That is the conclusion that journalist Roni Caryn Rabin extracts from a study that found that 60% of women wear or wore in the past shoes that put them at increased risk of chronic foot pain (you guessed it: "high heels, pumps, sandals and slippers").
The whole tone of the article and the verbal quotes from one of the female researchers border on the paternalistic/ridiculous: "It's important to pay attention to size and width, and not just buy it because it's cute."
One would wish that someone writing in the NYTimes or doing research on the health sciences would be aware of the role of societal expectations and fashion in shaping agency and choice (as well as the pervasive differential impact of practices that shape and mark bodies in men and women) and would at least hint at offering a broader (societal) perspective... but, hey, that may actually put in question the existence of freedom of choice in our beloved Western societies!
Have a cute day you gals!
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The whole tone of the article and the verbal quotes from one of the female researchers border on the paternalistic/ridiculous: "It's important to pay attention to size and width, and not just buy it because it's cute."
Why paternalism? That's common sense.
And from my perspective, the US is a foot paradise compared to what I've seen in some countries...women walking on centuries old cobblestone streets in 4 inchers, getting their heels snagged in the tram tracks and grates...
But what took the cake was when I witnessed the unthinkable: women dodging around barefoot on dog shitty sidewalks to avoid getting their fancy shoes wet in the rain. That was a pitiful sight. And I'm the one who gets the stink eye because I'm wearing a dress with sneaks, lol.
"women walking on centuries old cobblestone streets in 4 inchers, getting their heels snagged in the tram tracks and grates..."
LONDON! I witnessed a woman fall down a spiral staircase there because she was wearing high heels....while on a tour of a castle.I saw girls about 13 wearing them. They would take them off when they had to run across the street and then commence to putting them back on when they got to the other side. Just ridiculous.
Wow, it's like societal pressures don't even exist! What about the fact that women are taken "more seriously" in heels? Or the fact that some companies require the women to wear heels? *sigh*
Maybe I'm in the minority, but when I see a woman in sneakers I'm already taking her more seriously because clearly she values practicality over perception.
http://www.metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Sex_inspires_females_to_do_chores&in_article_id=745838&in_page_id=2
how about instead of telling women not to wear the kind of shoes that they want to wear (or have to wear because of society and work) we fix the shoes so that they fit, don't hurt your feet, and still look good. Oh and then make them affordable for all women. This is just putting the blame back on women and making us look ridiculous when they are the ones putting the pressure on us to wear them in the first place
Unfortunately you're probably not going to get the shoes you want until enough women demand them. That's not going to happen until this area of beauty culture is broken down.
But perhaps shoes could be the thin end of the wedge (no pun intended). If enough women just started wearing as comfortable shoes as they could find there'd be less social pressure to wear heels etc. And the foot health studies that are being brought to everyone's attention are perhaps providing grounds for women to argue with their employers and friends.
Personally I think a great feminist awareness message could be sent with a sort of sneakers day.
Where every woman (and men too) comes to work that day in their regular business attire but wearing sneakers. I think the contrast between business skirts and stockings and sneakers would be a great way to highlight the chasm between what beauty culture demands in the work place and what is healthy for women.
I'm just wondering what the men would be wearing that's likely to cause them pain. Nice shoes for men basically boils down to 'black and not scuffed'.
Tux Shoes...they label them as comfortable and relaxing but they aren't. All the guys I know would agree.
Unless of course you want to pay through the nose(and more).
I need some shoes for fall. I certainly don't wear heels to work (nor am I required to but I need to look reasonably professional). But it's SOOOO hard to find something that looks decent and isn't a heel or completely flat. Flats are a problem because they give feet so little support and lets your pants drag the ground.
Carlos Santana has a line of women's heels with wickedly high heels. I say let old Carlos wear them!
So if you have a favorite brand or designer (not too pricey) let us all know because I'm sure I'm not the only one with this issue!
Occasionally I take the legs up on my pants so that they don't drag on the ground. A lot of men do this. Have you considered it?
The right flat should give proper support. Speak to a podiatrist if you want good advice.
Hmm, I was quickly looking for a shoe that was both supportive and work appropriate and found this: http://www.insideoutstyleblog.com/2009/06/comfy-attractive-shoes-are-they.html
It has a slight wedge for support so it is not completely flat.
instead of buying shoes with any kind of heel, buy flats, and the sticky in the shoes supports. Yeah its not ideal, but then you can add the support in the shoe where you actually need it. Oh and then you can buy them anywhere at any price range
I actually think I may invest in another pair of chacos after reading this since I usually opt to wear my less supportive flip flops (although equally as comfortable!) over them.
I live in a place where you look ridiculous if you wear heels, so I rarely feel pressure to wear them. Plus, I work in a lab so I have to wear sneakers to work. I can see how women in other places of the country feel more pressure though. Anytime I visit the Northeast cities I feel under dressed, not serious, and like a little kid in my comfy flip flops.