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Those who have read my blog or seen comments from me about high-heels know that I am a strong proponent and advocate for wearing high heels. Because of this propensity, I have written, researched, and quoted others (some scholarly) who share a perception that, while high-heels are often uncomfortable and painful for some, they cannot be blamed for the multitude of ailments for which they have been identified. In other words, if you wear high-heels and do not feel they are negatively impacting your health, agility, or flexibility, they are probably fine to wear. Maybe you were born to wear them just as others were not. I think I was born to wear them – even if I was born a male.
The other morning, I had to leave home early for a weekly meeting. When I do this I do not have time to walk first. That morning, I had an hour or more available after the meeting, so I headed to the health club to fit in a run on the indoor track. I hadn’t run for several months, but with the walking, my relatively lean diet, and generally good health, I wasn't concerned. I felt great and my time was better than it’s been in the last couple of years. I was thrilled. My lower-back felt a little sore as it often does when I return from a break in my running routine. So, I got in the hot tub for five minutes before my shower.
After I finished my shower and began to dress, I felt my back becoming more stiff. By the time I got to my car, my back was in full spasm. I had a few errands to run before returning home. It was about 9:30 AM and I had a funeral to attend at 2:00 PM. I thought if I could get home in time to take some ibuprofen and relax a bit. By 12:30, I was still pretty stiff. Rather than disappoint my wife with a cancellation, I summoned my strength and determination, got dressed for the funeral, drove to the church, and called my wife to let her know where I was sitting.
We got through the funeral, but after learning of my discomfort, my wife thought we should cancel our evening plans and just have a quite dinner. I found a comfortable position for most of the night and slept relatively well. In the morning, the pain and stiffness wasn't completely gone. I moved around gently and tried to loosen up. While doing this, I thought it might actually cause some relief if I put on some pumps. Peculiar as it may seem to some, the elevation of my heel did seem to reduce the pain and stiffness in my lower back.
Out of curiosity, I searched the internet to see if anyone had ever expressed the concept of high-heels for back pain relief. Not so surprisingly, they had. Here are two quotes from an article by a noted physician at the Dallas Center for Spine Care.
• "The theory behind high heels causing back pain relies on the thought that wearing them causes strain in the thighs and hip flexors which forces an increased curve in the spine, and this increased curvature of the spine causes back pain. Having never worn high heels, I cannot say whether or not this is true; but, from what I’ve read and experienced with my patients, I’m not so certain that this is correct. As a matter of fact, I’ve had several patients with back pain and pinched nerves tell me that specifically wearing high heels has helped relieve their pain significantly."
• "This pain in the back may also result from foot or leg fatigue that results from wearing these shoes and this can affect whole body mechanics. On the other hand, I’ve had more than a handful of patients with pinched nerves tell me that they feel much better while wearing high heels and I presume this is likely due to an indirect spinal decompression from the altered posture created by the shoes."
So, who knew? I am not trying to beg the question, but my back is feeling much better. Maybe the whole crossdressing thing is good for us? It just might be that all the accoutrements that women have had in their repertoire for years are not merely stylish, feminine, and ingenious in design, but major contributors to women’s health. Perhaps we men should take heed. Crossdressing might catch on as the latest health craze…
I knew it, I always knew it! 🙂
Thanks for the article Felecia. I'm happy to say that I usually don't get any issues after wearing heels. However, being an non-frequent dresser, that is not so relevant. Now, when I have had several days to dress, say, at some event/conference, things can change a bit. Not about pain, but about swelling. And that sucks!! Anyway, nice contribution.
Gaby ♥
Obviously, feminine footwear is a fascination of mine. Maybe so much that I have become kind of a student of women’s shoe styles and how best to wear them. I’ve practiced, learned, and adapted my standing and walking patterns to pumps, peep toes, sling backs, wedges, sandals, stilletos, booties, over-the-calf, over-the-knee, thongs, platforms, strappie heels, mules, and styles I can’t even think of. Some styles you can stand in for hours but require careful steps to walk without damage. Some are great to walk in. Pointed toes are frequently more comfortable and less harmful because they more naturally receive your toes than blunt toed or peep toed varieties. Many well constructed leather pumps are uncushioned, light weight, and not prohibitally expensive. If your bare foot fills the shoe, there is little movement and, although snug, they can be comfortable because they are like an extension to your leg. If your foot moves around, hose will help prevent blisters or bruises. High heel boots are some of my favorites because they provide so much support for my ankles. And, ironically, some “almost naked” strappie styles are great when their slender straps hit just in the right places. I have become proficient enough that I can generally tell if a shoe is going to work for me even without trying them on.
FAM
Obviously, feminine footwear is a fascination of mine. Maybe so much that I have become kind of a student of women’s shoe styles and how best to wear them. I’ve practiced, learned, and adapted my standing and walking patterns to pumps, peep toes, sling backs, wedges, sandals, stilletos, booties, over-the-calf, over-the-knee, thongs, platforms, strappie heels, mules, and styles I can’t even think of. Some styles you can stand in for hours but require careful steps to walk without damage. Some are great to walk in. Pointed toes are frequently more comfortable and less harmful because they more naturally receive your toes than blunt toed or peep toed varieties. Many well constructed leather pumps are uncushioned, light weight, and not prohibitally expensive. If your bare foot fills the shoe, there is little movement and, although snug, they can be comfortable because they are like an extension to your leg. If your foot moves around, hose will help prevent blisters or bruises. High heel boots are some of my favorites because they provide so much support for my ankles. And, ironically, some “almost naked” strappie styles are great when their slender straps hit just in the right places. I have become proficient enough that I can generally tell if a shoe is going to work for me even without trying them on.
FAM
I knew it, I always knew it! 🙂
Thanks for the article Felecia. I'm happy to say that I usually don't get any issues after wearing heels. However, being an non-frequent dresser, that is not so relevant. Now, when I have had several days to dress, say, at some event/conference, things can change a bit. Not about pain, but about swelling. And that sucks!! Anyway, nice contribution.
Gaby ♥
Hmmm-so maybe I can get a doctor's note that I HAVE to wear heels to work? LOL. Could get a LOT more use from my 250-300 pair shoe collection that way! Thanks for sharing Felecia!
Cyn
Hmmm-so maybe I can get a doctor's note that I HAVE to wear heels to work? LOL. Could get a LOT more use from my 250-300 pair shoe collection that way! Thanks for sharing Felecia!
Cyn
You know, I just think high heels are so much fun. When I put them on, I’m relaxed, creative, and energized. When you think of it, fashion designers have focused on ornamenting the female foot for time immemorial. Why shouldn’t the men who can wear them join in the fun? They are a very engaging platform, artistically, philosophically, physically, and now ergonomically!
You know, I just think high heels are so much fun. When I put them on, I’m relaxed, creative, and energized. When you think of it, fashion designers have focused on ornamenting the female foot for time immemorial. Why shouldn’t the men who can wear them join in the fun? They are a very engaging platform, artistically, philosophically, physically, and now ergonomically!
Great article Falecia!
I've had on-and-off knee pain, and more recently back pain. When I was 10 or 11, my grandma suggested I try wearing low heels when I stayed at her place to see if that strengthened my knees, and at the time it really did help.
As I've dressed more, and wear heels most of the time I'm femme, I've noticed my back and knee pain is much more manageable, and now that I am Jaymie fulltime (and wear heels almost fulltime!) I have nothing like the pain I used to have!
Heels are fabulous - both for your look and for your health!
Great article Falecia!
I've had on-and-off knee pain, and more recently back pain. When I was 10 or 11, my grandma suggested I try wearing low heels when I stayed at her place to see if that strengthened my knees, and at the time it really did help.
As I've dressed more, and wear heels most of the time I'm femme, I've noticed my back and knee pain is much more manageable, and now that I am Jaymie fulltime (and wear heels almost fulltime!) I have nothing like the pain I used to have!
Heels are fabulous - both for your look and for your health!
Hi Falecia. I have just gotten recently into wearing high(ish) heels. I can see how they could cause problems, especially if worn for long periods of time, however i do believe the human body adapts itself eventually to circumstances, so pain may be reduced eventually as your body adjusts! well its only a theory...
Certainly for me, heels get a lot of getting used to, i feel like i want to fall forward and getting down the stairs is a work of art! my wife keeps telling me to alter my stance as i'm tending to over compensate by leaning back, which in turn gives an unnatural look. I suppose it all boils down to confidence and experience! Great article and a bit of an eye opener!
Fee xxx
Hi Falecia. I have just gotten recently into wearing high(ish) heels. I can see how they could cause problems, especially if worn for long periods of time, however i do believe the human body adapts itself eventually to circumstances, so pain may be reduced eventually as your body adjusts! well its only a theory...
Certainly for me, heels get a lot of getting used to, i feel like i want to fall forward and getting down the stairs is a work of art! my wife keeps telling me to alter my stance as i'm tending to over compensate by leaning back, which in turn gives an unnatural look. I suppose it all boils down to confidence and experience! Great article and a bit of an eye opener!
Fee xxx
For the benefit of getting men back into high heels....If only we could return to the disco days of the 70's. I remember wearing high heeled platform shoes as my drab male self. I loved those shoes. Alas, the style went out and so did those shoes.
Thanks for the memory. You’re correct, those shoes were a “step” in the right direction. I have several pair. They worked well with the flared and bell-bottom slacks and jeans. I even had a white pair that I wore with rave reviews with pastel plaid slacks and a waste length, pale blue “suit” jacket. I was young, but ran in pretty conservative circles and was still accepted. I was recently back from Vietnam and out of the service. I guess, in many ways, those were more accepting times. You remind me that when I wear today’s flared jeans and heeled sandals or boots, I’m really more of a throwback than an innovator.
FAM
Thanks for the memory. You’re correct, those shoes were a “step” in the right direction. I have several pair. They worked well with the flared and bell-bottom slacks and jeans. I even had a white pair that I wore with rave reviews with pastel plaid slacks and a waste length, pale blue “suit” jacket. I was young, but ran in pretty conservative circles and was still accepted. I was recently back from Vietnam and out of the service. I guess, in many ways, those were more accepting times. You remind me that when I wear today’s flared jeans and heeled sandals or boots, I’m really more of a throwback than an innovator.
FAM
For the benefit of getting men back into high heels....If only we could return to the disco days of the 70's. I remember wearing high heeled platform shoes as my drab male self. I loved those shoes. Alas, the style went out and so did those shoes.
Wonderful post. I too discovered that putting on heels can help alleviate back, shoulder, hip, arch, and calve pain. Feels like shifting the normal center of gravity relaxes certain muscles and strengthens others.
Wonderful post. I too discovered that putting on heels can help alleviate back, shoulder, hip, arch, and calve pain. Feels like shifting the normal center of gravity relaxes certain muscles and strengthens others.
30 years ago I fell from my attic. I have herniated or bulging discs from T-12 through S-1. There have been times when the pain was unbearable and I thought of surgery but I have done well with hundreds of visits to the chiropractor. Before my fall I had been a regular skier.
My chiropractor suggested that I give skiing another try. He was also a very good skier. His theory was that the forward leaning ski boot with its raised heel would help. After a day on the slopes I actually felt better.
Wearing heels increases the body's spinal realignment even more than ski boots. The more I would wear and walk around in heels the better my back would feel. The realignment took pressure off my low back. I wear heels several times a week and have not seen the chiropractor for years.
In my view my back pain has been largely eliminated by wearing heels. My back hurts worse when I am out and about and standing in flat shoes. Standing on line can be torture. What I do when in guy mode is find a curb and put my heels on the curb the get the alignment I get from wearing heels.
Great article. Thanks for the confirmation.
Pat
30 years ago I fell from my attic. I have herniated or bulging discs from T-12 through S-1. There have been times when the pain was unbearable and I thought of surgery but I have done well with hundreds of visits to the chiropractor. Before my fall I had been a regular skier.
My chiropractor suggested that I give skiing another try. He was also a very good skier. His theory was that the forward leaning ski boot with its raised heel would help. After a day on the slopes I actually felt better.
Wearing heels increases the body's spinal realignment even more than ski boots. The more I would wear and walk around in heels the better my back would feel. The realignment took pressure off my low back. I wear heels several times a week and have not seen the chiropractor for years.
In my view my back pain has been largely eliminated by wearing heels. My back hurts worse when I am out and about and standing in flat shoes. Standing on line can be torture. What I do when in guy mode is find a curb and put my heels on the curb the get the alignment I get from wearing heels.
Great article. Thanks for the confirmation.
Pat
