The Costco Connection - December 2015

DO YOU STILL want to rock high heels from time to time? Here are some tips from our experts to help prevent trouble.

Learn your foot type. “People with high arches will be more stable in high heels but will still benefit from shoes that have shock-absorbing material like cork under the ball of the foot to protect against back issues. Platforms and wider, chunky heels are best for those who over-pronate [feet roll inward and arches flat-ten],” says Dr. Marlene Reid.

Alternate your heel height. “Variety is key. Wearing different heights of heels allows your feet and tendons not to get stuck in a rut,” says Dr. Todd Sinett.

Listen to your body. “Foot pain is never normal. If the shoes are not comfortable, stop wearing them. If you see a difference in your toes, such as toes rotating or contracting, or your tendons are getting tighter, see a podiatrist,” says Reid.

Orthotics. “A variety of small leather orthotics are now available for women’s dress shoes,” says Sinett.

The Costco Connection

Costco members will find a variety of casual, dress and active footwear at their local Costco and on Costco.com.

University’s BioMotion Research Laboratory, published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research in 2015, found that walking in 3¼- inch heels, as opposed to 1½-inch heels, puts women at risk of developing knee problems, even if they walk more slowly. The observed changes in gait were similar to those seen in osteoarthritis and aging, and were especially notable for those who wore a weighted vest equal to 20 percent extra body weight, indicating that women who are overweight have an increased risk.

Wearing high heels puts pressure on the
lower back and the muscles that stabilize it. Dr.
Todd Sinett, a chiropractor based in New York
and author of 3 Weeks to a Better Back (East
End Press, 2015; not available at Costco), says,
“When a woman is wearing heels, her weight
distribution is pitched forward. The lumbar
spine area then carries more weight, which
puts more stress on the lower back muscles as
well as hamstrings, calves and feet.”
These days, Reid loves shoe shopping and
continues to wear heels sometimes, favoring
low 1- to 2-inch “kitten heels.” She listens to
her body: When her dogs bark, she switches
things up. C

Jane Langille is a Toronto-area health and medical writer ( janelangille.com).

FANCY FEET FOLLIES

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 77

Shopping tip. “Get off the carpet when you try new shoes on, so you can feel what the padding of the shoe really feels like on the ball of your foot,” says Reid.—JL