Why Do Women Buy Shoes They Know Won't Fit Them?
Posted September 10, 2009 1:35 PM
Posted in bunions, corns, cracked heels, Fashion, feet, foot pain, foot size, high heels, ingrowing nails, shoes, uncomfortable shoes
Almost four out of 10 women buy shoes knowing they do not fit, according to a new poll.
Research from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists found that 37 percent were willing to put up with uncomfortable shoes, as long as they were fashionable.
But the problem is not just confined to women -- 17 percent of men admit buying shoes in the wrong size. The poll of more than 2,000 adults also found that 80 percent of women suffer foot problems such as cracked heels, bunions, corns and ingrowing nails.
Yet four out of 10 of all people with a foot issue have never sought medical advice.
Lorraine Jones, from the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists, said: "Many of us find it hard to resist a bargain and the latest fashion must-have, but it's important to remember that by buying ill-fitting shoes, you're not only going to end up in discomfort, but you are also putting your health at risk.
"What is particularly worrying is that this is just the number of people who are aware that they are buying ill-fitting shoes, many people are wearing the wrong sized shoes on a daily basis without even realizing it.
"Most people in the UK suffer from a foot problem at some point in their lives, and while many are fairly minor, some can be extremely painful and disabling.
"Most foot complaints are treatable, but if problems are not detected early or treated properly, some conditions can become very serious with patients left in pain and with difficulties walking," she added.
Source: YellowBrix, Belfast Telegraph
Comments
Have something to say? Share your thoughts.
Posted September 16, 2009 1:44 PM
I'm a shoe designer and have been in the women's shoe business for over 33yrs. So, yes, I do have something to say!
Even though I've personally fought to make shoes that women can actually wear with reasonable comfort...here are the facts, Why Women Buy Shoes They Know Don't Fit:
*To experience the thrill of fashion...being a member of the exclusive, fashion forward crowd.
*Women buy shoes as a sensual experience(style, color, touch) and love the personal feeling of wearable art.
*Our shoes/feet are constantly visible to us without a mirror. We get a 'SPARK' to our self-image, confidence and sexuality every time we look down at our fashion shoes. We relate to the fantasy.
AND when the shoe industry reacts to make irrationally expensive designer styles for sensible prices and then mark them down even more...who can resist!
It's all about EMOTION!
And apparently, some women are willing to suffer for this 'FASHION HIGH'!
I have fought in trying to make comfort, fashion shoes for years. But it's a battle, especially when I see the reality in the sales numbers of what styles are selling. But, to me, it seems unreasonable to see
shoe styles that I know cannot possibly fit within a comfort margin and are downright dangerous to wear!
But, I'll keep on trying.
And with that thought: I'm now working on shoe constructions that give us comfort, combined with fashion.
My only hope is for the BOOMERS to react positive at the cash register. I'm over 60 myself, and I want
fashion comfort shoes that don't look 'dowdy'. What about that?
Ads by Google
Newsletter Sign up
Sign-up for our free ThirdAge newsletters to receive the latest articles, advice tips and more!
