14 ~ Sunday, August 10, 1986 - North Shore News Fashion - Why women wear high heels WHY DO women wear high heels? The answer is found in the dim recesses of time, according to Dr. Helen Fisher, anthropologist and consultant to Johnson’s Foot Care products. ‘“‘Women have been wearing un- comfortable shoes for thousands of years,’’ says Fisher. ‘*‘And the reason is very simple. High heels accentuate the leg, make the feet appear dainty and sexy.”’ Fisher goes on to say that the smaller the foot, the more well- bred the woman and the more desirable. In fact, she says, the song ‘‘I don’t love ya cos you feets too big’? has more than a grain of truth to it. As you well know, the ancient Chinese bound women’s feet in childhood so that the ‘‘Golden Lotus’? — the ideal foot — the three inch foot, could be achieved in adulthood. TOES CUT OFF The not so ancient 20th century American woman, the ‘‘flapper’’ even amputated a toe or two in order to stuff her foot into im- possibly small and poiniy shoes. ‘*The 10th century novle woman was so encumbered by foot fashion that she ceuldn’t walk,’’ said Fish- er, who was wearing her own poin- ty-toed two and a half inch heels. Today’s liberated woman has not learned to liberate her feet, ac- cording to Fisher. “Just take a look at any beauty pageant, high heels and bathing suits! Or gaze at any noontime sidewalk in a big city to see legions of high heeled feet belonging to powerful executive women, “While lots of junior executives may wear pinstripes and sneakers, the women at the top seem to always sacrifice comfort for style."” As to why high heets hurt, ask any cobbler, orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist, she says. IMPACT PRESSURE ‘When the foot is arched in high heels, the tendons and mus- cles at the top of the foot, as well as in the ankle and the calf are contracted. Toes are forced to point upward and become crushed into pointy shoes causing hammer- toes and blisters. The ball of the foot, the metatarsal, is forced downward and subjected to up- wards of two thousand pounds of impact pressure with every step taken,’’ she said. Fall hairstyles are controlled FALL IS the season for Mother Nature to show off. As the weather becomes ‘crisp, nature responds by creating a dazzling array of hues and colors. This fall, fashion, hair and make- up lend themselves to colors taken out of a sunsplashed October still life. For fall and winter '86 there are three basic color influences. First, pastels — soft, pale tones of powder blue, yellow and pink. Next, rich shades of burgundy, brown and bottle green. And final- ly, rule-breaking combinations of carnival brights. The fall fashion ‘‘looks’’ that should emerge are borrowed from men’s fashions. The equestrian in- fluence for jackets and slacks. Fabrics will be Jush, with plenty of tartans and plaids, baroque florals and brocade. When we venture into our beau- ty salons this fall, we will find that the hairstyles will be more con- trolled, with less exaggerated vol- ume. New products are available to help our stylists create and sup- port these new hairstyles. The natural body alignment, with the knees and hips supporting the spine and head, is thrown off centre. The knees are thrust for- ward, the hips and buttocks back, the spine curves in and the shoulders, neck and head are no longer in line with the hips and legs. Believe it or not, prolonged wearing of high heels can cause Shine pain and discomfort everywhere from the ball of the foot, to the spine, shoulders, and even head- aches. Just staad on tp-toe in your bare feet in front of a mirror to see what happens to your body. 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