Wealth and health: Walking back to happiness

Market researcher NPD Group Inc., reported that sales of women's fashion footwear have increased by double-digits this spring compared to the same three-month period a year ago. For the three-month period ending in April 2010, women's shoe sales were up 24 percent from the same period a year ago. The same three-month period between 2008 and 2009 saw a 5 percent drop. Men's shoes are up 8 percent during the same period and kid's shoes, 2 percent. The trend is considered by some experts to herald the return of the consumer to purchasing. Closer analysis reveals sales of casual shoes are up 25 percent, boots are up 30 percent, and walking shoes including toning and shaping shoes are up over 100 percent. Toning shoes are the latest trend in athletic footwear and produced by a growing number of athletic footwear makers.


Toning shoes are likely to replace cross trainers as the new best seller in ath leisurewear. To date ,Nike (the largest athletic footwear and apparel company in the U.S.), has sidestepped the toning trend to relaunch the Nike Free training shoe. According to the manufacturer this is footwear that provides the sensation of being almost barefoot. See the video below for more information (sic when I studied gait analysis heel strike was normal in barefoot walking and forefoot contact first was abnormal – my how we have evolved :-)).

The Barefoot Wine "Foot Fetish" Shoe Auction

Barefoot Wine has asked some of the top US drag performers to donate their most glamorous, dazzling and coveted shoes for an online auction . Those going barefoot for the cause are: Jackie Beat, Hedda Lettuce, Sherry Vine, Mimi Imfurst, Sweetie, Miss Understood, Gusty Winds, Pandora Boxx, Edie, Dallas Dubois, Britney Houston, Shequida, Linda Simpson, Sister Myotis, Logan Slaughter, Donna Sachet and Epiphany. The autographed shoes are listed on eBay's Giving Works. The charity auction began at 8:00 PM EDT on Wednesday, June 23 and end on Saturday, July 3 at 8:00 PM EDT.
View the collection and bids at the Barefoot Wine "Foot Fetish" Shoe Auction. The proceeds of the Barefoot Wine "Foot Fetish" Shoe Auction. benefit the Heritage of Pride. The Heritage of Pride was founded in 1984and organizes Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered Pride events in New York City to commemorate and celebrate the Stonewall riots.

For additional information, visitnyc pride.

World Cup:Player's Superstitions

To be a top class goal scorer a player needs not only to be able to score when the opportunity presents but even when there is only half a chance. Scoring from the slenderest opportunity places an exclusive band of goal scorers far above the average striker. On a simple goal tally it is obvious more goals are scored in the modern game than was the case in early times. How much of this relates to improved soccer boots and ball technology remains unknown. Players are however, by nature, very superstitious and will go to extraordinary lengths to maintain their run of luck. Most of their actions defy common logic and some so bazaar as to be noted here. Whilst most admit to being superstitious and doing silly things, like soaking themselves and their new boots in a bath before allowing boots to dry around their feet, many are as quick as to dismiss these beliefs. When the accumulation of coaching, training, skill development and fitness are complete all that is required is for the player, is to go out and play. Or so you might think. The surreptitious nature of the game and likelihood of suffering an injury combined with the abject fear of public disgrace particularly when seen by 37 million people puts intolerable pressures on the players. According to Morris (1981) these factors contribute to why soccer players are so superstitious. They are not alone in the sporting fraternity. The power of superstition is all in the mind and for some players the magic rituals take on astonishing intensity. In the main team mates respect each other's rituals and all avoid tempting fate. Ritualistic behaviour starts days before the game. Many well known players will only wear certain shoes and socks, and like a young bride, place a sixpence (lucky coin) in their shoes. Some personally polish their playing boots in preparation before the match. This menial task is usually reserved to apprentice players or boot boys. Alcohol, usually spirits, plays a role, and Desmond Morris, the anthropologist described one player who insisted on dosing the tips of his boots, one with whisky and the other water. Players will be careful to travel to the stadium observing all taboos as a means of not tempting fate. The most intense time for ritualism is in the changing rooms. Rigidly observed procedures involve those connected with changing clothes. Lucky shoes, socks, and even laces all form part of the rituals, religiously followed by those seeking the good fortunes of fate. The manner the clothing is put on often become ritualistic. Some players are known to put on socks and boots and nothing else well before the game. They sit quietly psyching themselves up to a peak performance. This might involve a nip of whisky or their favourite tipple to further concentrate their mind. Some players insist on eating and Billy Bremner (former captain of Leeds United and Scotland) was famous for eating a plateful of baked beans before every game. Putting on the left sock first before the right, or the right boot before the left. Lacing boots can become a ritual with players lacing and unlacing their boots multiple times before the game. Morris reported the clothing of others could also become a focus to the superstitious. For example some players needed to see their coach wear socks of their lucky colour before they would take to the field. This fetishism extends to the shoes worn by the coach and the author described a ceremoniously fastened of the coach's shoe by one of the players as pre match necessity before the team would leave the dressing rooms. Some players insist on entering the changing rooms in a particular way most of, which involves walking through the boot room. Players will carry lucky charms including a rabbit's foot or lucky heather. The absence of pockets in playing kits and restrictions on wearing jewellery for safety mean the talisman are slipped into the shoe, or in the case of goal keeper such paraphilia are tossed into the back of the goal. Players are ritualistic even in the tunnel leading to the pitch. Some players will head or kick the ball a certain number of times or bounce it off the wall before running onto the field. Once on the pitch another set of ritual behaviour might take place. Players will take their boots off and put them back on again. Many insist in replacing the boots and some even kiss their boots for luck. Players will roll the chewing gum they have been chewing into a ball and attempt to kick the ball. A successful contact means a good game but when the player misses then bad luck will follow. Why so many superstitions involve boots remains unclear but such behaviour as preferring the right or left has been known since antiquity. In Roman and Greek times the left side was considered lucky with one exception and that was when entering a home. Only the right foot could cross the threshold if good luck was to prevail. In rich domiciles there were servants whose sole function (excuse the pun) was to direct all visitors to use their right foot first. They were called footmen and position is still with us today. By the Middle Ages the left side was more associated with bad luck. The origins of "By the left quick march" for example refer to a clear indication no mercy will be extended to the enemy. Soccer players may be extending the same charity to their opponents. For most people left sides are weaker. This is partly explained by neonatal compression of the left leg against the mother's spine in the womb. Attendance to the right foot first may be to favour the stronger side. This would be reversed in the case of left-footed players. One other reason to explain the boot ritual may be the misfortune awaiting those who place their right foot in a left shoe. History records this happened to Augustus Caesar.


"Augustus having an oversight

Put on his left shoe for his right

Had like to have been slain that day

By soldiers mutinying for pay."



An old Jewish custom was to put the right shoe on first without tying it, then the left sock. The ritual required taking the right shoe off and putting on the right sock, left shoe on tied and back to the right shoe. This is seen occasionally when players will come onto the field and during pre-match warm ups and are observed taking their boots and putting them on again. Players prefer to play in boots that are broken in. Not so strange when hidden seams can burst causing painful blisters as well as cuts and abrasions to their feet. Some players prefer to remove design logos from their boots to get an all black appearance. Manufacturers are aware of this and incorporate weaknesses such as hidden seems which tear easily once the company's logo are removed. In 1908 when goal-scoring ace, George Hedley played for Wolverhampton Wanderers he scored a goal against Newcastle causing one of his favourite boots to split. Despite being offered a new pair Hedley steadfastly refused and saw the game to completion with one tattered boot. The player had his favourite boots patched up at least 17 times before eventually and somewhat reluctantly parting with them. Superstitious ritual in sports people is well documented and thought by many experts to be a means of stress relief. Performance is dependent on training, confidence and physical conditioning; all athletes feel they need to be in control and often observing superstitions provides this means. Athletes can only partially regulate their physical conditions but can have total control over their superstitious practices before and during a contest. (Becker 1975) . Observed superstitions cause them to experience less anxiety than they would if they did nothing. When something appears to work, prior to success, then it is common not to change that routine. To minimise conflict between the need for a talisman in an environment where such practice is opposed the superstitious behaviour usually becomes covert.

Hi Five Jane

At the premier of the latest series of Hung (HBO), Thomas Jane (Ray Drecker) was wearing his Vibram five fingers on the red carpet.

Ladyt Gaga: How the mighty fall

Lady Gaga fell. The diva took a tumble earlier today. No word yet if she was wearing her favourite Noritaka Tatehana designed shoes.

No Roo for Roo!

Animal welfare campaigners are again using the FIFA World Cup South Africa to highlight the killing of the kangaroos for football boots. Previously David Beckham bowed to pressure from the campaigning animal welfare group Viva !and stopped using kangaroo leather boots in 2006. Nike, Adidas and Puma continue to use kangaroo skin in the manufacture of their top selling boots. Now animal welfare groups are hoping England players like Wayne Rooney and John Terry will kick their kangaroo skin boots into touch. Efforts are also being made in the European parliament to ban kangaroo leather and meat across the EU. While the controversy rages Australian government sanctioned kangaroo industry deny cruel culling of kangaroos. Currently the industry employs more than 4,000 people and generates at least £100 million a year in wages.

How do you store your shoes?

Carrie Bradshaw in Sex in the City has a walk in wardrobe to house her exclusive shoe collection but this is a luxury beyond most of us. Lesser shoe mortals might find a shoe rack perfectly acceptable. These can either be built into the closet or as free-standing racks. Alternatively you can have a soft shoe rack to hang over the closet door. These consist of a series of canvas or plastic pockets and double as dust covers. Built-in and free standing racks usually have small wooden strips along the back where shoe heels rest making them ideal for display purposes. The Rakku Shoe Wheel is an innovative product designed to help with large shoe storage problems. It is a wheel large enough to hold up to thirty pairs of shoes and can spin so that you can easily grab the pair that you are looking for. Standing at just over two feet high, the wheel can easily fit into the bottom of any closet. When closet space is limited don’t forget about the space under your bed. Dusts bunnies help protect the shoes and there are storage containers that lie flat. Some manufacturers produce bed raises to give added space under the bed. Here, the added advantage is you can use the risers as additional décor for your room and if you don’t want people to see the containers, buy a pretty dust ruffle that will cover them up. A great trend emerging among shoe hoarders is the use of benches as storage areas. These benches are hollowed out and usually have a cushion on top that makes them comfortable to sit on. Simple shelving may be all you need to solve your shoe storage woes. If you have room in your bedroom, set up shelves that have small cubbyholes that you can place your shoes in. Another way to display shoes is a step ladder with wide steps. Painted even the most mundane domestic step ladder can house the shoes you will be wearing for the season. Serious collectors use shoe boxes either specially made in Perspex or cardboard many stick a picture of the shoes at the end of the box for storage and classification. This allows you to see all of your shoes at once and because they will be in boxes, it will be easy to stack them, giving you more space.

The secret of the orange boot.

Everyone may know adidas is the official sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2010 but rival Nike prizes itself in topping the popularity list when it comes to under the wire marketing. Whether it be the Olympics or the World Cup adidas puts up while Nike steals the show with clever tactics in ambush marketing . FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 has been no different and will be remembered not just for the vuvuzela horns but those eye catching orange heels worn by a significant number of players. These are Nike boots and the blood orange colour was picked specifically to stand out on TV. Have a swizz at the New Nike Elite range of football boots.
More info

Nike Elite Football Boots – Raising the bar

Australian-born , Crown Princess Mary of Denmark was forced into a very unregal pose last week when one of the beige high heels became caught in a cement crack during a visit to Arlington National Cemetery in the US. Quick thinking royal minder came to her aid and saved her blushes.

Hi Fi Kicks

High Heeled Speakers

Cool or what? High Heeled Speakers

Thierry Henry's boots turn up

French striker Thierry Henry (FC Barcalona and France ) was in a dilemma hours before he took to the pitch because he had no boots to put on. Thanks to Cape Town's intrepid "ghost squad" traffic police for they raced the boots to the star across the town in the midst of heave traffic. The bespoke boots had been detained at customs.

Expo 2010 Shanghai China

Expo 2010 Shanghai China is being held in the city of Shanghai, China (May 1 to October 31, 2010). It is a World Expo in the tradition of international fairs and expositions. The theme of the exposition is "Better City – Better Life" and signifies Shanghai's new status in the 21st century as the "next great world city" More than 190 countries and more than 50 international organizations have registered to participate in the Shanghai World Expo. China expects to receive almost 100 foreign leaders and more than 70–100 million visitors. In the spirit of the Zakumi is at hand to be photographed . The walls of the Brazil Pavilion are covered with green wooden blocks to remind visitors of the green colour of football pitches. The pavilion ceiling is made from many footballs, basketballs and volleyballs. There is even a Pelé Coffee Bar and outside the pavilion is a huge screen on which football videogame graphics are shown and football matches are broadcast. Visitors can use their cell phones to participate in the interactive football game displayed on the screen. Football too features prominently in the Argentinean Pavilion with a floor screen showing the scenes of talented Argentine football players such as Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi and the moving moments when Argentina won the World Cup. In the UK Pavilion at the exit is a wax figure of Wayne Rooney. The European Union pavilion is expected to host many famous European football stars both past and present for the Expo European football week in mid to late September. Real Madrid players will visit the Madrid City Pavilion and organisers hope the Spanish football team will accept their invitation to visit the Expo 2010 Shanghai China after the World Cup (favourites to lift the trophy).

Phoney shoes: Increase in Chinese sweatshops

While David Beckham has had to take his boots off for the time being his spouse, Victoria and fellow fashionista have been seen wearing their très expensive Christian Louboutin leopard-print ankle boots. Keen not to miss out fans have clamoured to buy cheap lookalikes on the internet but it appears these faux boots are made using child labour, in shocking conditions, under the control of vicious criminal gangs. According to a recent English Sunday paper , Triad gangsters are running sweatshops disguised to look like houses and paying workers, including children as young as 10, £20 for a 90-hour week. The factories turn out thousands of pairs of fake designer shoes for shipping to the UK. Observers have reported seeing piles of shoes boxes outside buildings at Huan Jiao village , near-Guangzhou in the south east of Chin. The shoe boxes bear names like Gucci, Prada and Chanel. Other brands sold include phoney YSL, Prada, and Jimmy Choo. They all come from the same factory. According to an exert the Chinese Government are reluctant to clamp down on the trade due to the present credit crunch. The gangs behind the trade use internet addresses similar to the designers' official sites to attract customers. The fraud is estimated to be worth billions of dollars which is beginning to hurt the legitimate industry.

Copper Age Shoes

The world’s oldest shoe was found in 2008 in a cave in the Vayots Dzor province of Armenia. Confirmed by radiocarbon dating the artefact is considered to be 5,500 years old (Chalcolithic period, or Copper Age), was discovered by a team of international archaeologists preserved perfectly including the laces under layers of sheep dung. The 24.5 cm shoe (very small 37) was made of a single piece of cowhide leather, with intricate laces, and was shaped to fit the wearer's right foot. It was stuffed with The shoe was stuffed with grass (sic as makeshift shoe tree). The date of the find is contemporary to the invention the wheel. The oldest known footwear in the world is a pair of fibre sandals thought to be around 2,500 years older than the Armenian leather shoe. They were found in a cave in Missouri in the United States.

Hot dogs to hush puppies

“Oh where oh where has my little dog gone?
Oh where oh where can he be?
Now sausage is good, baloney, of course.
Oh where oh where can he be?
They make them of dog, they make them of horse,
I think they made them of he.”

A popular song (1860)

Sausage meat has been a delicacy eaten for hundreds of years but sausages in a bun seems to have started in the US. Many believe it was a German Immigrant who started selling sausages on buns circa 1870. He was a vendor at Coney Island and certainly a decade later, St Louis sausage seller sold sausages in a roll because her patrons stole the complementary gloves given to them to eat the meaty treat. No one can be sure the origins of the term hot dog but the earliest reference appeared in 1893. The term dog has been used as a synonym for sausage since at least 1891 when Farmer & Henley’s Slang And Its Analogues glosses it as university slang for sausage. ‘Echoes From The Lunch Wagon’ was a poem which appeared in the Yale Record on 5th October 1895.

‘Tis dogs’ delight to bark and bite
Thus does the adage run.
But I delight to bite the dog
When placed inside the bun.

At the time dog wagons sold hot dogs at the dorms of Yale University and by 1893 hot dogs were selling at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago; and the Louisianna Purchase Fair (aka World's Fair in St Louis in1904). Soon the tasty morsels were a favourite with the crowds at major sporting stadium. King George VI (1895 - 1952) ate his first hot dog in 1939 at a picnic organised by the Roosevelts in Hyde Park.
In Cockney slang ‘dog meat’ (or plates of meat) refers to feet and when the ‘dogs are barking’ the feet are letting you know they need a rest. The origins (and etymology) of this phrase are unclear. Sometimes used as ‘my dogs are killing me’ or alternatively ‘my dogs are barking,’ all mean ‘sore feet’. Anything that would keep the feet in comfort might be said to ‘silence the dogs’ or ‘hush the puppies.’ In the culinary sense, ‘hush puppies’ describe an American savoury delicacy consisting of fried cornbread balls. The starch-based food made from cornmeal batter was rolled into small balls then deep fried or baked. A Southern delicacy it contrasts slightly from the fair from the other side of the tracks where very poor people ate deep fry salamanders (or waterdogs or water puppies). This was considered a hardship food and never spoken of for fear of the stigma of poverty. Hence they were known as ‘hush puppies.’ Fried cornmeal balls were frequently used to feed hunting or guards to keep them quiet or ‘hush the puppies.’ The term comes into the literature in 1918 but was certainly used long before that. In 1958, when Wolverine World Wide shoe company started production of shoes made from the suede of tanned pigskin the shoes were known as Hush Puppies. Jim Muir was the company's sales manager and was familiar with the tasty treats so he used a little poetic leeway and thought since sore feet were commonly referred to as a ‘barking dogs,’ the new line of shoes would act like a fried cornball and ‘hush the puppies.’ Hence they became known as Hush Puppies.

Rubber heels :The real McCoy

The first rubber heel for shoes was patented in 1899 by Irish-American Humphrey O'Sullivan. He was a printer by trade and stood on hard floors all day. By the time he got home his feet were “killing him”, so he started standing on a small rubber mat. It was such a good idea that his co-workers started stealing it. He decided to nail pieces of a rubber floor mat to his shoes. Not only was it as comfortable but it also prolonged the life of the leather heel. He decided to patent the idea and as more people took to wearing rubber heels on their shoes he gave up printing and established the O'Sullivan Corporation. Elijah McCoy was born in Canada in 1843 but grew up in Detroit, Michigan. He served a mechanical engineering apprenticeship in Edinburgh, Scotland before going back to Michigan. The only job he could find was as a locomotive fireman and oiler for the Michigan Central Railroad. Because of his training, he was able to identify and solve the problems of engine lubrication and overheating. Elijah McCoy developed a lubricator for steam engines that did not require the train to stop. He continued to improve upon his design and invented several more improvements. Railroad and shipping lines began using McCoy’s new lubricators and the Michigan Central Railroad promoted him to an instructor in the use of his new inventions. Later, Elijah McCoy became a consultant to the railroad industry on patent matters. In his lifetime he was issued with more than 57 patents and although he is best known for his cup that fed lubricating oil to machine bearings through a small bore tube, he also improved on the rubber heel. The impact of his engineering innovations was so great machinists and engineers always wanted ‘the real McCoy.”

Who was Goody Two-Shoes?

The term ‘goody two shoes’ is used to describe an annoyingly (sometimes ingenuous) virtuous person, but where did it originate from?

The origin is unknown but appears in Charles Cotton’s ‘Voyage to Ireland in Burlesque’ which was published in 1670.

“Mistress mayoress complained that the pottage was cold;
'And all long of your fiddle-faddle,' quoth she.
'Why, then, Goody Two-shoes, what if it be?
Hold you, if you can, your tittle-tattle,' quoth he.”

It became more in common use after the publication of The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes in 1765. The works were attributed to John Newbery (1713–1767). It told the Cinderella type story of orphans Margery and Tommy Meanwell, whom due to tragic circumstance were thrown penniless onto the street with only a single shoe. Margery finds she is a gifted teacher and makes up games to help other children read. Eventually good fortune shines and a local vicar finds Tommy a home and gives Margery a new pair of shoes. Delighted she cries to everyone she meets “Two shoes! Two shoes!” which earns her the nickname. Margery becomes the “trotting Tutoress” and eventually becomes the president of “A, B, C College.” There she carries on her charity by admitting children without the means to pay for their education. On the day she gets married Goody Two-Shoes is happily reunited with her brother. The book was a phenomenal success and became a best seller.

John Newberry is considered to be the inventor of children’s literature and was a writer and publisher. However it is not clear whether Newberry actually penned the History of Little Goody Two Shoes. As was his custom he often paid authors for anonymous work. Many scholars belief Good Two Shoes was penned by Oliver Goldsmith and believe the story bares remarkable similarity to his style of writing. Others have cited Giles Jones as the potential author.

Running shoes increase torque on weight-bearing joints

According to a recent paper published in the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation it is easier on the knees and ankles to walk in high heels than jog in running shoes. An injury, function and rehabilitation study was conducted on 68 (31 male: 37 female) young adult runners (All of the runners regularly ran at least 15 miles a week and had no previous history of musculoskeletal injury). Each runner was given a pair of running shoes and asked to run at a comfortable running pace on a treadmill after a warm-up period. This was video taped. When the results were compared to barefoot running, wearing running shoes was seen to increase strain on weight bearing joints i.e. hip, knee and ankle joints. Disproportionately large increases were observed in the hip internal rotation torque (54%); and in the knee flexion (36%); and knee varus torques (38%) when running in running shoes compared with barefoot. Researchers were also surprised to note knee torque was higher in running shoes than values recorded in a previous study to determine knee torque during high-heeled shoes during walking. The authors believe these findings confirm the typical construction of modern-day running shoes provides good support and protection of the foot but also increase stress on the lower extremity weight bearing joints. Researchers believe this may be due to the elevated heel of the running shoe combined with the increased material under the medial arch.

Reference
Kerrigan D C, Franz JR, Keenan GS, Dicharry J, Croce UD, and Wilder RP. The Effect of Running Shoes on Lower Extremity Joint Torques (2009) American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Elsevier Volume 1, 12. Pp1058- 1063.

Are custom made insoles really effective?

According to Cochrane Library researchers approximately one in four people are affected by foot pain at any a variety of conditions. Custom-made insoles (foot orthoses) can reduce foot pain in some cases according to one of several new . Absence of independent studies has previous called the into question the use of customised foot orthoses. Now the systematic review of 11 trials involving over 1300 people has shown custom-made orthoses can relieve foot pain in adults with arthritis, and symptomatic high arched feet.

Despite this researchers accept foot orthoses are not a panacea for all foot ailments and there still remain many causes of foot pain for which the benefit of orthotic treatment is unclear.

More information
Insoles for prevention and treatment of back pain
Interventions for the prevention and treatment of pes cavus
Pressure relieving interventions for preventing and treating diabetic foot ulcers

adidas Jabulani: Oor ba' oor game!

As the FIFA World Cup 2010 is about to kick off, once again players are complaining about the new adidas football, the adidas Jabulani (meaning to celebrate in Zulu). Apparently the ball is difficult to control and a nightmare for goalkeepers to judge its flight. For the last 11 competitions, adidas has introduced a new ball design and not for the first time it presents frustration among the players. Mastery of the new ball usually takes until the second week of the competition before strikers and keepers feel confident with its flight trajectory and behaviour. Unlike previous competitions, adidas launched the ball last year and players have been able to train and play with it. According to some the ball feels harder and can hurt the foot when kicked. FIFA has strict regulations on the dimensions of their match balls. These weigh between 420g and 445g , and must be between 68.5 cm and 69.5 cm in circumference. The Jabulani weighs 440g and measures 69cm. Adidas have denied the ball is adversely affected by the high altitude although concede different air pressure at altitude will make the ball move faster. The colourful Jabulani has 11 colours (it is adidas' 11th World Cup match ball), and there are 11 tribes and 11 official languages in South Africa. It was developed in conjunction with researchers from Loughborough University and has eight panels (normally a match ball has 14), which are 3D, and spherically together in a perfectly round fashion. The grooved surface of the Jabulani is thought to improve its aerodynamics (more symmetrical in flight) and the improved static friction helps keepers with their grip of the ball. (sic. I suppose in the sense of a wee boy peeved with being beaten takes his football home because it is his ball. The main sponsor of the competition insists in introducing new competition balls in the full knowledge it does upset the players and literally throws a wobbly into the game. Claims have already been made adidas sponsored clubs and players get prioritised advantage but all such claims are denied by the company).

Sex in the city, foot binding and high heels

If you were a child of the 60s you may be forgiven for thinking “Diamonds were a girl’s best friend” but as any fan of Carrie Bradshaw and the immensely popular Sex in the City will confirm, modern girl’s best chums are their shoes. Designers like Manolo Blahnik and Christian Loubin cannot put a foot wrong with their heeled pumps but by far it’s Jimmy Choo who stands head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to being ‘well heeled.’
The release of the new film once again attests to the power of product placement (or embedded marketing) and its influence on consumer spending. Tamara Mellon’s clever Coup d'État in placing Jimmy Choo shoes on the character, Carrie Bradshaw‘s dainty feet catapulted the small independent shoe designer into popular focus. Suffice no respectable fashionista would now be without a pair of his shoes. Mellon and Choo have long since parted as business partners but that has not stopped his line in footwear from becoming the best known in the world.

Sex in the City is set in New York City and focuses on lives of four American women, three in their mid-thirties and one in her forties. (pumas and cougars). Carrie Bradshaw and her three best friends, Miranda Hobbes, Charlotte York and Samantha Jones enjoy free and frank exchange on modern living. Shoes are frequently featured and have become a strong metaphor for emancipation. Strange icon you might think especially when tight fitting, high heeled shoes are more suited as symbols restriction and containment. However in popular culture and to the Modern Primitive these icons demonstrate liberty and freedom to choose. As will be witnessed by the anticipated sales of Jimmy Choo shoes in the next few weeks. All of which brings us to the burning question are high heeled shoes bad for posture?

In the past medical condemnation of women wearing high heels has been well documented yet there is no evidence to support these claims. Seems the demonization of heeled shoes comes down to pure misogyny (distrust of women). Recent (independent) research confirms the turning effects on the knee caused by wearing higher heels is significantly less than when flat sensible heels were worn. These findings alone do not confirm heel styles cause knee problems such as arthritis, but do seriously question our belief flat heels are better than rained heels. Other research from Italy suggests wearing heeled shoes can also improve pelvic floor muscle tone. Researches found wearing elevated heels (up to 2” or 7cms) relaxed the muscles in the pelvic region increasing their strength and ability to contract. Researchers are now keen to investigate whether heeled shoes assist with continence training and whether wearing heeled shoes prevent the need in some women to actively exercise the pelvic floor muscles.

Footbinding

The association between heel height and increased pelvic tone has a long history (though mostly forgotten and certainly not well understood). Footbinding in China was a means of physically altering the way adult females walked (just like the previous research) the Lotus foot (3 inches in length) changed gait patterns and in doing so had the effect of toning up the pelvic muscles. Experts now believe the practice of footbinding or wearing high heels confirms anatomical features are linked to intimate behaviours of the female kind.