If the Shoe Fits…

image: mypinkfriday.

LOVE THEM OR LEAVE THEM

Let’s talk about the creativity of the soul… the designs of many soles…the high heel. Lately have you noticed a “come back” of sorts of the higher shoe heel for women?  I have, and I am not too sure about wearing the extreem heights myself but, they can be quite artful to admire.  Sandals, boots and even flip-flops have been designed with a heel.

If the shoe fits…what are the reasons why women wear high heels? Are are short in stature and would like to appear taller? Do they believe that they make their legs appear longer?  Are women just wearing heels to strengthen their calf muscles?  Does walking in heels add a feminine or sexy strutt to a walk?  Is is more important to be fashionable and follow trends in footwear to override comfort and senseability?  Were the shoes on SALE in the first place and therefore were considered a “must have” and now a “must wear” situation?  Do the shoes act as a status symbol or are they giving of self-confidence?  There can be many reasons why women like to own and wear high heeled shoes.

Take a look around and notice the DESIGN, form and shape of these creations when they are on the store shelves or when you notice them on real people around town.  Look beyond the price tags, noticing the stress and strain of the person walking in unnatural angles and the fact that they are being worn by all types of women, sometimes too “young” AND sometimes too “old”.  Consider appreciating the look, courage and strength it takes to wear and create such an item and the material they are made from.  Some styles look more like sculptures- real works of art!  And no matter how impractical you think they are, some can even remind us that we have a sense of fashion…or humor!

From heel to toe- they can make a statement in fashion.

Nicki Minaj shoes.

Image: luxfashionstyle.com

This about sums it up for the shoe-lover and fan of the high heel.

Open Your Mind-Insert Foot

Do you have an open mind when it comes to shoe function and fashion?  Today’s This-N-That (TNT) post is an explosive concept that I have been seeing for some time now in my workouts in the gym.  Usually, I am not concerned with my fashion or what others are wearing in the gym. But, it is hard to ignore creative and unique shoes on women or men.  These shoes have many changing their views about footwear.

Shoes like these are known as Five Finger Toe Shoes.  Do they look comfortable? I don’t think they look  fashionable but, others may beg to differ.

five-toe-shoes sportsmedinfo.net

Five Finger shoes are said to have many good qualities, so if you agree with the descriptive favorable points you can over-look the fashion.

1. Strengthens Muscles in the Feet and Lower Legs – wearing Five Finger Toe Shoes will stimulate and strengthen muscles in the feet and lower legs, improving general foot health and reducing the risk of injury.

2. Improves Range of Motion in Ankles, Feet and Toes – no longer ‘cast’ in a shoe, the foot and toes move more naturally.

3. Stimulates Neural Function Important to Balance and Agility – when wearing these type shoes, thousands of neurological receptors in the feet send valuable information to the brain, improving balance and agility.

4. Improves Proprioception and Body Awareness – those same neurological receptors heighten body awareness, sending messages about body mechanics, form, and movement.

5. Eliminates Heel Lift to Align the Spine and Improve Posture – By lowering the heel, our bodyweight becomes evenly distributed across the footbed, promoting proper posture and spine alignment.  These type shoes are said to also allow the foot and body to move more naturally.

Vibram Five Fingers Shoes

Find five-finger shoes online or at your favorite sports store.

DISCUSSION:

Do you like the look of these?

Do you believe they are good for your feet?

Would you wear these if the price was right?

 

Do you think the fad will last long?

 

Have you seen anyone in these type shoes lately?