The Comfortable High Heel Myth

Consumer Reports conducted a survey and discovered 90% of U.S. women wear shoes that look good, even though they kill our feet. Could adding insoles to our shoes help ease the pain. Makers of shoe insoles claim their products can help "prevent foot aches and pains" or provide "all-day comfort" and "cushion the entire foot area." Consumer Reports put shoe insoles to the test, checking out four that cost $8 to $13. Fourteen women tried each of the insoles in a pair of her shoes that had at least 2 1/2-inch heels with some as high as four. Each tester walked a total of almost five and a half miles. The results were not great for Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles and Insolia High Heel Inserts. "My shoes didn't feel any more comfortable than they did without them," said panelist Valerie England. Foot Pedals Killer Kushionz did make shoes feel a little more comfortable. But the package says they're "not recommended to remove and reuse." Turns out the adhesive damaged some of the shoes, tearing out some of the lining inside the shoe. As for the Fab Feet Three-Quarter Insoles from Target, they also made shoes a little more comfortable, but were easier to remove. Although most of the women thought none of the insoles were worth the money. “I know women LOVE heels, and worn in moderation, you can keep serious complications to a minimum,” says Dr. Foley. “Remember, for every inch of a heel puts 25% more weight on the forefoot. So, with a three inch heel, 75% of your body’s weight in on the forefoot.” Two high heel brands I recommend are Auri and Cole Haan. Both lines offer style and function.