How To Survive The Season's Highest Heels

In Pictures: How To Survive The Season's Highest Heels

If women seem taller this fall, it's because they are.

That's thanks to an array of skyscraper shoes currently in stores. Givenchy's open-toe, leather gladiator bootie features a 4.3-inch heel. Gucci's studded Bobouska sandals are a reedy 4.1 inches. And Stella McCartney's wedges stand five inches tall.

They are just a handful of skyscraper shoes available this season. Everyone from executives to celebrities has adopted the trend; Madonna's gun-heeled Chanel shoes turned heads at the Filth and Wisdom screening in New York last month. Other looks include those by Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino.

In Pictures: Seven Awe-Inspiring Shoes

Common sense holds that in difficult economic times, shoppers would be wise to invest in classics. That's not the case with accessories like shoes. In 2008, luxury footwear sales are expected to grow 8%, according to Bain & Company's Luxury Goods Worldwide Market Study released on Oct. 29, as shoppers look to relatively inexpensive ways to stay on trend.

"During this economic crisis, it makes sense to buy over-the-top shoes as a way to update your wardrobe," says Cynthia O'Connor, founder and CEO of Cynthia O'Connor + Company, a fashion and accessories showroom in New York and Los Angeles. "They are investment pieces that really show your personal style. If you are only planning on buying one apparel or accessories item this season, a great pair of shoes should be it."

Related Stories High-End Holiday Deals How To Live The Good Life On Less

These include lace-up booties, chunky platforms and embellished heels. All compliment this season's architecturally designed clothing and menswear-inspired pieces.

"This season clothing is more constructed," O'Connor says. "The higher heel balances out this heaviness."

Hot Heels
Christian Dior's (other-otc: CHDRF.PK - news - people ) 4 7/10-inch patent pump is a current red-carpet favorite, perhaps because the high pitch of the shoe is manageable thanks to the platform, which adds height without extra stress on the foot or leg, O'Connor says.

Doctors say platforms like these are more foot-friendly than stilettos because they provide extra support at the ball of the foot and toes.

While some designers are taking the architectural trend literally, with ornamental heels and features that appear uncomfortable, others are making the trend more wearable with interesting shapes and cut outs. Yves Saint Laurent's zipper ankle wrap black patent leather sandal is asymmetrical but also sturdy.

While some shoe-obsessed women will do anything to walk in the most outlandish heels, including getting Botox injections to straighten toes or fillers to pad the sole's cushion, shoppers don't need to do much more than shop wisely to wear this season's most painful heels.

"The No. 1 rule is these shoes are for being seen in and not walking in," says Mercedes Gonzales, director at Global Purchasing Companies, a full-service buying office that plans and implements retail strategies for merchants and new designers. "They should be worn to dinner and the theater only." Spiky heels work for the office, as long as you are sitting at your desk for the majority of the day. Always carry a pair of comfortable flats for commuting.

If worn too often, high heels can cause major problems for the feet, back and knees, including bunions, hammer toes and disc degeneration, says Dr. Andre Panago, a physiatrist at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.

"I have had patients who wear heels over long periods of time," he says, "and they can no longer wear flats." The tissues in the foot tighten through repeated wearing of heels and make it difficult to wear other styles.

In fact, the higher the heel, the higher the chance of developing serious foot damage. Dr. Panago recommends not wearing heels above 1.5 inches if you are planning on doing a lot of walking.

Happy Feet
If you insist on spending all day in heels, it is important to stretch your Achilles tendon, toes and calves before and after each wearing, says Dr. Gerard Varlotta, director of sports rehabilitation at New York University Langone Medical Center. Pads, which cushion the ball of the foot, may also be placed in each shoe.

But remember, these are temporary solutions to what could be a long-term issue.

To avoid that, remember that "good shoes should not be excruciating to walk in," Dr. Varlotta says.