Press release

Killer heels that won’t kill your night out

As the festive party season draws nearer thoughts turn to what we girls (and maybe some boys) are going to wear to the office Christmas party. The hunt is on for the perfect outfit and some ‘killer heels’ – whether we opt for this season’s animal print, leather or satin, you can guarantee that we’ll suffer for our vanity.

There’s not a party girl on the planet that has never utters the words at the end of a night out “My feet are killing me!”

So how can we achieve the look, wear those dream shoes and avoid walking home in stocking soles?

Like most of us, glamorous Gloria Dunlop, lecturer in Podiatry at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh enjoys the look she achieves when she slips into her slinky high heels.

She explains: “Women love the way their legs look in high heels and with platforms adorning the shelves of nearly ever shoe shop at the moment – there is no avoiding the killer high heels.

“We are bombarded with images of celebrities strutting their stuff down the red carpet in heels that make them look like they have legs up to their arm pits. The fashion magazines are full of them. It’s therefore little wonder that we nearly all fall into the trap of succumbing to the latest fashion trends,” said Gloria.

“We’ve all experienced the discomfort and burning sensation associated with wearing party shoes. But despite the pain, we still persevere.”

So, how can we keep dancing into the wee small hours, avoid falling off our platform shoes and spraining our ankles?

Queen Margaret University ’s foot expert has some top tips for keeping our tippee toes in good shape.

Don’t wear the same shoes repeatedly

Have a selection of shoes of different shapes, different heel heights and definitely a pair of trainers in your wardrobe.

Cheap shoes doesn’t necessarily mean bad shoes

There is nothing wrong with wearing a less expensive shoe. Expensive shoes are not a guarantee of problem free feet.

Change your shoes daily

Sometimes we wear shoes that cramp your toes because they’re too tight. Continuously wearing high heels can result in painful leg muscles. Changing your shoes daily will prevent a foot or leg problem occurring.

Avoid wearing sling backs on a regular basis

Repeatedly wearing sling backs can quickly lead to the development of a large hard bump at the back of the heel, commonly known as a haglands bump. This is irreversible, so avoid at all cost. It becomes very difficult to wear any closed in shoe once you have developed a haglands bump.

Wear padding on the balls of your feet if partying in high heels

Use foot felts and foams. Scholl provide a range, including

‘ball of foot cushions’ and ‘ pressure point foam padding’ that can be bought in shops such as New Look, River Island, Oasis, Top Shop, most supermarkets and chemists. Foams and felts can also be bought on line from Simply Feet at www.simplyfeet.co.uk These products have an adhesive backing which sticks to your feet avoiding slippage and therefore blisters .

Never burst a blister

Not unless you want sore feet for days. Blisters are created by rubbing. So avoid shoes which rub.

Never wear brand new shoes for a long period of time

Initially wear your new shoes around the house or in short bursts. Don’t wear brand new shoes on your party night or you will suffer.

Avoid sprains and strains

Sprains, strains and muscle soreness can happen to anyone but more likely if you are walking on an uneven surface or a very high narrow heel. Avoid cobbled streets and best get a taxi home after the party.

Use ice on painful sprains and strains

Ice does work. It reduces swelling. So, if you suffer a sprain or strain use ice as soon as possible or within the first four hours. After that, use heat to reduce bruising, swelling and pain.

So girls, if your office ‘do’ is during the week and you need to haul yourself into work the next morning, follow Gloria’s advice and you can glide elegantly into work ready to face another day’s hard slog – no crutches necessary and certainly no baffies hidden under the office desk!

Party on, girls!

ENDS

For further media information please contact Lynne Russell, Press and PR Officer, Queen Margaret University, tel: 0131 474 0000, mob: 07711 011 239.