5 Ways to Keep Your High Heels From Ruining Your Feet

Health—November 6, 2014

Marilyn Monroe famously said, "I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot." Floridians would probably agree —since shoppers in the Sunshine State rock the highest heels in the nation, according to an analysis by popular shopping site Gilt.

I would have bet my Jimmy Choos (if I had a pair) that New Yorkers teeter higher than most. It was Manhattanite Carrie Bradshaw who made running in stilettos look like a normal thing to do, after all. But surprisingly, New York didn't even crack the top 20! Puerto Rico, Nevada, and Arkansas round out the first tier.

As any height-loving lady in these places would undoubtedly attest, fabulous heels can make you feel like a million bucks. Sadly, they can also wreak havoc on your feet. Here's a few ways to keep the damage in check.

Look for cushioning in the soles
It'll help absorb the impact of your foot hitting the ground, preventing some of the shock from reaching your knees.

And don't forget to stretch!
Leigh-Ann Plack, DPT, a physical therapist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, suggests these four pain-preventing moves.

Heel Raises: Stand with your feet on the floor about hip-distance apart. Slowly rise onto the balls of your feet; lower your heels to the ground, then rise up onto your toes again. Repeat for 1 minute, or for about 30 reps.

Toe Stretch: Sit down and extend your right leg so your right heel is on the floor. Pull your toes up and back toward your ankle so you feel the stretch in the arch of your foot. Hold for 30 seconds; switch sides. Repeat three times.

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