Women's heels reach new heights

There seem to be a correlation between the recession and women wearing higher heels. The author, Elizabeth Semmelhack, who wrote "Heights of Fashion: The History of the Elevated Shoe," says that there is a noticeable change in the height of the heel in women’s shoes during economic hard times.

This trend happened in the great depression, the oil crash in the 70s, the dotcom bubble burst in 2000 and yet again in this recession. The late designer Alexander McQueen came out with an all time high 12-inch shoe in his spring/summer collection this year.

Semmelhack says the reason women climb up on their high-risers during tough times is because it provides a form of escapism.

Boulder podiatrist, Dr. Tara Parks, says that she has not seen a change in women coming to see her with problems due to higher heels, though she said that ”most people that come and see me are from Boulder usually wear shoes like Birkenstocks.”

Store owner Jeff Shapiro who owns the newly opened “Shoe Fly,” which is the second location in Colorado, says that he has not seen a change in women buying higher heels during this past recession. Shapiro said, “I have only seen a difference in the price point of the shoes they buy. They buy cheaper shoes.”

The American Podiatric Medical Association reports that 42 percent of women admit they will wear shoes even if they are uncomfortable. Of the participants, 73 percent said they already have a shoe related foot issue.

Dr. Parks' advice is that women do not wear shoes higher than one inch.