One of Britain's biggest department stores has launched a "comfy" version of the high heeled shoe, bringing pain relief to thousands of women who wince at the thought of squeezing into a pair of stilettos. Marks and Spencer has introduced Insolia technology into ladies footwear, a form of insole which shifts the weight from the ball of the foot back towards the heel.
The innovation was developed by podiatrist Dr Howard Dananberg after hundreds of his female clients complained of injuries - such a painful knees and ankles - related to wearing high heels. He worked out the "optimal" position of the foot to avoid pain by distributing a person’s weight evenly across the shoe. A spokeswoman from M&S said the high heels still looked the same but felt much more comfortable for the wearer. She said a woman wearing a pair of two inch heels without Insolia experienced 64 per cent more pressure in the balls of her feet than she would if she wore a pair of trainers.
In contrast, women wearing heels higher than two inches with Insolia only felt a 22 per cent increase in pressure. The spokeswoman said traditional padding compressed over time, forcing the shoes to change shape and allowing greater movement of the foot, which could cause blisters.
Insolia provides support under the heel and arch to cradle the foot and stop it moving around in the shoe, she said. High heels have long been blamed for the development of calluses, bunions and corns as women follow fashion trends.
Source:telegraph.co.uk
Autograph Elegant Peep Toe Shoes with Insolia®, £39,50
Autograph Cross Over Sandals with Insolia®, £39,50
Autograph Widefit Ruched Peeptoe Shoes with Insolia®, £39,50
My opinion on the subject....I think it´s very good initiative from M&S but I don´t think it will catch on. Shoes don´t only have to be comfortable but they have to look good as well. Actually, many women would prefer beauty to comfort. Well, these M&S shoes look much better than my grandmother´s orthopedic shoes but I would definitely not exchange my Blahniks for these shoes. Honestly, I don´t know if I would buy them but I will definitely try on these shoes next time I am in London. Never say never, maybe they will become my new everyday work shoes!
