, thinks we should be aware of the inherent risks.
"They alter the posture from the neck down to the toes," he says. "There is even evidence to suggest that some neck pain could be provoked by heels and result in headache."
The difficulty, according to Sexton, is that high heels force one to walk on tiptoe and thus, exert a huge amount of pressure on the toes. Essentially, the higher the heel, the greater the pressure on the pinkies, the greater the damage.
"The foot is a spring which propels us around but by wearing heels, you're springing off the toes. In addition, they put pressure on the joints and cause an abnormality of posture, hammertoes and metatarsalgia."
So far, so bad and it gets worse. My high heels are a relatively restrained 8cm but, according to Sexton, anything over 7.5cm can lead to the shortening of calf muscles, which in turn can cause foot pain.
Of course, Sexton is keen to point out that occasional use of high heels is perfectly healthy if one does calf stretches after use and alternates by wearing flats. He does, however, warn against a danger present at the majority of modern weddings.
"A high heel impairs balance, as does alcohol, so a combination could be drastic."
Podiatrist and owner of the Chiropody Clinic in Clerys Department Store, Mike Hannan, says feedback from clients indicates that while women feel appealing and sexy in heels, they have also become somewhat of a uniform.
"Some women have to wear them to work, to look smart and professional in a suit. Society expects that," he says, adding however that no one seems to enjoy wearing them.
While it's true that a badly hewn heel can cause endless discomfort, a sleek elegant shoe will transform an outfit and bestow confidence on the wearer. And, of course, the erotic charge of heels is reason enough for their enduring popularity.
As long as they carry the cachet of allure, women will keep on buying them. Some men profess to love the sound of a woman in heels clip-clopping across a floor and I once knew a fellow whose pulse quickened whenever he saw a woman teeter precariously in heels.
Hannan advises those who wear heels on a regular basis to have hard skin treated to avoid calluses and corns developing. He says although bunions aren't caused by high heels, they can become much worse if continuous pressure is put on the foot.
While judicious use of high heels with attendant stretching will prevent discomfort, the super high heels are really only for those who can afford a chauffeur.
And how attractive are they really?
If style is all about proportion and silhouette, then seven inchers with platform soles that distort and bulk-up even the daintiest of frames can hardly be the ticket.
There is only so far a pelvis can tilt before one's back is arched uncomfortably and one's calves are so taut that they look set to pop. If it smacks of trying too hard, it's just not that alluring.
Heel Tips
DO
Go for a rounded toe rather than a pointed one. As the foot slips forward, the toes become crammed in a pointed shoe, whereas the rounder shape allows the toes a more natural alignment.
Get a shoe that fits; too small will pinch and put pressure on the toes; too big and the foot will slip and will have a compressive force on the toes.
Consider a thicker heel. Not only will it give you better balance, it will also take some pressure off your pinkies.
Consider that, from a health point of view, any heel above 1.5 inches is considered dangerous territory. If you insist on wearing higher, then make sure to stretch the calves after wear. The traditional calf stretch is best.
Warm up. A quick warm-up, Rocky style, will ensure your stems are better able for the shock of the elevation.
Practise in your shoes; in a carpeted room, stairs and on an incline. Remember that when going downhill, the heels throw one's weight forward so lean back.
Insert insoles. Because shock absorption is impaired in high heels, a cushioned/gel insole under the toes can lessen the effect.
Scuff the soles slightly before first wear to avoid the Bambi-on-ice effect.
Admire how fabulous you look . . .
DON'T
Spend a fortune on expensive heels in the belief that there are better health benefits. According to Sexton, there is no discernible health difference between a costly high heel and a cheap one.
Wear towering heels and drink alcohol without being aware of the increased imbalance potential.
Walk on cobblestones in high heels.
Drive in high heels. It may sound like a no-brainer but, apparently, a huge number of accidents are caused by drivers wearing inappropriate shoes.