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The latest trend in super-high stiletto heels has podiatrists the world over cringing at the thought. 5-inch, 6-inch and even 7-inch heels are hot this season.
Whether you blame A-list celebrities like yummy mummies Gwyneth Paltrow, Christina Aguilera, Victoria Beckham or Madonna, or shoe designers such as Paccini (Gwyneth’s 7-incher’s) and Giambattista Valli (a favorite of Ms Beckham’s); the statement shoe of the season has been elevated to new and dizzier heights. Ludicrously impractical to walk in, the new craze in super-stilettos has led to them being dubbed limo heels. Limo or taxi heels refers to the fact that it's nearly impossible to totter more than a few paces. They require the wearer to travel everywhere by taxi, (or if you are a Hollywood starlet, a limo) rather than risk twisting an ankle, or falling down a flight of stairs and breaking your neck. From High Heels to HazardousShoes have now gone from high to hazardous, and it is almost physically possible to totter down your high-street in such vertiginously-high heels. A must-have fashion accessory is someone to hold-on to (mum, bestfriend, partner etc) as you teeter along. When Gwyneth Paltrow was seen tottering out of a Parisian restaurant in 7 inch Paccini platform ankle boots, she had to cling to her bodyguard to keep her upright, according to the Daily Mail’s “Around the World with Gwyneth Paltrow and her seriously kinky high-heels,” of 23rd April 2008. Super-High HeelsUnlike boots, in Nancy Sinatra's hit song, 6-inch or 7-inch heels are definitely not "made for walking." According to the Daily Mail’s article, “the 7-inch shoe that is not made for walking,” some of the highest heels currently available include a Louis Vuitton pair with heels that stand tall at a staggering 17cm. There are 6-inch versions available from Jimmy Choo and Gina, with a pair or red-soled Christian Louboutin peep-toes, the Catenita (£495 from Net-A-Porter), kicking up a storm, with a 5-inch heel and a 1.5-inch platform. Health IssuesThese sky-high heels have now elevated themselves onto the high-street, giving podiatrists cause for concern. Internet blogs, and women's glossies such as American Vogue feature warnings of the hazards of the super-high heel. This is one area where if you are going to buy, then try and buy better, as the cheaper the shoe, the less comfortable it is likely to be. The comfort of a pair of Manolo Blahniks is legendary, but if your budget doesn’t stretch to high-end labels, then there is always the option of gel cushions to give you happier feet! British retail chain, Marks and Spencer, with over 150 stores worldwide, have fitted their highest heels with uniquely designed insoles, (insola technology) which provides additional comfort and increases the stability of the foot. For those who are new to it, walking in stilettos is a whole new ball-game. But once you’ve cracked walking tall, those extra 6-inches make the world a far different place. Such is the power of the stiletto that it tightens the leg muscles, giving you a sexy walk, and makes legs and ankles appear slimmer. Not only that, but a pair of high heels can transform an outfit like no other fashion accessory can. The History of the Stiletto HeelThe word stiletto originates from the Italian for dagger and a true stiletto heel is considered to be 3 ½ inches or higher. This most favorite of women's heels started life made from wood but in the 1950s Mehmet Kurdash, founder of Gina, (named after Gina Lollobrigida), reinforced the previously wooden heel with an aluminum spigot, the structure that contemporary stilettos still use today. Then followed sensual sculptures from the likes of Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo, which have women tottering along the pavements of the world today. High-End HeelsWhen it comes to high-end designer labels Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Gucci and Giambattista Valli lead the pack, with a pair of Louboutins super-high slingbacks or Gucci’s vertiginous gold metallic gladiators, the ultimate in red-carpet shoes. Jimmy Choo’s Atlas Patent Gladiator-style sandals (£450 Net-A-Porter), standing at a mere 5-inches, give more support than most with a series of 7 thin straps right up to the ankle. High-Street HeelsFor those that want to risk bunions and blisters (and the odd twisted ankle or two) then Look magazine 2nd June 2008, Britain’s most popular fashion weekly, has a special feature on the latest super-stilettos available in the high-street stores. These include some glamorous gladiator styles from Faith shoes (£70), toweringly tall mega platforms from Top Shop (£60) and some suede sky-high stilettos from Office (£75). Platforms Give More Balance to Your FootGiven the height of these shoes you may feel the need for a safety harness! If you want to reduce the impact on your feet then opt for a mega-platformed high-heel, which will give you the lift but some of the height will be absorbed by the platform under the foot, herefore giving you more balance.
The copyright of the article Super-Stiletto Shoes for 2008 in Shoes & Accessories is owned by Gill Hart. Permission to republish Super-Stiletto Shoes for 2008 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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