Studies by The Spine Health Institute have shown that towering shoes can be costly in more ways than one, taking their toll on your spine, hips, knees, ankles and feet, while altering your posture and gait.  Here is an infograph (click on it to enlarge) summarising the effect high heels can have on the body…

Advice for those who can’t give up their heel habit:

• avoid wearing high heels for long periods of time;
• stretch leg muscles before and after putting them on;
• try and set your limit to two inch heels;
• buy shoes in the afternoon when feet are at their largest;
• avoid a shoe with a pointed toe;
• opt for shoes with a leather insole to keep the foot from slipping;
• have a variety of shoes in your wardrobe and vary the type you wear day-to-day;
• see a Pilates teacher on a regular basis 😉