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High heels: Haute or hazard?
The statuesque model was walking down the catwalk in a flowing, floor-length black gown when gasps suddenly filled the air.
Momentarily stealing the spotlight from Randy Ortiz’ 20th anniversary gala last year, Suyen Chi-Sia gracefully fell on her bottom right in the middle of the platform.
She was not alone. On the other side of the globe, Australian model Abby Lee also lost her balance and fell on the Rodarte runway during the New York Fashion Week. Also in New York, two more towering models slipped at French designer Herve Leger’s fashion show.
Was there a curse on the falling models? Were the poised models careless? Or were the walkways too polished?
Whatever the reason, all the models definitely had one thing in common: they were wearing sky–high heels.
Last July, US brand Charles David issued a recall for around 3,200 pairs of high heel shoes. The cause: one woman reported that the heel of her shoe got detached, causing her to fall and get bruised.
According to Dr. Tanchuling, these are some of the common foot problems caused by pointed high heels:
Pump Bumps are swollen bumps at the back of the foot. When left untreated, these bumps can turn into inflamed sacs with fluid.
Calluses and corns are thickened mounds of skin that may appear on or between the toes.
But Dr. Emilia Halili – Tanchuling, orthopedic surgeon from Medical City, says the added height actually places a woman’s body in an abnormal position.
“When you’re wearing heels, your foot is thrust forward into your toes and on the ball of the feet. So what the body does is it tries to compensate. That is already a postural problem," Dr. Tanchuling said.
Women also like wearing high heels for the illusion of slimmer legs. But this also comes with a painful price.
“When you’re wearing high heels, you’re constantly trying to balance yourself so it puts added pressure on your entire lower extremities," Dr. Tanchuling said. “Prolonged wearing of high heels can cause strains in your calves, your thighs, even your lower back. It can also affect your joints."
And while they can give women a feel of runway elegance, high heels can cause a number of foot problems that are far from sexy.
Stiletto shoes that have pointed toes, narrow bodies and thin soles are considered the most torturous and hazardous.
Good high heels
With the risk of foot problems and deformities, does this mean women should resign themselves to wearing flats or flip flops?
Dr. Tanchuling said wearing footwear with heels is still the best bet for your feet.
“Wearing heels is better than wearing flats because it assists in the normal gait," she said. “Wear shoes with an inch or two at the most because this relaxes your heel cord. When you’re wearing flats, the heel cord is stretched so it puts additional strain on the heel."
And if you really want a height boost from your footwear, she recommended wearing foot-friendly shoes with thicker heels and soles such as wedges and espadrilles.
What if you absolutely need to wear your stilettos?
You still can, as long as you wear them in moderation.
Dr. Tanchuling said the American Society of Orthopedic Surgeons advise women who wear three–inch heels to keep it to a maximum of three hours to avoid foot pain or problems.
When buying a pair of shoes, ask yourself: “What do I need it for? Where do I plan to wear them?" Answering these questions will guide you in purchasing the right design for the right purpose.
Shape, heel height, design and materials must complement your feet. Are your arches pronounced? Are your feet large, slim or bony? The flat-footed will have difficulty with very high heels.
When buying shoes, keep in mind your lifestyle and existing wardrobe.
Buy shoes that fit you perfectly, especially high heels. Tight shoes will crook your feet and the arches cannot rest on the shoe base depriving you of the necessary support. This could be very tiring, if not painful.
Comfort, comfort and comfort again. Your shoes will carry you from morning until bedtime.
Take time to ask how your shoes are to be cleaned. Proper care will extend the lifespan of your shoes.
Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes for three consecutive days. Allow your shoes to dry from moisture and the leather to get back to form.
Do not dry your shoes directly under the sun. The leather will shrink. Use an electric fan.
Make sure to air out your shoes before storage. It is also advisable to air out or ventilate your shoe closet periodically. When she designs shoes, Tsin considers attention to details as a very important part of the process.
“A shoe has many parts - some we see, and some we don’t. It is the high quality of these parts and the skill and craftsmanship of putting these different parts together that results in the (shoes’) quality," she said.
