 |
| (Img: mymindin.tumblr) |
It was said by the renowned Kenneth Cole, American clothing designer, that the average woman falls in love seven times a year. Only six times are with SHOES! But like all true love, sacrifice must be made. In this case, it’s the sacrifice of the wellbeing of your feet.
The heeled shoe dates back to the 1600’s, originally designed to assist horse riders and prevent their feet slipping. Ironically, the horse riders we’re predominantly all male. Women began wearing heels to replicate men. According to William Kremer, author of Why did men stop wearing high heels?, women would smoke pipes and wear hats that were very masculine. Hence why women adopted the heel.
Some might not understand the obsession women have with high heeled footwear but Elizabeth Semmelhack, Senior Curator at The Bata Show Museum believes “that high heels began to be seen as erotic footwear when they came back into fashion in the late 19th Century.”
Since then high heels for women have become a revolution, some would even argue, a guilty pleasure.
However, elongated legs unfortunately come at a cost says Dr. Ben Kim.
“Wearing high heels creates faulty biomechanics and unnecessary stress on your ankles, knees, pelvis, and potentially throughout your entire spine.” Kim, says to avoid wearing heels, period.
However many women choose to ignore the health warning.
“I absolutely love high heels! I’ll be honest, they aren’t as comfy as my ugg boots but the pain is definitely worth it,” says 19-year-old student Kali Matheos.
“I wear high heels every single day. I don’t own flat shoes. I can even run in them!” Impressive no? That’s the opinion of Sharri Markson, Editor at CLEO magazine.
High heels can change everything about an outfit and most women understand that a message about themselves is being sent by what they wear. The simple look of a top and jeans can go from casual to dressed up with the right pair of high heeled shoes. Similarly, not wearing heels will add to a very casual look.
Though, Marskon also added that “to look professional at work, heels are important.” Which explains why she wears them everyday!
I’m sure most ladies rock high heels at every interview over flats!
Ah, but what do guys think?
“High Heels are sexy. They attract more attention… Just the noise of a girl walking in them makes me look around to glance a glimpse,” says retail manager, Peter Doumit.
Even our own Gordon D’Mello had an interesting opinion.
“Heels can add so much to any outfit, and as a guy, we’re obviously going to take notice. However, in saying that, there is a time and place. If a girl wears heels everywhere (I’ve seen girls wearing ridiculously huge heels at chilled house parties), it definitely loses value. So don’t overdo it!”
Heels are head turning no doubt, but receptionist Angie Malgo says, “I love them because they make me taller and make me walk with more of a swing. I love the confidence a really gorgeous pair of heels gives me.”
Despite all the positive aspects, Dr Kim is still strongly against high heels. The advice Dr Kim is pretty straightforward.
“Our feet and the rest of your body pay a heavy price whenever you wear high heels. If you want to stay physically strong and mobile as you age, consider saying no to high heels, and yes to the most comfortable shoes that fit within your budget.”
So there are definitely fair points on either side of the heel argument, but Christian Louboutin wasn’t lying when he said that the stiletto is a feminine weapon that men just don’t have (anymore). Looks like all true love does come at a cost, but knowing all this, I’m still not going to give up my 34 pairs of high heels. What about you?
No Comments