The Style Files: The low down on high heels

Most women love their heels, nothing makes them feel more powerful, sexy and also taller, the height of our heels inevitably comes into play into our psychology and can determine the way we feel about ourselves and the way we’re perceived. How high is too high? Or is there no such thing?

Heels made their foray into our fashion repertoire during the middle ages when pattens (the original high heels) were created to keep fragile shoes elevated and away from the mud and dirt on the ground. these evolved into chopines in the 1400’s and were a status symbol made popular by the Venetians, who associated heels with class and refinement. Modern day heels are a staple in every woman’s wardrobe and have become the quintessential accessory that transcends all boundaries.

Ever the debate catalyst high heels have become a symbol of confidence, power and attractiveness but on the flip side of that they can also represent oppression, vulgarity and discomfort. Known to drive us into obsession and fetishism, shoes are one of those items that are most coveted by women.

“There is an element of seduction in shoes that doesn’t exist for men. The language starts with the shoe and radiates over the whole body. You feel yourself empower yourself, know yourself. You are aware of your body. This little act of discomfort pays off in lots of other ways.” - Christian Louboutin.

For some women like me, the higher the better, keep in mind though the higher you go the harder it gets! They don’t call them killer heels for nothing. Christian Louboutin claims that most women have a ‘quasi- masochistic experience’  with their stilettos and says ‘high heels are pleasure with pain. If you can't walk in them, don't wear them.’

Higher than high heels although painfully impractical, derive fascination and admiration amoung women and though we may never walk comfortably in them we still covet the 6 inch heel introduced by Manolo Blahnik five years ago and adopted by virtually every high heel designer out there. Taking them from a burlesque prop to wardrobe staple.

It should come as no surprise then that despite the bad rep extreme heels get for being uncomfortable and completely impractical women seem to be demanding even higher heels with designers now doing 8 inches!

While Carrie Bradshaw made walking in heels look easy it’s anything but, making sure you get the perfect fit is key to walking well in them. breaking your shoes in at home before a night out also helps and allows your feet to get used to them slowly. Remember to engage  your abs, take long strides and relax your hips and knees which will not only give you a great workout but help you in your heels!

“Stilettos instantly transform the body. When women first try on my shoes they say, ‘These are so high.’ Then they walk around for a bit and love the way they look” - Manolo Blahnik.

By Minoli Ratnayake