34 minutes - the time it takes for new shoes to pinch

The average woman can stand their new pair of shoes for just 34 minutes before grimacing with pain.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/8163117/34-minutes-the-time-it-takes-for-new-shoes-to-pinch.html

Researchers have found that once they have stepped out of the taxi and into a pub or club, they survive just over half an hour before their feet start to hurt.

Four in ten said they take a spare pair of pumps 'out of habit' to change into because they know their shoes will rub.

And more than half have ended up walking home bare-foot, while one in ten have abandoned their shoes altogether or borrowed someone else's

But a survey of 4,000 women revealed a determined one fifth said the prospect of aching feet would not put them off wearing a pair of killer heels.

Erika Gibbins, podiatrist for shoe insert Insolia, said: ''So many women will be able to relate to these findings, as they've been victims of painful shoes, but persevere with them in the name of fashion.

''It's ridiculous that so many nights out are spoilt so quickly by painful shoes and it doesn't have to be this way.

''The fact the nation's women are resorting to taking a second pair of shoes, and walking home barefoot means they need to do something so they can get to enjoy nights out and not worry about their feet.''

The average woman has suffered from foot pain on at least six occasions in the last 12 months. One in ten have been carried home, while a third have deliberately chosen bars with stools to keep the weight off their feet.

Yet half said they own a pair of killer heels which hurt to wear but put up with the pain because they look great, and three in ten have worn an uncomfortable pair to prove a point to their partner.

The nationwide poll of women aged 18 to 65 found the average woman currently owns 18 pairs, typically spent £35 on each purchase and has a hoard totalling £630.

But eight in ten said they have nine pairs of shoes in their cupboard they have never worn or donned just once or twice.  They also have another four pairs they deem 'too uncomfortable to wear'.  That means shoe-addicts have at least £315 worth that have never seen the light of day.

It also emerged one third admit they are 'addicted to shoes' and six in ten have a special dedicated area or shelf to keep them out of harm's way.

One in five even judge another female by their footwear and one in ten reckon they're the most important part of an outfit

A quarter said they find it 'easy to justify buying shoes' and 18 per cent said no matter what, they'd throw caution to the wind and still buy themselves shoes even if money was tight.

Erika Gibbins added: ''In standard three inch heels the centre of pressure is 75 per cent on the front of the foot which is why you get that burning sensation on the ball of your foot. This can also lead to bad body alignment and leg and lower back pain.

''When you stand for a prolonged period of time the load is magnified to the point where the foot just hurts all the time.

''My advice would be to always test new shoes at home and if they feel like they might start to hurt, take precautions like fitting an insert to help realign weight.''

The study was carried out to mark the launch of Insolia inserts which claim to relieve the pain of high heels so women can wear them for up to three times longer.

MY THOUGHTS

i feel grateful that i'm way past that stage when i will sacrifice comfort for the sake of looking good. i simply don't care anymore about looking good. i don't want to look shabby but i won't go through painful shoe expereinces for the sake of fashion. having spent some time alone in some countries, i got to the habit of walking. because i was too scared to get on a bus or a commuter train and find myself lost in a strange place where i cannot read the signs and no one can tell me 'in english' how i could find my way back. walking has become a lifestyle for me. and comfortable shoes has become a necessity. i come to love those beautiful shoes that offers comfort. and they can be quite fashionable. i think i have a couple of wedges. and a couple of pumps. but flats reign.

Break In Your Beautiful Shoes

Tip of the Week: Breaking in your Shoes

Julie Sabatino ON Aug 23, 2007 at

There are few things I hate more than breaking in a new pair of shoes. I just bought the cutest pair of heels on an end of season sale, and yesterday I wore them for the first time. Oh the agony! When am I going to learn to not wear a pair of new shoes when I will be out all day?!?!

Let this be a lesson to all of you…break in your wedding shoes before you wear them! They obviously require some special handling since they are more easily stained and scuffed, but you can take these steps to a pain free wedding day!

1) Before you begin, put masking tape on the bottom of the shoe to avoid scuffing the sole incase you decide to return them.

2) Walk around the house in them for at least an hour at a time, and make sure you wear them the same way as on your wedding day (stockings, barefoot etc.) so you can get a true sense for how they feel.

3) Remember, you’ll be on your feet all day and they will swell. In anticipation, you may want to stretch your shoes a little wearing a medium weight sock with them around the house.

4) Include in your wedding day emergency kit moleskin, baby powder, and extra foot cushioning (see Foot petals).

Good luck and happy stepping!

Best,

Julie

MY THOUGHTS

even if it's not your wedding,pay attention to these tipson breaking-in your beautiful shoes. i've been in so many situations where my new shoes actually caused wounds. and i can't wear shoes for days without band-aids. i just hate those blisters.

Snap-On Shoe Clips for your Beautiful Shoes

Style Save: Snap-On Shoe Clips

It only take a few seconds (and a few dollars) to give your shoes a spot-on new look
Adele Brennan ON Jul 27, 2010 at 6:00AM

A few weeks ago, I found one of my favorite pairs of vintage gold pumps unlovingly buried under a pile of odds and ends in my closet (Confession: I take terrible care of my shoes!). When I went to tug at one of them, a pretty little rosette that had been hanging out right near the top of the toe popped off. I was devastated -- or I was until I looked a tad closer and saw that the swirl of fabric was actually... a clip! And all I had to do was snap it back on to fix. Phew!

What was better than having my shoe fixed though? Seeing how it looked equally amazing with or without the clip on. Two shoes for the price of one? Yes, please!

But you don't need to buy a pair of vintage pumps like I did to make this wardrobe wonder happen. There are actually lots of really cute clips out there that you snap on to shoes you already have in your closet. I'd pair these Posie-Cure Clips ($15.99 at ModCloth) or these sparkly Ellie Multi-Color ones ($24.99 at Absolutely Audrey) with almost any plain (i.e. solid colored) heels or flats I have on hand. The ModCloth ones are perfect for day, while the set at Absolutely Audrey would take any shoe from day to night in five seconds flat.

Any good shopping or styling tips you've discovered totally on accident? Fill us in!

MY THOUGHTS

better lookfor these shoe clips. i've seen a lot for kids but not for women. imagine transforming your ordinary flats into beautiful shoes by simply clipping on those shoe clips. i'm sure we have it here.

Beautiful Shoes with high heels can cause injury

High heels results in injuries
2010-11-07 00:00:00

London, Nov 6 (IANS) Women who wear high heels are more prone to injuries, a study has found.

Thousands of women have hurt themselves because of their shoes. Many had gone to such extreme lengths to wear stylish shoes that they were taken to hospital after twisting an ankle or tearing a tendon, reports express.co.uk.

Some have fallen flat on their face because of their heels, with many damaging their teeth or breaking a wrist.

A poll of 3,000 women, aged 18-65, found that they also suffered broken ankles and twisted knees due to high heels.

But six in 10 said they would continue to wear killer heels if they were complimented on their footwear during a night out. More than a third said they have had to be helped home because of poorly fitting shoes.

Lisa McCarten, of comfort shoe specialist Hotter Shoes, said: 'Women buy shoes that look good, and worry about the pain later.'

MY THOUGHTS

i've stopped wearing those beautiful shoes with heels for health reasons. i very rarely use them. i don't want to worry about the pain later. i remember all those times i was unable enjoy an event because my feet were killing me. enough is enough.

Beautiful Shoes With Heels Injured 3M Women

Killer high heels' have injured 3mn women!

ANI, Nov 6, 2010, 12.27pm IST

LONDON: The next time you wear those stilettos, better be careful-a new study has suggested that more than three million women have had to seek medical attention for injuries caused by their high heels.

Half either tore a tendon or twisted an ankle, while thousands of others smashed their teeth or broke wrists by falling flat.

But 60% of women said whatever agony a pair of heels caused, they would keep wearing them if they won compliments.

The poll of 3,000 women aged 18 to 65 also found a whopping 89% said uncomfortable shoes have ruined a night out.

More than a third have had to be helped or even carried home because of pain from shoes that are too tight.

And 61% have spent a whole evening sitting down.

But 80% have bought a trendy pair despite knowing they do not fit.

Only 2% of the women polled by Hotter Shoes never wear heels.

"Women tend to buy shoes that look good, and then worry about the pain later," the Sun quoted spokeswoman Lisa McCarten, as saying.   "It's incredible to imagine the pain and discomfort women endure for a pair of killer heels," she added.

MY THOUGHTS

ouch! what women would go through to look fabulous. i feel relieved to be so past this stage.  i'm more for comfort. and being appropriately dressed. 

Health Tip for Shopping for Beautiful Shoes

Health Tip: Shopping for Shoes

Suggestions to help prevent foot problems
(HealthDay News) -- Wearing shoes that don't fit can contribute to a long list of foot problems.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests how to choose the right footwear and keep your feet happy:

Always measure both feet each time you go shoe shopping.
Try on shoes late in the day, when the feet tend to be a bit larger.
Women should opt for heels that are no higher than 2 1/4 inches.
Make sure the shoes fit properly in the heels and the toes, with 1/2 inch of space between the shoe and your longest toe.
Try on both shoes to be sure that they fit comfortably on both feet. Opt for the size that is most comfortable on your largest foot.
Walk around the store with both shoes on to make sure the fit is comfortable. Don't count on "breaking them in."
-- Diana Kohnle

MY THOUGHTS

i agree with all of the above tips. and i follow them. except for the "1/2 space between the shoe and my longest toe". result: dead toe nails. better learn the lesson fast.

do-it-yourself shoe

Introducing the innovative new D.I.Y shoe


With a host of fabulous collaborations to date, including Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gautier, Melissa is back with it's newest project - D.I.Y shoes...

SEE OUR PICK OF THE BEST NEW SEASON SHOES HERE!

The customisable plastic disc shoes are designed by leading international architecture and design specialist Gaetano Pesce.

Made up of mismatched plastic spheres, customers are able to cut the edges to create new styles - so from ballerina flats, to flip flop sandals, to the classic ankle boot, it's time grab a pair of scissors and channel your inner Tamara Mellon.

Avant-garde, futuristic and completely unique - this is arguably Melissa's most revolutionary shoe to date. 
Available in six different colours; black, red, off-white, blue and translucent orange, this is the perfect opportunity to create some fabulous footwear, as designed by you!

The shoes launch in Selfridges on Sunday 7th November, with a 3-week exhibition.

MY THOUGHTS

you've got to see the pics so don't forget to click on the links. amazing what creative people can come up with.