Sole searching

As the fall chill is starting to come upon us (my sheepskin boots have just this weekend been rescued from their storage closet), fall footwear is on the top of my agenda. This is, of course, the best excuse ever to go shopping. (Flip flops in October = frost bite = DEATH!) As no one would argue that spending money is completely acceptable when it involves confronting our own mortality, I'm readying those shopping lists and checking them twice.

And of course, as with all the fun I attempt, this comes with negators.

“One of the leading causes of foot problems, from painful conditions to visible deformities, are high heels and other uncomfortable footwear,” says board-certified New York City podiatrist Dr. Oliver Zong. “Since most women are unwilling to sacrifice their stylish footwear, I often help them figure out how to make the necessary compromises for their lifestyle to minimize the amount of pain they suffer and prevent lasting injuries.”

Great. So, in short, we will avoid death by chill, perhaps become fashionable, and be damned anyway!

Let's move on.

The arrival of fall 2008 will bring with it chic shoes that won’t disappoint. Among the most eye-catching trends will be sleek silhouettes such as ultra-high heels, menswear-inspired oxfords, classic boots of all heights and modest flats swathed in rich jewel hues and glamorous embellishments. These looks, Dr. Zong warns, often pack a mighty punch. 

• Sheepskin-Lined Boots – Reemerging this fall with be Antarctic-inspired duds to protect from the winter chill. Included in this trend will once again be the flat soled, sheepskin lined boots and while they may prove to be more comfortable than a sleek heel, they are notorious for causing foot problems, most notably plantar fasciitis.
• Plantar Fasciitis is caused by the inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of the foot connecting the heel to the toes. It causes stabbing or burning pain that’s most pronounced early in the morning because the tissue tightens overnight. The thin and flimsy soles often found in winter’s sheepskin boots lack arch support and are primarily to blame for plantar fasciitis – they fail to offer adequate shock absorption to protect the tissue. The good news is that in most cases, says Dr. Zong, plantar fasciitis can be overcome without invasive surgeries.
• For those who won’t part with their boots, Dr. Zong suggests investing in an over-the-counter orthodic to give the boot some shock absorption. “These boots, while they may be incredibly warm and water proof provide just about no arch support,” says Dr. Zong. “My patients have been very successful both in treating and preventing plantar fasciitis as well as holding onto their boot.”
• Oxford Style High Heels – One of the most appreciated aspects of the oxford is that the wearer’s foot is well-secured, limiting the risk of embarrassing tripping. Dr. Zong warns that the very same trait is also to blame for one of the most painful and noticeable foot deformities: the bunion. “A bunion results when the big toe becomes misaligned and turns toward the remaining toes,” cautions Dr. Zong. “The bump is actually additional bone formation and any shoe, but especially high heels because they add pressure to that area, with very narrow toe casings are the major culprits.”
• Dr. Zong admits that he’s never convinced a woman to banish their favorite shoe to prevent bunions, but says that limiting the amount of time feet spend in super tight and narrow shoes can make all the difference. If you heed the signs of pain, a bunion can be avoided. However, Dr. Zong warns, once the bunion appears it can only be removed through surgery.
• Another pain-inducing aspect of oxfords, or any that feature straps or panels across and around the slope of the foot, is the intense pressure they exert. “Women are accustomed to wearing high-heels that grip the foot at the toe and at the ankle, and the newer styles that sheath the foot add pressure where they aren’t used to feeling it,” explains Dr. Zong, adding that often they are paired with sky-high heels. “It causes everything from subtle discomfort to major pain as the muscles below the arch are strained when women instinctively try to stretch the fabric by extending their foot even more.” Dr. Zong’s best advice in this case is to admit defeat and cut your losses: there are some shoes that simply aren’t made for walking and these are among them. Wear them when you know you won’t be trekking far.
• Open Toed Booties – Open toed shoes, particularly booties, are very popular for the cold months. Most styles feature a high heel punctuated by a narrow opening – a recipe for disaster when it comes to ingrown toenails. “The pressure that the heel and the small opening put on the toes causes the nail to grow abnormally,” explains Dr. Zong, adding the problem can become much more serious. “Fungal infections thrive in the presence of ingrown toenails and the pain can become very severe.”
• Dr. Zong says that if caught in time, ingrown toenails are easily corrected but if left untreated, they can require surgery. The best way, according to Dr. Zong, to prevent an ingrown toenail is to ensure that your shoe fits properly and lay off a troublesome pair until any early signs are addressed and healed.
• Another hazard that arises when wearing open toe shoes in the cold months is the people just aren’t used to it. Fall and winter weather is a powerful force that includes frigid temperatures, ice and rain – all of which can damage a person’s feet. “The biology of the foot changes when it’s constricted by a shoe leaving it more prone to numbness,” cautions Dr. Zong. “The pressure of the shoe combines with the low temperature and feet can loose sensation pretty quick. Whenever your feet are exposed in cold temperatures, just make sure to be conscious of how vulnerable they are.”

I am a strong believer in facing our fears - and confronting our destiny - so stay tuned for some of my most fab fall shoe finds, coming soon!