High heels have gotten a bad rap. In fact, the British Trade Union Congress has been drafting a ban in the workplace of heels over one-inch tall which they deem as "demeaning," sexist, and dangerous. I don't really get it. The labor organization is mostly male. I always thought men liked to see a girl in heels.
In fact, Isaac Mizrahi who may not be the most alpha of males has said, "All I want are high heels, high heels. If I was a girl, I'd wear a lot of high heels. High, stiletto heels."
Stilettos are like wine. One day, a glass of red wine is great for cardiac health. Just look the health of Mediterraneans. A few days later, moderate consumption of alcohol raises breast or prostate cancer risk. We can't win.
Despite all the hoopla how heels cause bodily harm, recent reports have addressed the benefits of Louboutin and company as well as some inherent problems with flats.
“Over the last three to four years we’ve had a significant increase in the number of problems caused be wearing flat shoes such as ballet pumps or flip-flops,” said Mike O’Neill, consultant podiatric surgeon and spokesman for the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists.
Donning flat shoes can cause wearers to shuffle which ruins posture. Feet roll forward which stretches ligaments and tendons, pulling toes out of alignment from feet, causing foot pain and ultimately unsightly bunions. The flat shoe shuffle can also force knees into an angle which can lead to inflammation, pain, and at times, at arthritic condition of the knees. When the feet roll in they pull the knees with them. Walking up hills or running in flats can cause inflammation along the shin and shin splints.
On the other hand, heels provide a plethora of benefits, all sexier than bunions and shin splints. High heels promote good posture, forcing a shift of balance as the heel hits the ground first. I have read that wearing heels lifts your bottom by 25% -- and ladies, who doesn't need that! Stilettos tone muscles and give legs a longer appearance. And get ready to break out the credit cards because an Italian urologist has found a fabulous health benefit to those Jimmy Choo's!
In a study to be published in European Urology, Dr Maria Cerruto cited her research promoting the pump. Higher heels may improve pelvic floor muscles, boosting your sex life.
Dr. Cerruto studied 66 heel wearing women under 50 and found that those who held their foot at a 15 degree angle to the ground, which translates to about a two inch heel, showed less electrical activity in their pelvic muscles, suggesting a strengthening and improvement in their ability to contract. Anyone who has been through pregnancy and childbirth can attest to importance of Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor. Who would have thought wearing high heels could give a similar benefit!
"Women often have difficulty in carrying out the right exercises for the pelvic zone and wearing heels could be the solution," said Dr. Cerruto. "Like many women, I like high-heeled shoes. It's good to know they have potential health benefits."
"We now hope to prove that wearing heels during daily activity may reduce the need for pelvic exercises," says Dr. Cerruto.
Infamous shoe designer Manolo Blahnik rejoiced in this news. "When you put on a high heel, it makes life more exciting," Blahnik claims.
"It's a way to appeal to the male species, to attract," he added, "and it works. I have men who tell me that heels have saved their marriage."
I will be signing off now to run to Nordstrom's to buy that stunning (and healthy!)pair of grey suede platform boots with the 3 1/2 inch heel!
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