When it comes to footwear, seniors and baby boomers have various viewpoints. Consider the example of high-heeled shoes for women. The older a woman gets, the more difficult is the challenge of donning high-heeled footwear. Yet senior women tend to be more traditional and may maintain a desire to wear high heels to church or on formal occasions.

Fashion experts, as a general rule, define high-heel footwear as shoes with an elevation of more than 3.5 inches. If it's "only" 3 inches, it's "just" a mid-heel. Go ahead and groan, ladies. The fashion experts setting these strict high-heel standards, of course, are men such as Maurizio and Paolo Gucci, and Jimmy Choo.

Who in the world invented high heels in the first place? One version is that the first wearers of high heels were men. As the Dark Ages gave way to the Renaissance so many moons ago, one great revelation among the fellas on horseback was that heels would help prevent their boots from slipping out of their stirrups. This can't be proven, however, not even on the History Channel.

Which ethnic group of women first started to get all fashionable with their footwear, progressing (or regressing, if that's your view) to higher and higher heels? Wouldn't you know it, the French and the Italians were in the lead roles. In fact, there may have been a sort of a combo trend sparked in 1533 by Catherine de' Medici. She was Queen of France, although she was of Italian stock, and she was really, really short. Therefore, legend has it, Catherine de' Medici had a chat with her cobbler. The rest is history, or rather, herstory.

Podiatrists tell women that if they must wear high heels, they should try to reserve this footwear for special occasions, not for daily work in the office. High heels add stress not only to a woman's feet, but also to the knees. Furthermore, the height of the heel isn't the only concern. Some high-heel shoe styles also smash the toes together, which isn't healthy either. Still, a quality high-heel shoe also can provide comfort...as long as not much walking is on the agenda.

SOURCES
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-heeled_footwear
http://www.randomhistory.com/1-50/036heels.html

Shoe fashion in the United States hit a sweet spot in the Big Band era, which stretched between 1935 and 1945. During this era, shoe fashion was big with both men and women. The explosion of the popularity of American cinema brought shoe fashion to the foreground of American popular culture and made having the right shoes as important as wearing the right dress or suit. This change in style awareness affected the way that people looked at the shoes they bought and how they coordinated their outfits.

Shoe Fashion Changes During the Big Band Era
One of the biggest changes in shoe fashion during the Big Band Era was that there were a lot more shoes to choose between. Not only did the number of available shoe designs explode, but so did the number of sizes and fitting options. In fact, there were more sizes and fitting options during this historical era in America than there are now. The importance of having a well-fitted shoe that looked good was a change in American fashion sense, and it was created by the popularity of American cinema, which played up the appeal of having a great pair of shoes that fit your feet properly.

Shoe Designs That Were Popular During the Big Band Era
Many of the shoe designs that were popular during the Big Band Era are still around today. A few of the styles that were popular include high-heeled sandals, lace-up shoes, wedges and chunk heels. For men, loafers and lace-up shoes were popular. One of the new developments in shoe design during the late 1930s was the addition of lace to women's dress shoes. Salvatore Ferragamo was the first to apply lace to women's shoes.

As far as shoe materials go in the 1930s and 1940s, leather was the leader, especially for dress shoes. Leather was used in solid pieces, strips, braids and fringe. The color choices during this era ranged from neutral colors like tan, fawn and black to fashion colors that matched the latest designer clothing fashions on the market. Multicolor shoes were also introduced and generally created by adding lace, embroidery, beads and rhinestones.

Wearing high heels and pointed-toed shoes eventually takes a toll on women's feet. The constant pushing down into the tight toe box eventually creates overlapping toes. Short of surgery, there is one way to combat this before it gets worse: wear shoes with a wider toe box. It is generally only after pain in the ball of the foot or edge of the toes that women end up in the podiatrist's office. That is when the dreaded news is shared that the pointed-toed shoes with the high, sexy heel when worn regularly are, in fact, a detriment to one's foot health.

Most stilettos and pointed-toe shoes are short-term-wear styles. Do not try to wear them on a marathon night. Purchase a pair of comfortable shoes with a wide toe box to wear daily during working hours, as well as casual hours. Put the stilettos on when you get where you're going. Yes, they look good, and yes, they make a woman look sexy. But years down the road, crooked overlapping toes are not so great to look at. You can still have your cake and eat it but consider foot health and always carry a pair of practical shoes, particularly if you travel.

There are several great brands that make shoes that look good and have a wide toe box, which allows the toes to spread the way they normally should. ECCO offers a good selection of shoes for business, and a great practical choice such as the ECCO Arizona Buckle will go a long way. This is a smart shoe that is great for the office or in the field. Features of the shoe include a square toe, two-inch stacked heel, mahogany leather upper, hardware accent, leather-lined foam foot bed and a rubber outsole. The ECCO Arizona Buckle retails for $77.

You can still wear your sexy shoes in moderation if a few tips are followed. The key is to be kind to your feet so that when the sexy stilettos are removed, you are still sexy.

High heel shoes provided the impetus for the modern way of making shoes.

One of the more interesting facts about shoes is that high heel shoes provided the impetus for the way that modern shoes are made. Often, we think of high heel shoes as fashionable and even sexy - the perfect compliment to the perfect dress. However, high heel shoes provided us with more than a way to make a good looking gal look great: they are also the reason that modern shoes are sold in pairs.

The origin of high heel shoes

These popular feminine accouterments actually originated in Turkey. Sometime in the 1400s, shoes with flat bottoms and heels between seven inches and 18 inches appeared. The main idea was to elevate fashionable women in long dresses above the muddy streets. The fashion emigrated to Italy in the 1500s, and the famous Catherine de Medici (who married the future king of France) made them popular. She brought the style to France, and then it traveled to England. Of course, the ladies in France and England wanted the highest shoes imaginable and often took the entire 18 inches. As one might guess, such an arrangement meant that a servant on either side of the lady was required in order prevent her plopping face-first into the mud.

How high heel shoes influenced modern footwear

High heel shoes' origin as a fashion statement also influenced other types of shoe making. Prior to high heel shoes, all shoes were made with the same pattern (called a last). There was no difference between the right and left shoe. Instead, buyers walked into a shop and tried to find two different shoes that were the same size and color. Shoes were paid for individually. But high heel shoes changed all of that. Because of the heel, it was no longer sufficient to have the same last for both shoes. Matching shoes, made differently for right and left (called "crookeds"), meant that shoes had to be sold in pairs from then on out.

Every now and again, when I want to feel sexy, I'll put on a pair of high heels, shunning my flats and heading out in true style. Shoes with high heels have been around since the 1400s (for the mundane task of keeping one's feet out of the mud), but it wasn't until Catherine de Medici came from the Italian peninsula to France in 1533 that high heels became a fashion statement.

At first, only the wealthy and the powerful wore them. But as raw materials became more affordable and consumer spending became possible for more and more people, high heels became more popular. Assembly line and mass production techniques that make use of machines mean that just about anyone can buy and wear high heels. There are even high heels designed especially for men who cross-dress or are making gender switches.

It is possible to fabricate high heels out of nearly any material: leather, wood, fabric, plastic, cement and glue, nails, metal and even paper. High heels are designed by independent fashion designers, or created by designers hired by the manufacturer. Most begin as a prototype that can be referred to throughout the process. Embellishments can be added after the basic construction is finished.

Mass-produced high heels are made using computerized assembly lines. This makes it fast and easy to create high heels. Metal dies are used to cut the pieces out of leather or some other material, into the proper sizes. Sometimes, in the more high-tech factories, a laser beam is used to cut the materials. The next machine uses thermal cement to hold the material over a sort-of mold called a last on a temporary basis. This is done while the sole, upper and heel are created and shaped. Finally, another machine puts the shoe together. The final steps are labels and embellishments. Then another machine wraps the high heels in tissue paper and puts them in a box.

It is interesting to note that these days, most of the heels themselves are actually made from plastic. This is one of the essential ingredients to a cheap shoe that is widely affordable.

While most women will go to great lengths to support their high-heel wearing habit, few realize the unhealthy impact on their legs and pampered toes. Enjoy life in the high-heeled society with these six tips.

High heels may be a closet staple for many, but any health guru will tell you to steer clear of the stilettos and wedges to prevent damage to leg muscles, save your knees, and reduce the chance of blisters on the feet later in life. Is it really time to give up the 4" pencil-thin heels in favor of good health?

Most shoe addicts will beg to differ, but thankfully, there are ways to protect those legs and feet without compromising on style. Consider these tips and strategies to enjoy life in the high-heeled society, without falling into an unhealthy habit:

1. Change that strut- Walking 'normally' in high heels is an easy way to cause damage to the feet and lower legs. Your steps need to be much shorter than usual, so it's best to skip your model-like strides and stick with the reality runway; plan on taking slower, smaller steps and avoid shifting your weight during the walk. Good posture also helps; keep that spine in alignment to help you balance your weight with ease.

2. Massage away pain- A day in heels may be a day well-lived, but it's still going to take its toll on your ankles, calves and knees. Enjoy some well-deserved TLC with a quick foot soak, or invest in a foot massage treatment at the local spa to manage aches, pain, and inflammation of the joints with ease.

3. Wear the right size- Many women go by the mantra of 'the tighter, the better when it comes to heels and shoes, but this can cause dozens of foot problems - not to mention the outcropping of unsightly blisters. Make sure your feet are comfortably stationed inside the shoe when you walk and sit down, and buy a size larger than usual if you need to.

4. Look for an adjustable strap- Adjustable ankle straps can give you some extra support, and help you balance better in those too-tall heels. Adjust the buckle to fit snugly around your ankles so that your feet are planted firmly and securely in your shoes for maximum comfort.

5. Give those calves a workout- Building up muscles and strength in the calves and thighs can help you balance better on even the skinniest heels. Make sure to stretch and strengthen calves on a regular basis so you can keep up with the demands of your next pair of heels.

6. Don't be a heel digger!- Avoid balancing your weight entirely on the heel while standing, and shift your weight to the ball of your foot instead. Digging your heels may be a good assertiveness strategy, but will damage your shoes - and your ankles.

Walking tall is every woman's right, but knowing how to pull it off without damaging the legs and feet is a top priority! Exercise your right to wear those high heels with these six strategies, and you'll be able to step out in style, without the pain.

From 5" wedge heels to pencil-thin stilettos, women teetering on today's lineup of pumps and high heels are busy trading fashion for comfort - and may be trotting on the edge of disaster.

From 5-inch wedge heels to pencil-thin stilettos, women teetering on today's lineup of pumps and high heels are busy trading fashion for comfort - and may be trotting on the edge of disaster.

Creating an illusion of long, model-like legs is just one reason why many favor the high heel over flats. Shoe manufacturers continue to design women's shoes with this 'need' in mind; still, it's a balancing act that few women really master, and most risk the health of their legs in favor of the latest fashionable pair. While kitten heels are making a comeback on the fashion circuit, the high heel reigns supreme on runways around the globe. Is comfort a factor in the design of these eye-catching shoes? Not likely.

Why the High Heel?

High heels have become the shoe of choice for shoe mavens in the last 60 years, but the stilettos and high heel pumps have become the epitome of shoes for females since the late '80s. It's the shoe that not only makes the legs appear longer but also changes the posture of the wearer, makes the feet look smaller and defines the glute muscles to create a trim, tight and toned look - and all without pantyhose and shapewear. Is it any wonder that women opt for the super high arch?

Some of the world's most fascinating pumps can be found in museums and emporiums of famous Italian shoe designers in Europe. These pumps weren't meant for walking - just admiring from afar. They're designed for maximum eye-appeal with super-sculpted arches, bright patent leather designs and even trimmings such as fur, sequins and rhinestone embellishments. Since the trends take the forefront of design, the comfort factor usually ceases to exist - few women care to admit how comfortable these shoes really are. Today's inspired designers are capturing the essence of the too-tall heels for their own creations.

Designers Who Embrace the High Heel Trend

Take the works of Vince Camuto, for instance; the collection includes a range of booties with stiletto appeal and a peep toe design, a 4-inch heel that's skinny enough to require some practice sessions before trotting out on the pavement.

Giuseppe Zanottikeeps things in line with sexy pumps and wedges with a fresh, modern twist. From cow-print Mary Jane pumps with a super skinny high heel to fur-trimmed boots with extra height, this is one designer that appeals to women of all ages and tastes - as long as they're willing to trot along with a few extra inches.

Alexander McQueen offers plenty of unique styles and designs fresh from the runway, a mix of classy, feminine, eye-catching styles with 4-inch+ heels more often than not. From strappy sandals for special occasions to basic pumps for the office, the styles from this designer are sure to turn a few heads on any given day.

A quick glance at the latest fashionable pumps shows plenty of awe-inspiring designs but few are designed with comfort in mind. As long as women willingly squeeze into a pair of 5-inch+ heels that make them feel great and look 10 pounds slimmer, shoe manufacturers will continue to churn out fresh designs with the latest trends and styles in mind.