Comfort in heels isn't an oxymoron

Posted on Friday, 11.20.2009 04:26 PM

Tags: shoes, shopping, random thoughts

I love high heels.  I am painfully (at least to myself) short--I'm 5'1" 1/2, and I never let anyone forget about the half inch.  I've been wearing shoes with high heels or soles that are well-padded to keep the illusion of height pretty much my whole life.  Even back in grade school and high school, I'd wear thick-soled, serviceable black school shoes.  Everyone was so used to my supposed height that when I did have to take them off (like say, during an annual physical exam), the difference would surprise my classmates.

It wasn't until about two years ago that I warmed up to wearing sneakers.  I got quite addicted to the comfort for a while, but eventually I missed the added inches dearly and went back to heels (only going back to sneakers every now and then).  There's always that option to wear stylish flat shoes, but contrary to popular belief, flats aren't always the most comfortable.  There's only so little between the hard cement and my feet that they hurt after a while.  Unless they're sneakers; I think it's the rubber soles.  And as I'm not cherishing the idea of being perpetually in rubbers especially in the city (I don't care if it's the most expensive flip-flops there is), I shop for high heels with most comfort I can muster.  And yes, there is such a thing!  Many women around here are unnecessarily intimidated by high heels.  Frankly, I think they just don't know what to look for.

Miel and Sarah are wearing my shoes, which have similar heels. Miel is wearing patent copper shoes with platform, from Janylin (P799 from Cubao Expo--I can run in these babies).  Sarah is wearing black patent asymetrical heels from Wade (Robinsons Galleria). This is an outtake of our previous shoot for MESA.

Most of the heels in my closet are at least 4 inches high but are around an inch thick.  I like them chunky, and I rarely gravitate towards stilletos unless the design is too good for me to resist.  Fortunately, most of the designs that appeal to me do have the chunky heels.  I guess you can say my shoe-shopping criteria would be 1) design 2) comfort 3) heel height--and lastly, 4) price.  I'm usually more obsessed with shoes than I am with clothes, but mostly I manage not to go on a spree.

Two of my favorite heels. You've seen the copper one from the previous picture. I once walked from Buendia to Valero to Greenbelt in these. They weren't uncomfortable, but I was lamenting about the gravel, haha. The turqoise one I bought from Confetti in Glorietta 5, since I thought they were a steal at P850. I love the color and yes, I've run in these, too.

I used to hoard wedges and even platforms ala Spice Girls when they were still in vogue.  They're still pretty good options, and I'm wondering myself why I don't have a single wedge pair now.  

As for kitten heels--not really a fan.  If I'm going to add height, it might as well be substantial, visible and sturdier than what a kitten has to offer.  I had to live in kitten heels for most of my life when I was still sharing a wardrobe with my mom, though. But it was soon pretty obvious when I started earning my own money and doing my own shopping that kitten heels just aren't my style.

Here are some pretty sturdy options for heels that can possibly have high mileage for me.  As a rule, they usually have chunky heels or at least a pretty wide base for great support.  If they cover up most of the feet, there's a good chance of added support.  I don't like wearing completely closed shoes like the classic pumps, as they murder my ankles.  I also look for good platforms like most of the ones below, since I noticed the thicker the padding, the less it hurts when walking.  Of course the added height doesn't hurt, too.

From left to right: Fergie, Thief Bootie in black, Steven by Steve Madden Simmer Heel in Natural, Kazan Shoe - Magenta, Betsey Johnson, $179.99, Carlos by Carlos Santana Chica - Grey/Black, Neon-Pink Snakeskin Urban Gladiator Heel, Dereon Checks In The Mail Heel - Black, Bottega Veneta Cutout platform sandals, Pelle Moda Deluca Bootie - Brown, studded shield platform heel - gojane.com, Chinese Laundry Bootsy - Bright Multi, BCBG Warren Heel - Sunflower, Jenni Kayne: Pleat Bootie - jennikayne.com

Tags: shoes, shopping, random thoughts

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