Question for Women

just don't wear heels maybe? aren't there studies upon studies outlining the risks of permanent damage to your knees, hips, back etc?

The advice to start low and work up is right. Also, if you are big then there os more pressure on a smaller area so it will hurt more. In terms of lb/square inch the pressure of a woman of a healthy weight in a stiletto is more than an elephant exerts!
Finally - if you want to wear heels they are worth spending a reasonable amount on. The higher end are generally better engineered better structured and comfier

I'd like to know who exactly it benefits for women to totter around in totally stupid shoes.

I haven't worn a stiletto in ages. I can do without being crippled on a night out! I'd prefer to be capable of dancing (and walking, to be fair...) I also have very small feet so it makes high heels seem even higher.

Just say no! :drinker:

Because they want to pull off a particular look that in their mind requires heels. The OP was not looking for approval of her footwear.

I'd like to know who exactly it benefits for women to totter around in totally stupid shoes.

I haven't worn a stiletto in ages. I can do without being crippled on a night out! I'd prefer to be capable of dancing (and walking, to be fair...) I also have very small feet so it makes high heels seem even higher.

Just say no! :drinker:

I agree (except I do have large feet!).

With regards to who it benefits, I'd say it's the lazy dudes who can't be bothered chasing a girl. With stilettos on, a girl can't run too good! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

ETA: Seriously, OP, I feel for you. I just avoid wearing heels like the plague. I can't do it. But sometimes I'd like to be able to wear a moderate heel as I think it does, on the right occasion, make a lady feel more feminine. Don't go crazy and harm yourself though!

try a wedge. stilettos are bound to kill even the most seasoned heel wearing woman's feet. also wearing a heel with a platform toe is more comfortable, you can also get the dr shols inserts for heels, i hear they are wonderful

Because they want to pull off a particular look that in their mind requires heels. The OP was not looking for approval of her footwear.

she's asking for help to wear something painful, is natural to wonder why the **** anyone would bother! isn't it?

It's also not any of our business and totally irrelevant.

And wearing them enough does result in a nice shapely calf

Wedges can make you go a bit clompy though I would go for kittens for a ladylike look.

LOL...I wish there had been lessons at school. I can't walk in them either. I do have small feet with a really high instep though so that doesn't help.

I'd echo the comments about working your way up from lower heels and getting a well made pair of shoes too. Cheap shoes are a false economy!

I have some fairly high heeled boots that I can slip a good insole into, that helps and in the winter still looks dressy enough. If I go for stiletto type heels I stay fairly low (3" max) as it's better to feel confident in your stride than totter around on heels that make you look like bambi!

Stilettos are pretty shoes but impractical if you are going to be on your feet for long periods of time. They really are not a good heel to wear the first time if you aren't used to heels at all. It's better to wear a shorter, thicker heel and get used to that first before trying to wear stilettos. I personally only wear them if I know I'm going somewhere I'm going to be sitting the majority of the time. It's just to hard on the balls of the feet and the lower back to wear them while standing or walking for long periods of time. That being said, the reason women wear them is because they do some nice shaping to the calves, thighs and buttocks, and lengthen a woman's sillhouette, making her appear taller and slimmer. I've worn them enough now I'm able to walk, run or dance in them, but I don't do that much because it's too painful and too hard on the feet and back in the long run.

why would anyone ever HAVE to wear heels?

I HAVE to wear heels. Flat shoes hurt my lower back. I can wear tennis shoes but only for work outs. I tried to wear flats when I started working in a school but the pain was so great that I had to go back to wearing heels. Like the recent posts stated start out with a lower heel then work up to a higher heel. My sister loves to wear heels and can't walk at all in them so she practices in the house.

I agree with other posts and you should try for a nicer shoe that you are comfortable with. But if you insist on wearing heels you should start out small. The balls of your feet will hurt. Also go to your local drug store and get some cushion inserts. They make ones specifically for woman's high heel shoes so they are more narrow and focus on padding by your toes. Also might be a good idea to throw a paid of those fold up flip flop or slipper shoes into your purse (they sell them as advertised for like bridesmaids/brides). And then you don't have to get home in the uncomfortable shoes, you can change them out and give your feet a rest.

I prefer platforms. Tallness achieved with far less stress on the joints...and easier to walk in.

First of all you dont look heavy!! And it's not your weight, its because you're not used to walking in heels. Someone else mentioned a kitten heel and i suggest that as well. 6 inch stillettos when you're not used to heels is pure punishment!! Plus when we're in pain and trying to walk we look the opposite of sexy :-)

Also when walking in hells keep your back and posture staight, engage your core and when you walk your heel should be hitting the ground first not your toe. Practice pratice and for the love of god toss the 6 inchers, those are no good for anyone! Or if you do like a high heel go for a little platform in the front (easier on the arch)