Why I won't be wearing a skyscraper heel
September 11th 2009 11:00
It's more than a little ironic. In a time when women have more power and respect than ever before, the heel heights on our shoes have shot through the roof. The most in-demand new style of stiletto is the skyscraper heel, which has a heel height in excess of - wait for it - seven inches. Naturally, I'm not the only fashion conscious girl who's calling "bulls--t!"
Now, don't get me wrong. I love the look of high heels. They're shoe art, and can make you feel a million bucks if you wear them right. But if you can't actually walk in them, well, that kind of defeats the purpose of wearing shoes, don't you think? Sure, there are some talented individuals among us who can pull off the skyscraper heel without a problem (ballerinas, mostly) but the vast majority of women tend to look a tad foolish when they sport a seven-inch heel. Even these models, who are highly trained in the art of walking in high heels, have found themselves worse for wear after donning a pair of skyscrapers.
To me, this look screams 'fashion victim' - quite literally! To be at the mercy of one's footwear is kind of stupid, and unlikely to garner you much respect from the opposite sex (the worthy ones, anyway). It's also a considerable step back for feminism in that the woman's appearance is being deemed more important than her ability to function in everyday life, not to mention the fact that these heels, until recently, were the shoe of choice for strippers and prostitutes. And then there's the back and foot problems...
Of course, it's each to their own, and if you feel that you can wear a pair of skyscraper heels without them ruining your night, then that's your prerogative. You'll need strong calf muscles, good posture and the right attitude to pull them off. But if like most girls, you find yourself channeling a newborn foal when you try these shoes on, then put them back in the box and save your cash for some boots, ballerina flats or a strappy new sandal. Aesthetics may be important, but even the most fashion-forward girl knows that comfort and practicality should always come first.
To read an interesting discussion on the newest incarnation of the stiletto heel, click here. Note: the comments section says it all!
Skyscrapers by Christian Louboutin
Now, don't get me wrong. I love the look of high heels. They're shoe art, and can make you feel a million bucks if you wear them right. But if you can't actually walk in them, well, that kind of defeats the purpose of wearing shoes, don't you think? Sure, there are some talented individuals among us who can pull off the skyscraper heel without a problem (ballerinas, mostly) but the vast majority of women tend to look a tad foolish when they sport a seven-inch heel. Even these models, who are highly trained in the art of walking in high heels, have found themselves worse for wear after donning a pair of skyscrapers.
Going...
...going...
... Gone.
To me, this look screams 'fashion victim' - quite literally! To be at the mercy of one's footwear is kind of stupid, and unlikely to garner you much respect from the opposite sex (the worthy ones, anyway). It's also a considerable step back for feminism in that the woman's appearance is being deemed more important than her ability to function in everyday life, not to mention the fact that these heels, until recently, were the shoe of choice for strippers and prostitutes. And then there's the back and foot problems...
Gwyneth Paltrow negotiates the troublesome cobbled road
Fergie rolls a fashionable ankle. OUCH.
Of course, it's each to their own, and if you feel that you can wear a pair of skyscraper heels without them ruining your night, then that's your prerogative. You'll need strong calf muscles, good posture and the right attitude to pull them off. But if like most girls, you find yourself channeling a newborn foal when you try these shoes on, then put them back in the box and save your cash for some boots, ballerina flats or a strappy new sandal. Aesthetics may be important, but even the most fashion-forward girl knows that comfort and practicality should always come first.
To read an interesting discussion on the newest incarnation of the stiletto heel, click here. Note: the comments section says it all!
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