Back in the 70’s when I was a singer in a rock & roll band, I always appeared to tower above my fellow band members. Not because I was that tall. So, why you ask? Simple. For those who remember the fashion trend of the day, I always wore incredibly high platform heels under my long flowing gowns. In fact, both onstage and offstage, the higher the heels…the better.
I even made a valiant attempt to get married wearing outrageous four-inch platform shoes. My closest family members were visibly mortified and forbade me from wearing those shoes. Initially, I was resistant (I truly loved how tall and slender I looked in platforms), so several of them felt forced to stage a full out intervention, vocally rejecting the look as “inappropriate” for the occasion.
Since “peace at all costs” is the motto I live my life by, and with only minutes until the ceremony, I finally gave in and borrowed a pair of more sensible, lower heeled shoes from a younger (and apparently wiser) cousin. I’d needed something borrowed anyways. Looking back at the one lone picture of me in my originally intended heels, I admit that they did look a little— actually more than a little—they looked ridiculous. Full details in my book Confessions of a Middle-Aged Hippie.
With Age Comes Wisdom…Hopefully
Now that I’m older, (and hopefully much wiser), my shoe choices are more aligned with comfort and to be honest, with my body’s well-being, rather than what’s fashionable today. I’m always shocked when I catch sight of modern-day high heels, as although the shape of the heel may have evolved over the years, shoes seem to be getting…well even higher. Yikes! I can only imagine the effect they’re having on women’s physical well-being. A very real impact indeed.
When I heard that Lady Gaga had a serious ‘shoe’ incident, (she accidentally caught her very, very high heel on her piano bench, falling and landing flat on her back on stage), I sat up and took notice. OUCH! Without missing a beat, Lady Gaga got up and went on performing her show. As if nothing had happened. She was later quoted as saying “I would rather die than have my fans not see me in a pair of high heels. And that’s show biz.”
Women and Their Shoes
In an effort to understand what the real scoop is on women and this shoe biz, I began to look more closely at what is at the root of women’s shoe collection obsession. You don’t have to look too far to find well-known women who love their shoes. Think of Imelda Marcos and her infamous 3,000 pair collection. Then there’s Oprah and Sex and the City fashionista Carrie Bradshaw. And remember, even Cinderella got her prince because the shoe fit!
Personally, I’ve never understood any kind of obsession, let alone one for shoes. I doubt that five pairs of Minimus barefoot walking shoes in a variety of color combos qualifies as a collection. Does it? In my search for some ‘whys’, I found that wearing high heels makes women feel good about themselves. Even acknowledging this, the price tag that goes with the more sought after designer shoes is steep. I’m wondering, who has that kind of money to invest in their feet in the name of looking good?
What is at the Heart of This Shoe Thing?
Then I found some really juicy things that possibly explain what is at the heart of this shoe thing. Branding expert Martin Lindstrom, author of the book Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy, explains that when we try on any type of apparel, the neurotransmitter dopamine is released and provides a mood boost. Okay, shoes absolutely qualify.
Daniel Amen, M.D., and author of numerous books based on his own brain research expands the topic much further. He reveals that our minds are structured in a way that may associate feet with sex.
SHOEreka!
Amen says, “The area of the brain that communicates with the genitals is right next to the area that deals with the feet.” Looking down now, (you’ll generally find me looking up), I’m trying to understand how this relates to me. Amen continues, “These areas share neural cross-talk, which may be why shoes can be erotic.” Now I’m questioning, “Have I missed something in my life by not collecting shoes?”
Shoes + SEX
Helen Fisher, Professor of Anthropology at Rutgers and one of the most referenced scholars in the “love” research community, has stated that we are wired to associate height with power and “high heels can literally raise your status because you’re taller when you wear them.” Being as I’m already reasonably tall for a woman, and really not that concerned about power, these findings don’t really resonate with me.
Fisher reports that in previous centuries, shoes were a measure of class, as only the wealthy wore high heels. Sex + History + Status = a powerful trio indeed. Personally, I’ve always been more interested in how my creativity, humor and intellect were received. Considering that’s what I find most attractive in a man. Well, a great smile helps too!
The Truth About Stilettos
For women who do wear stilettos…it’s really about the sex factor. Yes, some women do look (and feel) extremely sexy when they wear high heels. Others, well if I’m honest, they just can’t carry it off. When I see how awkward some women appear while attempting to walk in them, I wonder who that looks sexy too?
Fisher continued, “When a woman wears them (stilettos), she assumes a primal mating pose called lordosis. Her butt lifts, and her back arches.” Isn’t sex what it always comes back to? Doesn’t the word stiletto have another relationship; to an object that’s a dangerous weapon? In fact, that’s why the shoes were named that way in the first place.
How High Heels Affect Your Body
Now I’m feeling more zen about the whys. Based on my personal experiences, I’ve come to know all too well, the physical stress high heels can place on your feet, ankles, knees, hips, back and even your neck. You get it; most of your body. When you wear high heels ladies, and men if you choose to as well, it creates increased pressure on your toes which means the rest of your body has to adjust just to maintain balance.
High heels put the center of gravity on the ball of your foot. The higher the heel, the worse. As the lower part of your body leans forward, the body has to decrease the forward curve of your spine to help keep you in line. How often have you heard women complain that their (high) heels are killing their feet? Yes, they are. Women who’ve consistently worn high heels eventually get to a point where they can no longer wear flats, as their Achilles’ tendon has shortened, making it too short for flats.
Head to Toe Issues
High heels also cause your foot and ankle to turn outward creating both risk of falling and ankle sprains. Your hip flexors and knee muscles have to work harder than normal, too. It was my back that was most affected when I pranced through life and onto the stage with my high heels. Maybe not pranced, more like stumbled at times. Because our backs are in the form of an S-shape, it acts as a shock absorber and reduces stress on your vertebrae.
Unfortunately, high heels cause the lower part of your spine to flatten and cause displacement of your head and mid-back. The negative impacts go on and on. Do your own research, as it’s no secret how high heels can create havoc on your body. Women are more prone to osteoarthritis and to foot deformities like hammertoes and bunions. Corns, calluses and blisters are common too. All these related to wearing high heels. Ladies! What are we doing to ourselves for the sake of looking good?
Good News About High Heels
But wait! There’s some good news. Several companies are now designing high heels for women to address these very real concerns this love affair is creating.
Grateful that I personally don’t have fans to please in the name of showbiz and given the option of high heels or death…I have to choose life for me and death for high heels. Love to hear your thoughts…yay or nay to high heels?
Shoes are one of my joys and I have a liking for some type of heel. But I have to admit that I have suffered from the wear of some. I take more time now to still indulge but not to try and convince myself that they won’t hurt…that bad! Ha… Cute, Sexy and COMFORTABLE have to be met before pulling out my wallet. Fun article!
For some women, shoes are so important Teresa. And it sounds like you have become more sensible in your heel choices for yourself. Yes to cute, sexy and comfortable. Your feet and your posture will love you for that! Glad you enjoyed this post!
Beverley – I’ve got about a zillion comments/thoughts about this article, but one of my main ideas is that of older, successful, confident women. I’m of the opinion that if a woman wears stylish, high-heeled shoes, I consider her less self-confident than if she wears obviously comfortable shoes! Great piece!
Thanks so much for weighing in on this topic of women and high heels, Joan. I like your observation, and yet I do know some older women who have worn heels for so long, they can no longer actually wear flats, or at least flatter shoes. I’m all about comfort and am happy to hear that could also be a sign of having more self-confidence.
This is a hoot, Beverley – especially as I sit here with my foot elevated because I sprained my ankle this weekend. No, I wasn’t trying to look sexy in stilettos; I was just out for a walk, not paying attention…
This post brings me back to my days working in a chiropractor’s office. Women wearing high heels was a pet peeve for one of the chiropractors, and he would take every opportunity to illustrate the damages high heels cause.
I do love heels, but find I wear them less and less – and the heels are not as high as they used to be: no way I’ll be one of those people looking awkward and shaky in my shoes!!
Sorry to hear you sprained your ankle Deb, and happy to hear it wasn’t from wearing high heels. It’s amazing to me what women still do in the name of style and looking good when it comes to wearing high heels. I can only imagine how chiropractors would be anti heels, especially as they see first-hand the damage they do. I also wear heels less and less, and when I do, they are very modest and as comfortable as possible considering they are “heels”. There are more comfortable and better designed high heels now, and although I still see very tall stilettos being wore by many women, I would hope women are getting smarter and making choices that are more in line with their overall health and posture!
Wow, a link between shoes and sex? Who’d have thought? I haven’t really worn high heels since I was pregnant with my first – a long time ago. Every now and again I’ll wear slightly high heels but comfort is always king for me – and the desire not to fall. I do miss them though and can often be seen looking longingly at some other woman’s feet when they are enhanced by beautiful heels.
Like you Tamuria, I haven’t worn high heels for many, many years now. Yes, they do look wonderful, however, they are so ad for our posture and our feet. I also wear slight heels and do admire those women who can strut their stuff wearing heels, but for me, comfort over style is king as well.
There comes a time when it makes sense to give up your heels. But, I still remember the corporate days and when I use to walk all over NYC in heels. One of my friends called me thunder thighs for how fast I could walk. Yup, those were the good old days.
It’s so interesting to hear how many women did wear high heels when they were younger, Joyce. I know I wore them everywhere, even with jeans. Love the nickname “thunder thighs” as it really conjures up an image of a power walking high heeled lady in a hurry to get where you were going. Thanks for sharing!
You always make me laugh, Beverley! Chuckling as I write this. And I’ve known for a while the connection with high heels and sexuality. But Dr. Amen’s scientific explanation caught me way off guard! And yep, looking down. LOL. Shoereka is right!
Just so enjoyed this!
Happy to hear that this piece brought some chuckles to your day, Susan. Shoes are such a big topic for women and it definitely is a big one with lots of food for thought and conversation. I agree that Daniel Amen offers amazing scientific info for us to digest. Appreciate hearing your enjoyed this piece. Glad you liked my neologism Shoereka too! 😉
I think women wear heels because men like them. I do, too, but I was diagnosed with Morton’s neuroma in my left foot several years back and was advised to wear Crocs (they have more than 160 styles) or go under the knife and have the nerve cut out. Hey, Crocs it is! And guess what? Not only are they comfy, but they also have platform heels…which I wear when I go out on business or to party.
I think many women wear high heels because they feel and look sexy in them, Jackie. And yes, because they know that men like them and it attracts men. Funny that just tonight my brother and I were talking about Crocs and how many different styles they have now and how comfortable they are. That’s great to hear they have platform styles and it makes me think that maybe I would be wise to check them out.
This is wonderful! I am not a high heel person. Give me a pair of earth shoes or cork bottom flats any day and I am happy camper. Bringing up a 14 year old girl, I ask her if she wants to try, high heels, she said no because she feels off balance. Thanks for sharing, this was fun!
Thanks so much Sabrina and glad you found it fun to read! It’s interesting that neither you nor your daughter is too keen on high heels, and maybe she witnessed that in from you. My daughter really disliked high heels and I know for sure, I couldn’t possibly wear them anymore myself. I loved them when I was younger and still see how integral they are to so many women’s wardrobes!
I seldom wear high heels anymore, just on dress up occasions which are few and far between. However, I used to love wearing them. First, when I began teaching, I wanted to be taller than my 5th graders. Then later, when I became a chief flight instructor and would be asked to fly with other instructor’s female students, I wore dresses and heels so that when the women complained about having to preflight the plane – standing on a little stool that wasn’t heels friendly, I’d kick of my heels, climb up and check the fuel level, and then say, If I can, you can. It worked.
Love how you used your own experience to “demonstrate” to female students what’s possible, Beth! I also used to love my high heels and now, I don’t think I could wear them even if I tried. I occasionally wear about one or two inch heels, however, am always excited by the prospect of being able to kick them off and go bare foot again. It’s amazing to see how we change as we gain more years and more wisdom and yet so many older women who have worn heels all their lives, cannot even wear flats because they have altered (and not for the better) their posture forever!
Oh wow! This info is so interesting, especially Amen’s research! With my background, I have always had a special place in my heart for fashion and style. And, I love heels. However, as I have become ‘wiser’, my shoe style has changed…but it’s challenging to find a ‘wiser’ shoe with style! I’m so glad that some designers are starting to tailor to our flair for fashion needs ;-). Great info! Thanks!
Thanks for sharing Staci, as I think a lot of women are very much into style and fashion and somehow high heels seem to go with that territory. Amen’s research is very fascinating and sheds a lot of light on how the brain influences so many of the relationships between various parts of our body. I imagine it is challenging to find wiser shoe choices that are hip and stylish, however, I think women are wanting it so a market is being created for them. Keep us posted once you do find them!
Great article on shoes. I have never worn anything higher than 2 inches. Not interested and value my health more than looking sexy. Which by the way, my sex life is terrific so it can’t be the shoes. 🙂
So happy you dispelled the idea that high heels and sex someone go together, Karen. You are living proof that they are mutually exclusive. I couldn’t wear high heels anymore either as like you, I value my health and posture. Appreciate you sharing your perspective on the “shoe” issue.
When I’m not in my comfy ‘working from home’ flip flops, it’s wedges all the way for me. Maybe it’s because I had to fight so hard as a teenager to have a pair? I like to think it’s really because I get the height without falling over. 🙂
Seems we women do have our own interesting relationship with heels at different times in our lives, Denyse. When I was young, I honestly always wore heels and yet now, I couldn’t wear them if you paid me too. Well maybe if you paid me too! I actually did wear ridiculous platform shoes for my book launch party…a throwback to the shoes I wore during my hippie days! And there is something lovely, I agree, about the height high heels give us. I do get that and believe that’s why lots of women still wear them. 🙂
Cant beat a good pair of high heels, I aint the tallest person so I Love them! That being said I hate the pain my feet go through the next morning.
Thanks for stopping by Chantell. It is interesting how seductive high heels are, even when they bring the wearer pain. Seems the benefits of wearing them, outweigh the downside to them. Universally women do seem to love their high heels.
Hi Beverley, I can relate to this post. I used to wear heels a lot when I was younger. My orthopedic surgeon called them “sexy shoes”! Now … I go for comfort. I find I can’t do most types of heels, not because of my feet all the time, but my knees. So I feel your pain! This was a fun read. Thanks for the walk down memory lane!
Your experience is so similar to so many of ours, Tamara. We used to wear high heels and as we get older and wiser, we go more for comfort than for fashion. Interesting to hear that it is your knees that hurt when you wear heels, as that is another of the key body parts that heels seem to through out of balance. Glad you enjoyed the walk down memory lane too. Those were the days. 😉
Agreed! I used to wear heels all the time, but now that I have plantar fasciitis in one foot, it gets too painful to wear my heels. 🙁 I’m actually more happy wearing my running shoes everyday. 🙂
I hear you about being happier wearing your comfy running shoes everyday Hazel! I used to always wear high heels and now that isn’t actually possible, even if I did want to. Love my bare foot minimus walking shoes and my birks in warm weather. It’s all about comfort for me too! 🙂
I loved this blog because I relate to the shoe fetish and have several high heels to look at by myself; not for wearing them, because my feet hurt within 5 minutes. Therefore, I find myself buying shoes just to admire them at home. lol
Thanks for sharing your “love” for high heels here. Just looking at them could be a good thing too, unless it gets too expensive and becomes more of a look but don’t touch collection. At least your feet know what is good for you. 😉
My mom was big fan of high heels (she is 5′ tall) and always insisted that a woman should wear high hells. I have tried many times over but it never stuck with me, I just could never understand the pain and discomfort of high hells in return for perceived beauty. I love my flat-soled leather boots on any day 😉
Thanks for sharing Lillith. Yes it is interesting how some women just think they have to wear high heels to show their beauty, when in fact if you are comfortable in your own skin, it doesn’t matter what shoes you wear. Seems most women here are all about comfort and the well being of their body, so it is great to add another voice for that to that conversation.
High heels. I tried that a couple times and decided I was NOT one of those high-heeled ladies! Tee-hee… I go for comfort way before fashion, always have and always will. Though… one in awhile I think I might be missing something great… Ha! Ha! Great post! 🙂
Yay,Norma! You might be one of the only women who wasn’t committed to high heels in their youth. I admire someone who tried it and made the choice not to adopt it. Comfort now for me too and the wellbeing of my body…now that I know the truth about how heels impact us. And yes, they do add a certain elegance to the look, however, I couldn’t even wear them for more than a few minutes now. Glad you enjoyed the post too! Thanks for sharing your experience. 🙂
I’ve left 2 comments in past but don’t mind leaving a 3rd for this great post. Truth be told, I neverwore hi heels, not real hi. I was slim & didn’t feel I needed to throw my body off kilter to look thinner. What I love most about this topic is the historical information. It takes us beyond our personal love/hate relationship with heels. Suffice it to say, I love shoes, but they must be comfortable & practical or my pediatrist and chiropractor wont love me anymore.
Thanks for trying again and third time is a charm, Roslyn. I love that you were never caught up in the high heel fashion when you were younger. Platforms were such a rage in the 70’s when I was in the entertainment industry. Happy to hear you are also in the comfort and practical mindset these days, as we wouldn’t want you to upset your podiatrist and chiropractor. Thanks for sharing and adding your voice to the conversation.
Hi Beverley,
Great post! I would say NAY on high heels, when I was younger, I used to wear them, but as I get older, I have no use for them as I work from home now and want to be comfortable 🙂
Thanks for sharing 🙂 Great to connect with you again, it has been awhile 😉
Seems lot of us women used to wear high heels and now as we get wiser, don’t include them in our repertoire. I’m all about comfort and well being, so high heels definitely don’t fit that model anymore for me. Glad to reconnect also and appreciate you joining the conversations. This high heel thing is a big topic for women…and probably men too. 🙂 Glad you enjoyed it!
I am loving this post. I also have a love/hate relationship with my heels. I love the way they make me look and feel but I hate that I can’t really wear them the way I once could due to an ankle injury and subsequent weight gain. I am excited about the possibilities of advancement in shoe wear for those of us who want to don the sexy zapatos without being in pain and anguish. As the Co-Area Director of Chicago Networking in High Heels, a national networking organization for professional women in business, I need to be able to represent our brand.
Thanks for sharing your “high heel” experiences here! And being a director of a networking organization that is all about high heels, certainly would mean they are a big part of your life. Yes, there are companies who are dedicated to making the high heel experience more comfortable and healthy for women, so hopefully you’ll find them and be able to strut your stuff again in style. Thanks again for adding your voice to this conversation!
I have not worn high heels in years, and the reason is that I feel pretentious wearing them. They are made to show-off a curvy body, or just to instill a sense of purpose- the-said power effect. Since I know my strength and believe that power is in the mind, the only reason I ‘d start wearing high-heels again, would be to feel sexy. And after 2 kids, I am slowly going back into that mode of sexy lady, as my kids joke about the popular song. Thank you Beverley for the historical background, I didn’t know how meaningful heels were till I read through your blog. Awesome!
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with high heels, Renee. It’s interesting how we women go through phases in our life and somehow return to places we might have thought we’d left behind in our youth. It is always good to feel sexy about ourselves regardless of our age. Glad you enjoyed the history and science behind why and how heels make both us women and men feel. Appreciate your voice in the conversation.
This was a great fun article to read. Since I am over 6 ft tall, I never find the need to wear high heels and I am usually the one in the grocery store that gets asked to get something high off the shelf:)
Thanks so much Julie! Glad you found it fun to read. You are definitely tall enough without heels, although I imagine some tall women still love to put them on to add to their stature. Thanks for sharing that your height helps you be of service to others in life…even if it is helping to reach the unreachable shelves for so many of us. 😉
Loved this post, Bev, how fun! Yes I used to wear super high heels though I never found them comfortable. I used to walk a lot when I was younger so it was really crazy but… a gal’s gotta do what a gal’s gotta do 🙂
Well, no more, now health and safety comes first and topmost!
Thanks so much Delia…glad you enjoyed the read! So many of us women used to wear ridiculously high heels and I wonder now how in the world we actually wore them and walked through life that way. I can’t actually remember if I ever found them comfortable, although platforms where more balanced then the crazy high heels that have evolved since. Happy to hear you too have put your health and safety first! Appreciate you sharing your experiences too! 🙂
What a fun read! I wear heels rarely (probably once or twice a month), but I have to admit, I DO feel sexy when I wear them. And I feel much more feminine in them … until I stand next to my husband. He’s only an inch taller than I am, so in heels, I feel a bit gangly. 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the read Kimber! I also had the same experience of wearing heels and that’s why I wore them everywhere when I was younger. They definitely do make you feel sexy and more feminine. Now I can’t possibly wear them ever and wonder how some women do. The bottom line is they really aren’t very good for any part of your body, maybe just your feminine self. Thanks for sharing your experience. Very appreciated.
I can relate to this writing! It reminded me of when I was 18-20 and had those same 4-5″ platform sandals. I got pretty good at wearing them and I wanted/needed the height. If I remember right I did wear them to get married (informal ceremony). I am short 5’1″ I would probably fall off if I tried now. I agree, I never could understand the high heels. If I tried to wear anything oover 1-2″ I was in pain. Now I stick to 1″ pumps or flats. I am in tune with my ‘vertical challenge.’ I laughed when at college a few years ago. Every beginning of term new students would wear high heels and short tight clothes. It didn’t last longer than a week or two. they learned.
It is amazing to remember what we all went through wearing high heels, Kathryn. It is very interesting to hear that young college girls are still putting them on and showing up with heels and short tight clothes…all in the name of…what? I guess we all learn our lessons in different ways, and like you, I could never ever wear that height of shoes again, regardless of how well they are supposedly designed and how comfortable they may now be. I actually doubt that. I do know someone who cannot wear flat shoes anymore and she is also got her very high heels on whenever I see her. Each to their own. The comfort and health of my body are key to me now. Thanks for sharing your experiences here.
I envy older women who can wear them, but I gave them up a while back and no regrets. I’ve long known how much podiatrists hate them, as they are awful for our feet.
I totally agree Carol. For me my days of wearing high heels are long gone and even if I wanted to wear them again, my feet won’t let me. And yes, the well being of almost all of our body is impacted by wearing high heels. Thanks for sharing your experience here too!
I haven’t worn heals in years and years. Sure, there was a time you wouldn’t see me without them, but not in the past 25 years or so!! Now it’s health and safety first!
I hear you Tina. I haven’t either, however, remember all too well my high heels days and like you, I wore them everywhere all the time. Comfort and health and safety are my priorities now too.
Great post, made me smile. I tried wearing high heel when I was younger but then I towered over everyone and my feet hurt. I’m 5 10 to begin with, add 2 or 3 inch heels and I’m over 6 ft.
I hurt my knee when I was 23 and that was the end of heels higher than a few inches. Now I’m a flat and comfy shoe girl.
I do envy the heels some days, but I never enjoyed being a head or two taller than everyone in the room.
Glad to hear it brought a smile to your face, Heather. That was the intention. Like you, I loved my high heels when I was younger and I can only imagine how you truly did tower over people, considering how tall you are even without them. Injuries are one of the big concerns of wearing heels and having one already, means high heels were definitely out for you.
Yes, I agree that women wearing heels does look good at times, however, every time I go to even try them on, I remember how uncomfortable and bad for my body they are. Low and comfy is my motto too. Thanks for sharing your experiences and adding your voice to the conversation.
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences on the use of high heels. Wearing high heels can help one’s stature pleasing to another person’s eyes, particularly makes one confident. What a difference that it brings than wearing lower flats.
So true Lorii. Flats versus high heels is like being in two different worlds. For some, it might add to their stature and whatever works for people, I say go for it. As long as they understand and put their health and well-being first.
Most of time I hate heels…and feeling pretty good when I wear them:)
It is definitely a love/hate affair women have with high heels, Tea. They look good, and yet, often they feel so bad. Thanks for sharing your experience with them. 😉
Great information. I agree that although heels are loved by so many women they are hard on your body. I have seen some that are so high I can’t even imagine how someone could possibly walk in them at all. We all have to decide what we are able and willing to do when it comes to heels but we do need to consider the long term affects as well.
Thanks for weighing in on this Meryl. I used to adore heels, however, as I got older and wiser, I saw how off they were throwing my body. Yes, women do love them and do look great in them, however, at what cost. Maybe some women don’t realize or care until their body speaks to them in discomfort. Appreciate you sharing your perspective.
Oh, how I love my high heels! However, being a momma to two little ones, they are reserved for special occasions. My feet hurt, and I do feel awful the following day, but I typically deal for the sake of fashion and, um, husband-appeal. I am looking forward to the comfortable and flattering shoe days ahead! Great post!
I can hear how much you love your high heels and all the reasons for that, Tara. You are still young and I know from my experience that as I got older, the high heels just had to go. I think as long as you continue to alternate between the higher heels and lower flats, your body will be able to adjust and not be pulled in one direction. Thanks for reading and sharing your experiences with high heels too!