Medical: Sexy stilettos

According to the American Apparel and Footwear Association, nearly 2.4 billion pairs of shoes were sold in the U.S. in 2007. Since ancient times, shoes have been selected for comfort, protection and style. They also support a considerable amount of weight, equaling several hundred tons of force during an average day of walking.

Despite the great importance of shoes, many people choose fashion and style over fit and comfort. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports 90 percent of foot deformities in women can be attributed to tight shoes. Improperly fitting shoes can lead to a number of foot problems, like bunions, corns, hammertoes and, in some cases, plantar fasciitis. Studies show improperly fitting shoes can also increase the risk for falls.

Andrew Cassidy, D.P.M., Podiatrist with Lone Star Podiatry in Austin, TX, says some women mistakenly believe that foot pain is normal because their grandmothers and mothers often complained of foot problems. But he emphasizes that foot pain is not normal and, wouldn’t occur if women made sensible shoe choices. Here are some things to consider when shopping for shoes:

Get the proper shoe size. Cassidy says many women underestimate their shoe size by one to one-and-a-half sizes. Don’t go by size alone because fit may differ between manufacturers. Measure both feet because one foot may be slightly wider or longer than the other, then choose a shoe that accommodates the larger foot. It’s important to have your feet measured regularly because feet tend to grow larger with age. In addition, shoe shop at the end of the day, when feet are swollen.

Try on both shoes. One foot is often shaped a little differently than the other. See that both shoes fit well and are comfortable. Then, walk around in them to make sure they aren’t too loose or tight.

Look for a wide toe box. Make sure you have enough room to wiggle your toes inside the shoe. Avoid narrow, pointy shoes that crowd the toes and force them into unnatural positions.

Check the shoe for adequate support. The best way to check for this is to fold the shoe. It should bend at the toes, not in the middle. Cassidy says if the shoe bends in the middle, there is no support for the arch, allowing the arch to collapse and the fascia to stretch.

Limit heel size. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, a three-inch heel creates 7 times more stress on the ball of the foot than a one-inch heel. Experts recommend women wear shoes with no more than a two-inch heel. Cassidy also says women should wear shoes with a closed heel to prevent the back of the foot from sliding and causing excess stress on the fascia.

Sensible shoes don’t have to be boring, it just may take time to find a pair that look as good as they feel. For those occasions when fashion overrules practicality (like a party or special event), experts recommend women limit the amount of time they spend on their feet and take along an extra pair of shoes to slip into before arriving and after leaving.