Heels versus Flats

On a normal walk-around-around-the-city day, I normally wear flats. But during events, I really wanna wear heels. There’s nothing sexier than a good 2 to 3 inches worth of additional height. Maybe even higher but since I’m tall enough I don’t require much more. It’s kinda awkward to be above the people you’re talking to.

Flats, pic from Google

Flats are practical, comfortable and fashionable for everyone. We can almost say they are always better than high heels. But that is not always the case.

A podiatrist has shown concern over this type of shoe. Flat shoes have no caution against shock and almost no heel support. They can strain the Achilles tendon that runs from the back of the heel and also the calf muscles in the back of the leg. But pain can’t be felt directly. It can be felt around two weeks later. It can even cause a painful heel condition called plantar fascilitis. A painful inflammatory process than can cause degenerative changes in the plantar fascia. A symptom of this disease is pain on the underside of the heel during the first steps of the day and another is knee pains.

Flip flops are a common wear here in the Philippines. With our climate and rushed schedules (for laag, hehehe), they’re readily available and easy to wear. But do you know that flip flops can cause blisters (especially the thin ones) and arch problems. It can also slow down circulation to your feet. They are contraindicated for diabetic persons and anyone with knee, hip or back problems.

high heels; pics from Google

On the other hand heels are loved by all women. They’re hot, they’re expensive and they’re a bit uncomfortable. Though, I don’t think they’re uncomfortable often. They’ve also been called health hazards. Let’s see why. Heels can alter your posture and place excessive force on the inner knee and altering your body alignment. It can also tighten the calf muscles. Some diseases that result from wearing high heels are Bunions, Hammertoes, Pump bumps, Metatarsalgia and the familiar ankle pain. 

If those words are too unfamiliar. Google it. Hehehe. But seriously speaking wearing uncomfortable heels can cause a lot of problems. They can start from nerve compression to bony malformations.

So what do we wear now?

Podiatrists say that foot wear should not be totally flat. There should at least be half an inch of a heel. They also advise against wearing thin soled flip flops. These can easily be punctured by sharp items littered on the ground and can also cause blisters.

High heels should not be worn for a whole day. Give your feet some rest in between so the calf muscles can relax.

It would also help circulation if you raise your legs after a long day of being on foot. My mom raises hers against the wall but I think propping our legs above a stool and a pillow should be okay.

Shoes should fit your feet properly without feeling tight. Shoes should be broken (get used to) 1 hour at a time to a day.