subject: What Makes A Comfortable High Heel [print this page] Although many women wear high heels to work, it's no secret that heels can be uncomfortable and cause a great deal of foot pain. Some of the problems associated with wearing high heels daily include:
- Bunions, a painful swelling of the joint where the big toe joins the foot. Bunions may require surgery to be properly repaired.
- Hammertoes, a condition in which the toes curl under themselves. This condition may also require surgery.
- Corns, painful growths caused by the thickening of the skin on the foot.
- Neuroma, or swelling of the nerves in your toes. This could lead to permanent nerve damage.
- Joint pain, which can be located throughout the body as it tries to overcome the awkward posture created by wearing heels.
High heels were never intended for everyday use; however, many women are required to wear them for a professional appearance on the job. They keep their comfortable shoes as weekend wear to give their poor feet a break.
What if you had the option to wear comfortable heels? Comfortable heels would not only prevent these problems from occurring in the first place, they may actually reverse some of the problems before they reach the point where surgery is the only treatment option.
What makes a comfortable high heel?
Comfortable heels are designed in such a way that they work with your foot and not against it. The heel tends to be lower, giving you a more natural stride and preventing aches and pains in your knees, hips and lower back, some of the most common areas of discomfort in women wearing high heels. Adding a bit of a platform to the whole shoe gives the illusion of a higher heel, without the pain and discomfort.
The inside is designed to provide comfort and padding where you need it most. This helps prevent the formation of corns, calluses and other skin problems. A roomy, comfortable box creates space for your toes and prevents deformities like bunions and hammertoes.
How to choose a comfortable high heel
1. Shop from a retailer who specializes in comfortable shoes.
2. Look for materials that cushion and protect the foot. Some of these include gel liners, adjustable closures and arch support.
3. Choose retailers who carry a variety of brands that are known for their comfort, selection and style.
4. Returns should be simple, if necessary. Shoe sizes can vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer, and it's crucial that your shoes fit you properly. All the padding in the world will not help if the shoe is simply too large or too small for your foot.
How comfortable heels help
Heels that are designed with special attention to arch support and toe comfort will prevent problems like plantar fasciitis and bunions. If your feet are used to being tightly crammed into shoes that are really too small, they will rejoice at the wide open space that a comfortable high heel will provide.
When you walk in high heels, a lot of pressure is directed away from the soles of your feet and into your toes. If your toes don't have space to spread out, you are essentially walking en pointe all day - just like a ballet dancer. While this can make your legs look long and lean, it sets you up for bone and nerve problems in your toes.
By supporting your arch so that more of your body's weight is carried on the sole of the foot, your stride will be more natural, and you will be able to walk more like the way that nature intended.
The key to wearing heels
Even when you are wearing heels designed to be comfortable and to provide your feet with the proper support you need, you should still take a break now and then. Wear comfortable heels one day and flats the next. Not only will this vary your look and keep it interesting, your feet will have the opportunity to relax. Keep in mind that heels are not intended for certain jobs and be realistic. If you have a job that requires a lot of walking, a low heel may be a better option, and a flat is likely to be the best of all.
Listen to your feet and your body. Pain and discomfort indicate that something is wrong. The solution is not to power through it. The solution is to take a break, take off your shoes and wear something else for a while. If foot pain continues to be a problem, have your feet and your shoes assessed by a podiatrist.
