Heels.

For some time now I have been thinking about why it is women choose heels over sneakers, and that is when the whole notion of comfort comes into play. Personally I don't have any issue with women who wear heels, but what I don't really comprehend is why they would wear them when they cause so much physical damage. The upsides I guess are the illusion of height the offer and they can make legs look much sexier, but it seems that doesn't make the pain of wearing them worth it to be honest
Perhaps I am not really qualified to be talking on the subject matter as I myself have never even tried to cram my feet into heels, I am not particularly graceful as it is and can only see one outcome for myself if I ever wore them. Face first on the floor. It takes a certain level of practice to wear heels, friends of mine have said they need to wear heels more to get used to them. Is that really necessary? Surely flats would be the better choice, or in my case sneakers. I am trying to figure out why fashion creates these notions of being uncomfortable equates to being better looking. Stiletto heels to me can be associated with Chinese foot binding.

While the results of wearing heels may not be as severe as foot binding the similarities can be seen. Women on a daily basis in the 21st century will cram their feet into heels that are narrower at the toes, make you balance on what I can only describe as a stick. Some how they walk around in these most of the day and in some cases, run. As a result of wearing these heels the form of the foot begins to change. Basically the entire weight of the human body is placed in the heels of the foot, and when in high heels it is then placed on these sticks. Call my crazy but this sounds absurd to me. Medical professionals have noted that wearing heels puts undue stress on the joints of the knees, back and ankles. Not only that but they kind of deform your feet.
Bunions, a structural deformity of the bones between the foot and the big toe, in severe cases it can push all your toes on an angle and cause permanent breaks in the toes. So if I ever ventured into the world of high heels this is what I could expect. Fun times.

Okay I have discussed some of the health issues I have with heels, but now I want to discuss the aesthetic issues. I find that a lot of heels are simply boring. There really isn't a lot designers can do with them, considering the shape and form heels follow there is a limit as to how extravagant the design can be. You can apply pattern, maybe some decorative elements like buckles, or sequins and some feathers but that's really about it.

Sneakers on the other hand, you can have some fun with those designs. The silhouette of a sneaker will vary in detail but within the construction of the shoe itself you can play with various materials, then there are colour combinations, the actual design itself can in some cases become quite detailed. Look at the Air Jordan by Nike for example. The later versions of the shoe become a lot more involved where design is concerned, you have the various panels that join together to create the shoe, all of these blank canvasses for patterns or differing materials. The sole of the shoe can be fun as well, I'm wearing a pair of shoes right now with a fluro yellow sole, that's pretty cool.

I'm probably too biased on the subject but the design reasons alone make sneakers seem like the cooler option, and then there is the fact that many sneakers are designed with a basis in helping the feet. Basketball sneakers are meant to offer ankle and arch support so that the stress on the foot encountered during the sport is less detrimental. Running shoes give great support to the heel and the arch and in some cases the shoe evolves according to the foot.
However I think I know why all women aren't sneaker clad, and I think it comes down to that notion of femininity. High heels according to western culture are extremely feminine, they make the body seem sleeker and sexier and it is something that women and men have gotten so accustomed to that there is no alternative.
I think a big misconception when it comes to sneakers is that women simply don't think they have that same femininity about them. Even when they come in all pink and shiny colours they still don't rock a pair of Air Jordan's to a gala. The ideas of what is feminine is something that has been around for centuries and something which women still cling to. Yes there is a certain sense of femininity about heels, though I suppose that is because I am susceptible to the notions of what is female as well. However I firmly believe that sneakers aren't any more masculine than heels, they can be just as feminine and they don't have to be pink to do so.
I am not suggesting that I will be able to change peoples views of femininity, no that's impossible considering how deeply rooted it is in our culture. I really want to push peoples perceptions of femininity in regards to sneakers.