Flat-Tery!

We are on their feet for approximately six hours on a daily basis. For those of us whose days are filled with business appointments or social gatherings, high-heeled shoes have been the footwear of choice. Sadly, the wearing of high-heeled shoes is a prime example of women inviting foot problems. Doctors of podiatric medicine see no value in high heels (generally defined as pumps with heels of more than two inches). They believe them to be biomechanically and orthopedically unsound, citing medical, postural and safety faults of such heels.

Aesthetically-pleasing as they may be, high heels may contribute to knee and back problems, disabling injuries in falls, shortened calf muscles, and an awkward, unnatural gait. In time, high heels may cause enough changes in the feet to impair their proper function. Most women admit high heels are painful — a lot of pressure is put on the calves and of the balls of the feet — but they tolerate the discomfort in order to look taller, stylish and more professional.

Conversely, when we walk in flat shoes, the muscles of the leg and thigh are given an opportunity to contract and stretch out. The human body was made to walk on low heels. Fortunately, fashion brands like Naf-Naf have come out with a line of stylishly attractive flat footwear that will certainly find favor among Manila’s smart set! Uptown/Downtown gives you a sneak peek at Naf-Naf’s newest offering!

(Naf-Naf footwear collection is available in all Cinderella stores)

Photos by Joanne Zapanta-Andrada