Shoes glorious shoes! Why do we love them so?

You probably know that I love my shoes. After all, I own enough pairs to protect the feet of a small nation – as long as protecting their feet involves cladding them in dangerously high blister inducing heels! Anyway, I thought the time had come to question our strange obsession with the sculpture of the true fashion designers masterpiece – the high heel.

Platforms, wedges, stilettos. Mary Janes, Strappies, Gladiators. The possibilities are truly endless, and new variations are being developed every day. I find myself absorbed by the colours, the styles, the height. Some of my shoes, I haven’t even worn!

So why do we (ah, what a great generalisation!) all seem to love them? Ok, it isn’t everyone – but lots of girls seem to love the feel of a good sculptured sole caressing their tootsies! To top four reasons (in my little eyes!) all follow:

1. The fit:

For me, shoes never fit as a child. I was dragged from city to city (literally) to try on smart black shoe after smart black shoe. I always ended up in the last pair I tried on that just about fit my skinny long feet, and consequently hated shoes for the majority of my childhood. Come teenage years, however, they suddenly fitted – and what a wonder it was! Now, this initial relief has developed into a true passion! On one website, a girl explained how for her, clothes never fitted well. Shoes were always the best way to find something to make you feel good!

Fluevog shoes are known for a great comfy fit. These are the best coloured ones!

2. The look:

Forget that they are a fashion item. Regard heels as a piece of art – and a number of mine really are! Distanced from practicality by a number of miles (and a number of trip wires, razorwire, landmines etc…), they often are bought just for their look. Guys who don’t understand – imagine that feeling when you see a girl in a pair of beautiful heels. Sexy, no? That feeling, of something being beautiful – that is one of the real reasons to love shoes! See Queen in Heels for some great shoe art (literally)!

True shoe art– you have to look to the designers for it!

3. The feeling:

Tottering in 6 inch sky scrapers. Feeling the heads turn (boys and girls!) when wearing a great pair. Knowing that your black jeans have suddenly become the best outfit ever worn. The feeling of self confidence and raised self-esteem is a huge reason for girls across the globe to wear heels. In the same way that a loved item of clothing can make us feel protected, so a great pair of heels can be armour against the hardships andthreats of the world. It may seem silly, and perhaps it is – but for me at least, heels can make me feel like a new woman. Sexy, modern, stylish and unbeatable – all from a little heel! Read here for a great summary of the psychological advantages of great heels, for this gal during pregnancy in particular!

I want these. I think they would look great – and I want them in red!

4. Muscle power:

We have all heard the stories – that high heels make your legs leaner, stronger, and more toned. Walking in these towering beauties is, as any heel-newbie can tell you. When I first stared wearing heels, I had to walk somewhat like John Cleese in order to get anywhere at all without falling over and dying! Honestly, I looked ridiculous! It was soo funny! I have seen other people walking stupidly too, but at least I have got slightly better. And every time I wear them, I can feel it working all up the back of my legs, as all those sets of muscles I never knew I had get to work. Try some dancing in stillettos to see the real effects (not my lazy half decent walking!).