Better Sex Should Count For Something, Wouldn't You Agree?

I just read something truly disturbing in this weekend's Financial Times. No, it's not about the sub-prime debacle and resulting credit crunch or the generally gloomy economic forecast for the next few quarters. It's much more dire than that. In discussing the rise of the vertiginous statement heel (no pun intended) as the newest fashion trend to take hold, the FT's 'Style' section chronicles a whole litany of physical woes women risk contracting as a result of wearing high heels. Let me be clear, the medical experts interviewed for this piece are not referring to the somewhat ridiculous seven-inch platform stilettos that have been gracing red-carpet premieres lately. In the view of these learned medical experts, the ideal heel height is one to two inches and anything over this height carries the risk of permanent injury. One to two inches? Surely, that can't be right. The nuns at my high school wore heels higher than that. Besides, every woman knows that a decent stiletto requires at least three inches to even qualify as moderately sexy.

Give up my high-heels? Have you gone mad?

Among the physical ailments we risk developing from wearing stilettos (or any shoe that places the heel in a continually raised position) are a permanently shortened Achilles tendon (calf muscle), bunions, corns, calluses and ultimately, degeneration of joint function. Hmmmm. That may very well be the case but what about all the benefits of walking in very high heels? The instantly elongated legs, the tautened bottom, the more erect posture and the instant glamour and sexiness one possesses from simply donning a pair of beautifully crafted shoes? And what of all the psychological and physical benefits they confer upon us? While this is mere anecdotal evidence, I'm relatively certain that my shoe addiction has kept me away from other forms of addiction much more harmful to my long-term health than a few calluses. More importantly however, medical researchers at the University of Verona in Italy found that wearing high heels increases a woman's pelvic floor or "pleasure muscle" strength which in turn increases sexual pleasure. The researchers say that the ideal heel size to achieve this very worthy benefit is two to four inches (Men's Health magazine, June 2008, p. 43). These are obviously important counterbalancing factors to consider, wouldn't you say?

Besides, now that I've invested all this time (not to mention pain) perfecting the art of walking in very high heels with a modicum of grace and elegance (by which I mean I can walk without falling flat on my face), it's going to take more than a little permanent physical disability to deter me. You'll be relieved to know that all is not lost however. One of the medical experts interviewed suggested a variety of ways to prevent permanent harm including occasionally wearing flats, walking barefoot around the house, wearing shoes of varying heel heights or shoes with sturdier heels (Pierre Hardy makes a fabulous open-toed sandal with a stacked heel that's gorgeous). It's also recommended that we opt for shoe styles that hold the foot firmly in place such at T-bar or Mary Jane style shoes. Actually, come to think of it, Manolo Blahnik makes a killer patent leather Mary Jane style stiletto as does Christian Louboutin. Now that's a prescription I can live with.

Sincerely,

The Luxe Chronicles

Comments

[Dahlia]

The report about high heels having negative effects on women's feet isn't anything new. However, I wouldn't disregard their warning, high heels are close (but not quite) to the side effects of ballerina feet. But I think the question is really knowing your body and learning to moderate. If you're always in pain then you're just punishing yourself. Let's be thankful foot binding isn't in style.

I think some women are gifted to be able to walk in high heels without any problems, I mean look at Tina Turner, she's a prime example of a woman in her 60's who still rocks concerts in stilettos.

[shenea]

amazing photo