Sole Sisters

Ebony, July, 1999

Women pay high price for fashionable feet

FOR many Sisters, the perfect outfit just isn't complete without the perfect pair of shoes. Our love affair with footwear borders on obsession, and many of us will go to great lengths to find that perfect pair. Unfortunately, the quest for stylish shoes often ends with our feet paying the price.

The cost of looking good is more than the money we pay for shoes. A lot of the agony women experience is a direct result of the shoes they wear. In fact, women's shoes have been torturing and abusing their wearers for years. Over 80 percent complain of toe or foot pain and deformity caused by their shoes.

Certain styles, such as high heels cause immediate suffering and can make to walk. Wearing is like weight on a couple They tip the foot and compress the A pointed toe box also forces the toes together, often creating uncomfortable overlapping.

When the style fits but the size doesn't, some women are willing to sacrifice comfort and cram their feet into a too-small size. In the end, they endure everything from bunions to hammer toes, all in the name of fashion.

When it comes to high heels, "nothing makes a woman's legs look better," says Valerie Steele, chief curator of the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. Heels, she explains, make ordinary legs look great and good legs look sensational. "They lift you up, tilt your pelvis in and make you look curvier. As a result, the legs look longer and sleeker."

If you must wear a high heel, limit the amount of time you spend walking and avoid styles that are taller than 3 inches or feature a narrow, stiletto heel. Wear walking or tennis shoes to work, then change into your heels when you arrive. If you drive to work, take care of your feet and prolong the life of your shoes by wearing slip-on "driving moccasins" while you are behind the wheel.

Choosing the right shoes for the right occasions can make a big difference. Whether you're looking for casual, work or evening shoes, there are certain things to keep in mind:

Casual Shoes

The most comfortable shoes are made for casual wear. Low or no heels, wide toe boxes and supportive arches are the norm. Sneakers are by far the best for walking, but several manufacturers make specially designed walking shoes that are fashionable and comfortable at the same time.

During the summer, sling-back and open-toe shoes allow heat to escape and help keep your feet from swelling. Other cool, casual styles include mules (shoes with an open back), sandals, espadrilles (with woven soles), and thongs. For a trendier look, platform sandals or shoes with sporty rubber soles and velco closures are hot this season.

Work Shoes

Since these are the shoes you will wear on a regular basis, invest in the best quality you can afford. Classic pumps are the most practical. Have several pairs in leather, the best fabric choice fi)r all types of weather. If you wear pants to work, purchase a couple of pairs of pumps with a high instep (the arch between the toes and ankle) for a polished, professional look.

For many professional women, flats and wedges are too casual for the office. Low heels work best with pants, while a medium heel (2 inches) is ideal for skirts. If you are short or average height, wear a medium heel with pants and skirts.

Avoid wearing stilettos on the job. Heels higher than 3 inches run the risk of looking unprofessional, and they're hard on your feet. A slightly pointed toe elongates the foot and leg, making them look slimmer. Boots work in cooler weather as long as they are simple in design and feature a medium heel.

Evening Shoes

Unless you're going to be doing a lot of standing or dancing, nighttime is the right time to wear sexy, high-heel shoes. When building your evening shoe wardrobe, look for black medium or high-heel satin or grosgrain pumps or slingbacks to wear with dresses and evening pants. Next, invest in low-heel black sandals in silk or satin; metallic shoes or sandals in silver, gold or bronze. For summer, sandals in pale, neutral tones are appropriate.

There are more styles of shoes to choose from than ever before, and more designers are manufacturing their own brands. Some shoes cost as little as $9.99, while another pair may cost hundreds of dollars. What's the difference? Not much, according to Steele.

"The more expensive styles are made with the highest-quality materials and workmanship," she explains. "The soles may be glued on to a less-expensive brand instead of hand-sewn, or the leather may be of a lesser quality." Cheap shoes may not wear as well, but that problem can be solved at a shoe repair shop. "Have them put on soles and heel taps when the shoes are still new," Steele advises.

For Sisters of all ages, shapes and sizes, shopping for shoes is purely an affair of the sole--and the soul. "Women say that shoe shopping is the highest form of shopping," says Steele, noting that compared to trying on bathing suits, shopping for shoes is painless. "You never get too old or too fat for shoes. A lot of fashions might not work for everybody, but we can all wear almost any style of shoes." []