We are anti-comfort shoe here at EcoSalon. Okay, so maybe we’re a wee bit sensitive about the Birkenstock-crunchy-hippie-girl stereotype that is burned into our corneas, often tainting our dreams with wide-splayed toes and collapsed arches. (You think?) But really, it’s because there are some killer eco-options out there for elegant footwear. Olsen Haus or Cri de Couer?
And so, we’ve often wedged our paws into higher heels, only to collapse the next day with numb toes and angry arches. High heels can hurt, and here’s the science as to why. I spent one day last weekend in a pair of three-inch heels. Almost seven days later, the feeling is just coming back in my left toes. (Well played, irony.) Yep, I do admit to spending a large chunk of my time traipsing around in sneakers. But sometimes you just need a dress shoe.
So how best to take care of your toots when embarking on high heels?
Wear a thicker heel.
Yes, stilettos are awesomely chic, and hats off to the girl and inspiring drag queen who can rock them. But the more pressure shoved onto the balls of your feet, the more your balls will rebel. Consider a thicker heel. I’m not saying early 1990s chunky Mary Jane Doc Martin’s thick (yes, I had these and yes, I am old). But maybe not weapon-y thin.
Look at the angle of your foot bed.
A more gradual slope will relieve the pressure on the balls of your feet. Yes, the 4-inch drop will make you look fashionable, but it’s not going to give you a lot of longevity on your feet.
Go open-toe.
A rumor milling about the universe for decades is that Marilyn Monroe got her pinky toes shaved down because she wanted to be more comfortable in her heels. While it is probably not true, (RIP curvy goddess,) it does rank highly in “Oh MAN that skeevs.” The rest of us could just consider open toe heels. They help relieve some of the pressure on your squished toes.
Purchase foot bed cushions.
Thinks about picking up some foot petals. These shoe cushions claim to be made from a breathable eco-friendly material.
Bring flats.
Anyone else ever walk barefoot on New York City streets because you couldn’t bear to take another step in your hells – I mean heels? There are cute portable flats you can carry in your handbag.
Take them to a pedorthist for a custom fit.
A pedorthist (yes, I had to Google this) “is a medical professional who specializes in the use of footwear and supportive devices to address conditions which affect the feet and lower limbs.” They can also custom fit your heels to your feet, making walking in them much easier.
Foot massage, foot massage, foot massage.
Enlist a significant other or take to your own feet. (We won’t judge. Okay, Christine O’Donnell might.) Add a little eco-friendly oil and you’re good to go. Sometimes the only thing that can restore feet is rubbing the blood back into them.
Buy comfortable brands.
A lot of the traditional “grandma-shoe” brands – Naturalizer, Uggs, and so on – actually make really cool kicks. Want a guide to awesomely eco high heels? Check out our look at some of our favorite brands.
Image: thepresidentwearsprada