The wearing of high-heeled shoes is a prime example of women inviting foot problems. Many doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs) see no value in high heels (generally defined as pumps with heels of more than two inches). They believe them to be biomechanical and structurally unsound, citing medical, postural, and safety faults of dangerously high heels.
Many women are made to look foolish when trying to balance on those tiny heels, thereby diminishing their chances of finding a mate. They would have been better off not wearing high heels, at least leaving potential mates wondering whether they could have looked physically impressive had they worn them. It reminds me of Ben Franklin’s famous quote: It is better to keep silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.”
If women persist in wearing high heels, there are ways to relieve some of the abusive effects; they can limit the time they wear them, for example, alternating with good-quality oxford-type shoes or flats for part of the day. What about that "exquisite pinch?" High heels that are too tight compound the abuse; it's good advice to buy shoes in the afternoon, since feet tend to increase in size later in the day.
Pregnant women need to observe good foot health to prevent pain and discomfort. Since the body undergoes changes and acquires a new weight-bearing stance, women should wear shoes with broad-based heels that provide support and absorb shock. Additional body weight also calls for more support, to prevent foot "breakdown."
The battle is not necessarily over for women who master high heeled shoes. Well, for some men, maybe it is over—for some men, the finessed use of high heels might serve as a token for a high level of general health.