A few weeks ago, I attended a holiday party and decided to forego my usual style of casual, flat footwear. I wanted to rock something new and different, so I put on my high-heeled boots and was ready to make an impression. I made an impression alright! By the time I had walked from the car to the front door of my host’s home, I was in so much pain. I had forgotten that high heels and I do not have an amicable relationship. How I made it through that evening is beyond me. Just standing in a crowded room of people, superficially chatting the evening away, even a glass of wine (or two) could not numb the pain in my feet. “Why did I put myself through this misery?” I quietly asked of myself.
Sure, my feet and legs probably looked spectacular from the outside, but the look of sheer discomfort on my face probably told the other guests one of two things: (1) this gal is clearly not interested in what I am saying, or (2) she looks constipated. Either way, by the end of the evening, I could not wait to get those puppies off my feet. I rode home barefoot, massaging my feet while my husband drove. I have put those boots far back into the recesses of my closet, never to be heard from again. The only time I will ever attempt to wear them again is if I can just sit down for the entire time. Otherwise, it’s comfortable “grandma” shoes for me.
Did you know that the shoes you wear bear a huge impression on your overall bone health and structure? (Just one look at me walking in those boots of mine would suggest I was either staggering drunk or suffering from some strange disease rendering me unable to walk upright and with style … or both!) One of the best ways to protect your bones is to change your footwear. For the best balance, opt for sturdy and supportive shoes made of canvas or leather that can be held snug to the foot with laces or Velcro. (Like I said…”Grandma” shoes!) If you really have to wear heels, make sure they are low. Do you really need to be seven feet tall? Opt for flexible soles that are not so thick that you cannot feel the ground.
Roughly 50 percent of falls are due in part to improper footwear. If you wear any of the following types of shoes, you potentially stand a greater risk for falling and possibly sustaining a fracture:
*Platform shoes, clogs, or any thick-soled shoes. (Not that I have any of these in my closet!)
*Sneakers with thick treads: Sure, these are great for outdoor traction, but when worn indoors, they can create hazards, especially when traversing carpeted areas.
*High heels: You heard my story. Need I say more? The taller the heel, the less balanced you become. Plus, heels reduce the surface area on which you must balance your weight.
*Open-back shoes: Exposed heels that can slide leave you less stable on your feet.
*Loose boots: No support here, ladies!
*Old footwear: I am guilty here! I have some running shoes, actually, that years of use have rendered themselves into sandals now, as I have worn out the back and the front of them. After extended use, shoes become less sturdy and the soles become slippery. (Note to self: Invest in a new pair.)
I tend to go barefoot around my house, or, at the very least, I put on socks. However, when going outside, I am particularly fond of my part walking shoe/part casual shoe/part hiking shoe. However, they do not necessarily go with my leopard print dress. What’s a girl to do? Any suggestions?
(Information for this article was found in the book “Strong Women, Strong Bones,” by Miriam E. Nelson, Ph.D.)