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Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 7:59:45 AM

TheLadyConstance

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Joined: 8/19/2008
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I'm what you might call a late bloomer. I didn't wear make-up until I was in my late 20's, and I'm just now learning to totter around in high heels. I guess I skipped the days they taught those skills in Girl Camp.
My question is this: HOW do you keep your feet from going on strike?
I know that heels (especially the higher ones) aren't meant to be worn for long periods of time and are really more for show, but are there any tricks you use to lessen the torture on your poor feet, or to prevent getting nasty callouses?
I'm developing an obsession with shoes, and I want to learn any tricks I can before I do permanent damage to my tootsies!

Post #: 1

RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 8:02:02 AM

Lynnxz

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From: Atlanta
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Heels are horrible for your feet. :P

If you are just starting out, run around in 1/2-1 inch heels for a bit, and work your way up. Dr Scholls... (Sp?) ... also makes these little gel inserts that go in the tip of the shoe, to lessen the impact on the ball of your foot.

As far as callouses, I don't get them- and I end up in heels a *lot*. It's possible your shoes aren't fitting correctly. Either go nab some new shoes, or go get one of those spa pedicures.... yum. ^_^

< Message edited by Lynnxz -- 9/7/2008 8:04:20 AM >

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RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 8:11:22 AM

MadameMarque

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One consideration, for wearability of the footwear, is how steep the angle of incline is, between where your foot's heel rests in the shoe/boot, and where the ball of your foot rests. Of course, it's the nature of high heels to pitch your foot forward, but I'm talking about the difference between how one pair of 5" heels is constructed, compared to another pair of 5" heels.

Working with the same height of heel - whatever the height -, the closer the front of the shoe is to the heel of the shoe, the more steep the incline, the more it tips your weight forward onto the balls of your feet with every step, and the more uncomfortable they are to wear.

So, try to go for footwear with a more gradual slope, compared to others of the same heel height. For actual walking around, try to avoid those that make you stand on tiptoes.

Another thing that will make the slope of a high heel more gradual is a platform, under the ball of the foot. If the heel's 5", and the platform's 3/4", for example, then your heel is only tilted up 4 1/4", not the full 5".

Am I describing this so it can be visualized?

< Message edited by MadameMarque -- 9/7/2008 8:17:10 AM >

(in reply to TheLadyConstance)

Post #: 3

RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 8:13:27 AM

marieToo

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From: Jersey
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If you get high heels that have a platform, it takes a lot of the pitch off the position of your foot. I find them much more comfortable than heels that don't have a platform. And you don't have to get those really huge trashy platforms either. Even a 1/2 inch or 1 inch platform makes a big difference when it comes to comfort.

Also you might want to try wedges. They're not as sexy as stilettos and such, but some of them are really cute and they are much easier to walk in.

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RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 8:13:49 AM

MsStarlett

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Joined: 12/23/2007
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Lord have mercy child! Don't do what *I* always do... You saw me hobbling around Dragon Con... And every one I know has heard me whine about my feet! I know what I should do, but never seem to have the time to DO what I know I should and just think "I'll be ok." But I never am.

The problem is that I wear comfy shoes all the time... then jump straight to the 4+ inch heals just for conventions and end up walking WAY more than I ever plan to. I also neglected to go to the store for those gel inserts. Those help a lot... but get the name brand ones! I've wasted way to much money trying to save a dollar by getting the store brand ones. Those suck. I put them in my shoes and they move around instead of staying under the balls of my feet where I need them the most.

A little prevention is also worth a pound of cure. If you're going to be wearing the hot pump style shoes... get those good fabric Bandaids and put them on your heals BEFORE you get the blisters. They come in a 'fleshy' color and don't really show that badly under stockings. If you can see them and don't want anyone else to see them, invest in the Cuban Heal stocking to hide them. I've also heard that you can wrap the ball of the foot and toes with some sort of athletic tape that ballet dancers use. I've never tried that... but anything would have helped last weekend. *whimper*

Also - DO NOT wear dress shoes without stockings of some sort. That was my real big mistake this week. I was wearing a white 'sun dress' and decided that I wanted to wear my cute little peek-a-boo toe red shoes but didn't want to wear the HOT pantihose in the Atlanta heat. I ran blisters on my heals before the convetion even got started good. Then I suffered the entire weekend. Although... it did start to be a bit of a running joke that I was running around CARRYING my hot boots and going barefoot in the lobbies.

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Post #: 5

RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 8:14:45 AM

MadameMarque

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Joined: 3/19/2005
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...coincidentally, my feet were victims to a new pair of shoes, just last night, but due to friction, and not height of the heel.

Anyone who has helpful suggestions on breaking in new shoes painlessly, would be greatly appreciated.

(in reply to TheLadyConstance)

Post #: 6

RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 8:17:11 AM

MsStarlett

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Joined: 12/23/2007
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Oh! And don't try to wear stilettos in thick carpet. You'll break and ankle!

Don't be embarrassed to lean on your boy when going up or down stairs. Make him walk one stair lower than you and put a hand on his shoulder for balance. They like to feel useful.

_____________________________

It is by caffeine alone I set my mind in motion.
It is by the beans of Java that thoughts acquire speed,
the hands acquire shakes, the shakes become a warning,
It is by caffeine alone I set my mind in motion.

(in reply to MsStarlett)

Post #: 7

RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 8:18:10 AM

marieToo

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From: Jersey
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quote:

ORIGINAL: MadameMarque

Anyone who has helpful suggestions on breaking in new shoes painlessly, would be greatly appreciated.

Put on a pair of socks (no one has to see) for cushioning, and wear them around the house for an hour at a time until they break in.

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marie.

I give good agita.

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Post #: 8

RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 8:25:17 AM

MadameMarque

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Joined: 3/19/2005
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quote:

ORIGINAL: marieToo

quote:

ORIGINAL: MadameMarque

Anyone who has helpful suggestions on breaking in new shoes painlessly, would be greatly appreciated.

Put on a pair of socks (no one has to see) for cushioning, and wear them around the house for an hour at a time until they break in.

Marie, that sounds like a good idea. Is it tried and true?

Thanks!

(in reply to marieToo)

Post #: 9

RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 8:31:46 AM

marieToo

Posts: 3595
Joined: 5/21/2006
From: Jersey
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quote:

ORIGINAL: MadameMarque

quote:

ORIGINAL: marieToo

quote:

ORIGINAL: MadameMarque

Anyone who has helpful suggestions on breaking in new shoes painlessly, would be greatly appreciated.

Put on a pair of socks (no one has to see) for cushioning, and wear them around the house for an hour at a time until they break in.

Marie, that sounds like a good idea. Is it tried and true?

Thanks!

Yes it works nicely, especially if the shoes are leather they really conform to the shape of your foot. The man-made materials are a bit harder to break-in, but it does help.

_____________________________

marie.

I give good agita.

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Post #: 10

RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 9:35:52 AM

TheLadyConstance

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Joined: 8/19/2008
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Excellent ideas, ladies! Keep 'em coming!

And MsStarlett, I feel your pain, honey. I walked 5 friggin' blocks to and from the convention in these impossibly tall heels with NO socks or hose underneath. Argh! By two hours into the show I was kicking them off under the table and flouncing around in my bare feet.

I got some little gel inserts for the balls of my feet yesterday, but I haven't had a chance to wear them yet. It's been all flats or low, low heels this week in an effort to try to get some feeing back in a toe that I pinched a nerve in over the weekend. Idiot.

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Post #: 11

RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 9:44:58 AM

zakkan

Posts: 606
Joined: 4/15/2008
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Funny isn't it? Heels were invented to stop ladies from walking around too much.

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RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 9:48:05 AM

LadyHibiscus

Posts: 27124
Joined: 8/15/2005
From: Island Of Misfit Toys
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The thing with heels is that a size 5 shoe has the *same* heel height AND PITCH as a size 10 shoe! That's why my friends with large feet have a much easier time of wearing heels than I do, as a size 8.

Pick the height that goes with your foot size, and stick with it. I don't go higher than three inch heels, unless I am showing off or doing a photo shoot. When your foot is in that high heel position, it changes shape, obviously. The designers of shoes do not care about that, and design their shoes for hotness, not wearability. If you are lucky enough to have Ferragamo Feet, good for you! The rest of us...well, I say we should learn to save our money and only buy shoes that have the right amount of metatarsal room. Some shoes can be stretched, but fake and patent leather CANNOT.

I have never tried those gel inserts, but the principle is sound. The only thing with any insert is that they take up room in the shoe that your foot might need! HOSIERY. They still make those sockliners for shoes---wear them! The difference in friction if you are actually going to be walking around a con is tremendous.

What Lynnxz says about working your way UP to heels is very sensible. When I wore heels to work, I alternated among different heel heights every day, and it made a big difference. Now I wear flats pretty much all the time, and heels feel as wacky as pointe shoes to me---how did I wear them every day? As to the callus issue, I find that sadly, age is a factor. I never had that problem in my 20's, but in my 40's, I really have to stay on top of it. Pedicures are our friend!

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RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 10:17:01 AM

TNstepsout

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Definitely start with a wedge or platform. Those are a lot more sturdy and offer more support for your foot. I also find that a high heeled boot has more support than a shoe because it keeps the ankle from wobbling. Since the fall is approaching you might try getting started with boots instead of shoes. To start I would stay away from light strappy sandals, especially those with only a band across the front of the foot or anything with a thin bendy sole.

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Post #: 14

RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 11:04:00 AM

DelilahDeb

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Joined: 1/27/2008
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For blister and callous prevention, there's a product called "moleskin" that is designed for just that purpose. It lets the rubby spots slip past the moleskin instead of your skin. Hikers and backpackers know all about it, as you DAMN sure don't want to be out in the wilds mid-week getting blisters with your destination & pick-up still 93 miles away. I'm sure you'll find it in a big display of Dr. Scholl's stuff. Sort of a super-soft thin felt that comes in a sheet of like 4 by 5 inches and is lightly adhesive on one side. Folks put it inside the heel of the shoe/boot and so on, the boot slips easily past the tight spot without the friction on your skin.

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RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 11:12:24 AM

pinnipedster

Posts: 217
Joined: 4/17/2008
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quote:

ORIGINAL: LadyHibiscus

The thing with heels is that a size 5 shoe has the *same* heel height AND PITCH as a size 10 shoe! That's why my friends with large feet have a much easier time of wearing heels than I do, as a size 8.

True, but on the other hand, your over-all size and weight can make a huge difference, too. To get geeky for a moment, it's a matter of the square-cube law. If you just "scale up" a hypothetical average person, the surface area of the feet increases by the square of the linear dimension, whereas the persons volume (and therefore weight) increases by the cube.

I haven't done the math, but I suspect that a woman of, say, 140 pounds wearing a size eight shoe is carrying a lot less weight per square inch of foot size than I am, as a 250-pound crossdresser wearing size 14 shoes, even though I would have a significantly lower "slope."

I think everyone's covered the basics: start slowly, don't wear them for too long at a stretch, build up from medium to higher heels, try wedgies or chunky heels rather than stilettos, and make sure you get good shoes that really fit well. As for hosiery, I personally prefer it, but at least here in southern California, hose seem to be totally "out" fashion-wise -- I live in a part of the city that is party central on the weekends, and I see hundreds of young women running around in fancy short dresses on the weekends, and rarely see even *one* wearing hose these days. Of course, at a scene event, I think things are different, as certainly things like fishnets or seamed hose have plenty of fetish appeal. :)

Also, never forget boots! Not only can they be very comfortable and attractive, but you can wear big fuzzy socks under them and no one has to know. :)

(in reply to LadyHibiscus)

Post #: 16

RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 11:18:50 AM

KCherry

Posts: 2264
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: Send Help, Fla.
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Well, I sell shoe,s all day, everyday, so I guess I can chime in here. lol.

The first thing you want to consider when looking at heels is the incline. A shoe with a steeper incline is going to put more of the pressure on the soles of your feet and therefore is going to hurt more and quicker. Shoes with a raised platform in the front allow for a taller heel without so much of an incline. So, a 3 inch heel with no platform and just a bit of rubber in the front would be more uncomfortable than a 5 inch heel with a 2 inch platform on the front. The second thing you want to consider is whether or not your foot is sliding down into the front of the shoe. Since heels are at such an incline the feet tend to slide down and the toes get squished, especially the pinky toe. The last thing you want is a blistered pinky toe. lol. If your foot is sliding then you can buy pads that goe in the front of the shoe that prevent that. The third thing to look at and the one that causes the most blisters is the fit in the back of the shoe. A shoe that is too tight can cut in and cause a blister and one that is too tight can flop off and on as you walk and cause one too. A shoe that is too tight can only really be fixed if it is leather, since 'pleather' materials dont stretch. This can be done in two ways. The first is to put on a pair of socks with the heels for a minimum of two days before you wear them out. You can just walk around your house like that. The second way is to get them stretched when you buy them. Most shoe stores will do it at no charge and they have the proper chemicals and equiptment to do the job. If a shoe is too loose in the back you can buy little rubber inserts called heel grippers to keep the shoe from flopping around, you can try wearing the shoes with stockings to take up the extra space, or you can wear band aids where the heels rub at your heels, which although unfortable, will keep you from having blisters.
The most important step with heels, which I think we can all agree on, is to only try and wear them when you have to. Lets face it 5 inch stilettos were never meant to be worn for more than a few hours.

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RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 11:27:45 AM

seababy

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Use the gel inserts for the ball of your foot as Lynnxz said.
When walking in heels try and hit with the heel first as you step forward not the ball of your foot.
Your gait will look better.

(in reply to TheLadyConstance)

Post #: 18

RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 11:41:31 AM

CallaFirestormBW

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quote:

ORIGINAL: seababy

Use the gel inserts for the ball of your foot as Lynnxz said.
When walking in heels try and hit with the heel first as you step forward not the ball of your foot.
Your gait will look better.

See, now, in modeling, they taught us Toe, Ball, Heel... (Speaking of which -- I absolutely -hate- that new thunky walk they have women doing on the runway these days -- clump clump clump clump clump ... and no smile... certainly doesn't make the clothes look any more attractive in my book!)

CFB

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RE: Ladies, talk to me about heels - 9/7/2008 11:50:27 AM

seababy

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quote:

ORIGINAL: CallaFirestormBW

quote:

ORIGINAL: seababy

Use the gel inserts for the ball of your foot as Lynnxz said.
When walking in heels try and hit with the heel first as you step forward not the ball of your foot.
Your gait will look better.

See, now, in modeling, they taught us Toe, Ball, Heel... (Speaking of which -- I absolutely -hate- that new thunky walk they have women doing on the runway these days -- clump clump clump clump clump ... and no smile... certainly doesn't make the clothes look any more attractive in my book!)

CFB

I agree the runway walk with one foot actually crossing over the other you wouldn't want to walk down the street like that!

So who is in the heel first or toe first school? I was taught heel, Calla was taught toe. Anyone else?

(in reply to CallaFirestormBW)

Post #: 20

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