But they could not. All they could do was focus on trying to keep their balance. Ah, but those shoes were so sexy. They didn't speak of practicality, of office work or of dashing for the subway. They were completely ridiculous, fabulously inappropriate and that was the beauty of them . . .
American women have an ambivalent relationship with high heels.
Any podiatrist will explain the dangers of wearing high heels. They damage the toes, the legs and can put strain on the back. They throw the posture out of alignment. They make the derriere protrude. They prevent most women from walking briskly and confidently, instead forcing them to shorten their stride and concentrate on remaining upright on treacherous pavements.