Heels: Height and health
Has your heel-habit changed? In my large city, I rarely see a woman past 50 in the highest heels, at least by day. Most wear the moderate pump, kitten heels or flats. Women in their 20s and 30s, though, lope along in four inches or higher.
Much as I admire their pretty pairs, I simply can't walk in heels without pain, and now I've learned why.
A kinesiology masters student, Danielle Barkema, had 15 women walk in flats, 2-inch and 3.5-inch heels. Using sensors, cameras and other equipment, she measured the forces acting on their knee joints and the shock wave traveling up their bodies from the heel strike.
As heels got higher, compression grew on the inside of the knee. Heels two inches and higher also changed joint positions at the ankle, hip and trunk.
"I tell my friends to wear high heels in moderation", Barkema said, "and if possible, to wear lower heels."
Heights of pleasure
How can bad girls go good? A few ways to mitigate the damage, below.
A wedge gives more stability than a thin heel. Nike Air Delfina Open-Toe Wedge with internal cushioning, cork platform, leather upper. Price, $198 from Zappos.
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| Palomino wedge |
More heft to the heel creates less shock on the joint. The Charles Jourdan "Fae" is still high, but the chunky heel is far gentler than a stiletto. Price, $225 from Zappos.
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| Camel architectural heel |
Look for a padded footbed. You can buy inserts, but they can make the fit too tight. Kors calls his "MK-Flex"; his python pumps with 3-inch heel pack that secret soother. Price, $110 from Zappos.
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| Glazed python pump |
Switch to flats, at least some days. Many women say they never thought they'd wear them, but then realized after trying a pair that their headache was gone. Aquatalia's studded patent "Ogle" flats prove flat isn't frumpy. You might have to re-hem your pants, but you'll be able to skip across town. Price, $225 from Zappos; also in red.
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| Studded flats |
Comments
Usually I opt for flats for day but this year I plan to be investing in some kitten heels. I find that pumps in the kitten design look feminine and dressy, even if the heel is not very high.
Having said that, I think I need to come up with an outfit to wear with the 3" heel plum suede slingbacks I bought right before I quit working. SUCH gorgeous shoes but I've barely worn them!
(Oh, I picked up a pair of Thierry Rabotin shoes and Arche sandals for the upcoming trip. )
I have a few pairs of boots that don't fit either category, but have nice solid heels in the 2" vicinity. My "Mrs. Peel" boots only get worn when I'm going to be doing more riding and sitting than walking and standing.
I'll probably add a pair of black kitten heel pumps to the mix for fall, but nothing wilder than that.
dana: Exactly what happened to me, but I missed the thrill of heels for a year.
Belle: I think having good legs encourages wearing of heels, mine are long but not shapely.
Jill: Those heels sound special. maybe a navy pantsuit?
wendelah1: I am 5'10 and in my heel wearing days never minded reaching 6'2" in stilettos. In fact I liked it. You are lucky to have such a long sandal season.
materfamilias: The metatarsal is where the heels just kill! I was once of those tall women who did not mind being taller.
Rubi: a 2" heel on a boot is a great option for adding drama without the joint problems described, but I still feel 2" heels in my back.
Patti: I realized after I wrote this I had not had my one pair of heels (2.5 inches) out of their shoe bag for 2 years. Oops!
C.
as a height challenged gal I should be wearing higher shoes but cannot walk properly so I adore flats!
I see many young gals wearing spiked heels and they look like they are going to topple over in a strong breeze!
hostess: Women can be any height, I don't see any sense in wrecking our knees and backs to be taller. I too have seen some women hobbling, heels covered in band-aids, on 4 inch heels.
I have enjoyed wearing boots with chunky heels.
I still wear heels, rarely over 3" unless there is a platform, and never all day or when I have to walk or be on my feet for long long periods (except for about 2" on a museum day, with a change for walking). Since my life is much more casual now I am mostly in flats or low wedges or platforms. When I do wear heels, I admit it is all about vanity; my legs have always been among my best features and I don't mind being taller even though I am 5'9".
We might consider that we are voluntarily rendering ourselves unable to walk much, and ask ourselves why we are so willing to sacrifice access to mobility.