BODY & MIND: Healthy Heels

Shoemakers have finally designed stylish footwear that doesn't hurt

SHOES! There's a love-hate relationship at the bottom of every woman's closet. On one hand, who doesn't want to look movie-star chic in a towering pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps? On the other hand, ouch! As too many women know firsthand, those sexy stilettos aren't just impractical and painful; they can do serious long-term damage.

High heels pitch the body forward, so that walking becomes more like controlled falling and maintaining a healthy heel-to-toe stride is difficult. High heels also point the foot downward, which destabilizes the ankle and prevents it from flexing properly and absorbing the considerable shock--three times our...

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