QM Inside Article – December 2008

Killer heels that won’t kill your night out

As the festive party season has drawn to a close, thoughts turn to what we girls (and maybe some boys) are going to wear in 2009. The hunt is on for the right sale outfit that’s going to be set off perfectly by fabulous shoes that won’t kill your feet in the New Year!

However, the trend continues this year for outrageously high heels. According to foot health expert, Gloria Dunlop, it may even take some skill to master the technique of walking in such high heels – never mind avoiding the damage that we may be doing to our feet and back.

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

Gloria Dunlop, podiatry lecturer, says: “In an attempt to follow the trend set by celebrities such as Posh Spice, we are not only on the road to causing long term damage to our feet but in the short term we also run the risk of ruining our night out.

“We are constantly 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.

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

Like most of us, Gloria Dunlop 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’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?

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 pain free feet.

Change your shoes daily

Sometimes we wear shoes that cramp our 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.

Change your shoes during the night

This is a wee tip that my daughters taught me. They both carry a pair of pumps or dolly shoes with them on a night out, which they change into when coming home or travelling to the night out. As big bags are very much in at the moment, and will be for some time I have been reliably informed, there is plenty of room to carry an extra pair of light weight shoes.

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. Much better to stick padding on to your feet rather than on to your shoe.

Never burst a blister

Not unless you want sore feet for days. Blisters are created by rubbing. So avoid shoes which rub. Always bind the blister down with sticky stretchy bandage. Not sticky plasters. Sticky stretchy bandage stretched over the blister will sort it out in a few days. Just remove with care so that the top skin of the blister remains intact.

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 and bruising. So, if you suffer a sprain or strain use ice as soon as possible or within the first twelve hours. After that, use heat to reduce pain which is best used before you go to bed so that you get the benefit by resting the injured area.

So girls, if it’s your New Year’s resolution to look after your feet in 2009 but still be up for a good party, follow Gloria’s advice. After your night out on the tiles you should be able to glide elegantly into work ready to face another hard day’s slog – no crutches necessary and certainly no baffies (slippers, for the non Scots reading this) hidden under the office desk!