Kevwe Uwisike: The Struggle With High Heel Shoes

“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.”- Marilyn Munroe.
You can never go wrong in heels. High heels are a beauty lift. There is an aura of confidence, the lifting of mood and the illusion of increased stature. It gives the very idea that you are ready to take on the world.

In not too distant years, policies of corporate organizations (banks especially) spelt clearly that females were expected to wear only shoes not higher than 2 inch heels so they could get around easily and give the impression of serious mindedness. High heels were perceived to be too mature or problematic for ambitious women. Today, the veil of limitation has been lifted and high heel has gained immeasurable favour by becoming one unique item that can compliment any female corporateoutfit. In some organizations, heels are a necessary dress code in core departments. If you are not wearing sky-high-heels, you are deemed a criminal and shall instantly be expelled. Go from among us, and be tall if you can!

The penetration of designer heels, the likes of Christian Louboutin, G Zanotti, Jummy Choo, etc, in the footwear market has not helped matters, causing women to acquire more killer-heels than cloths. Current fashion trend allows heels to be worn on any outfit; casual, corporate and even traditional attire (even if they are visible only in small flashes, when a hem moves to one side). They, in essence, complete a fashion statement. The heel has come to be the representation of feminine attraction and even power. I took time to ask some of my male friends what they thought. The answers were the same. They love a woman who can rock her heels. Of course, there is an undertone to that statement.

There is the rising alarm that high heels have come to be accessories of control for women. Women wear heels to be more sexually attractive and take over power from men. Against contrary opinions, high heels do not highlight a natural lack of height (as even tall girls are seen wearing them), they confer an advantage gained from artificially increased stature. Women who wear heels have been conceived to be vain, ornamental and deceitful. Good girls don’t wear heels, at least not very high ones.

However, the heel situation has become critical in recent times. Despite the beauty and admiration attached to the rocking of heels on any outfit, many ladies have held on to it with much desperation. Don’t get me wrong, stilettos are sexy as hell; they’ll give you the illusion of legs for days and can even boost your self-confidence, but we all know the price of beauty ain’t cheap.

Just last month, I attended an oil and gas event at Eko Hotel. One of the organizers, a lady, had been called on to give a speech. As she walked from behind, I noticed her steps were slow, deliberate and calculated. I held my breath, counting and praying silently with her that she would not stumble. My prayers were answered. A gentle man who sensed her discomfort was quick to reach out his hand and help her climb the few steps to the stage. It was a miracle. There are many instances when watching a lady walk awkwardly on heels have been totally unappealing. The fear of tripping is unimaginable.

Most women admit high heels make their feet hurt and are not very comfortable, but they tolerate the discomfort in order to look taller, stylish, and more professional. Doctors have warned of the health implications of wearing heels all the time; could contribute to knee and back problems, disabling injuries in falls, swollen ankles, ingrown toenails from crunched toes, shortened calf muscles and of course an awkward gait.

On a lighter note, if you have ever wondered why some women at the junction carry two bags, know today, that one is the regular hand-bag and the other is specifically for their high-heel shoes. Many ladies usually carry flats to substitute once they start getting uncomfortable. Although, the impression and gait that high heels give cannot be replaced, there are however flat shoes and sandals that can give a lady the beauty, impression and composure needed, if well rocked. Good thing medium block heels are becoming a trend.

Now, how many women can rock heels that do not destroy both her comfort and her gait?

Photo Credit: Dreamstime | R. Gino Santa Maria / Shutterfree, Llc