If The Shoe Fits

For most of us, footwear is more than something we walk in; it’s part of our identity, a way to express ourselves and belong to a group. In 2023, the U.S. led global consumer spending on clothing and footwear, reaching $548.5 billion. People are eager for the latest trends, from sneakers to sleek, red-soled heels.

Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point explores why some people are willing to sacrifice for
fashion, helping push trends to popularity. A classic example is the Hush Puppies story. In the mid-1990s, a few Manhattan kids revived the brand by wearing its shoes, leading to widespread designer interest. By 1996, sales had skyrocketed, transforming Hush Puppies into a wardrobe staple.

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“The biggest trend right now is ballet flats,” says Philip Manghisi, owner of Wunderkind Boutique. Alaïa’s crystal-covered and mesh flats have sparked renewed interest.

While ballet flats are fashionable, Dr. Petrina Lewis, a board-certified podiatrist and founder of Southwest Foot & Ankle Center, advises a small heel to ease Achilles tension in the tendon. “I believe in function over fashion,” she says, noting the growing popularity of block heels and athletic shoes paired with long dresses.

Dr. Lewis warns that wearing uncomfortable shoes regularly can lead to plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails, bunions and ankle instability. To avoid surgery, these conditions often require regenerative treatments like laser shockwave therapy, PRP or fillers. Shoes that are too narrow, loose or with extreme heels can also misalign the hips and spine.

Retail veteran Carolyn Cantor knows this all too well. After 50 years in the industry and wearing heels daily, she had bunion surgery. “It’s all on me,” she says, lamenting the pain that even comfortable shoes couldn’t fix, leading to surgery as a last resort.

Today, consumers are prioritizing comfort and functionality. “People want both,” Manghisi notes. His clients who are buying designer shoes look for something unique yet comfortable, like The Row’s zipped boots. “Everyone who tries them on says they’re comfortable,” he added. Cowboy boots are also gaining traction for their versatile style and comfort.

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Making smart footwear choices can prevent long-term health issues. “Pick your moments,” Dr. Lewis advises. Limit the use of uncomfortable shoes and opt for insoles or gel padding. Dr. Lewis provides filler around pressure areas for clients who must wear uncomfortable shoes, creating a “pillow for your foot.” Botox is another option to temporarily block pain, but the best prevention is wearing shoes with good support.

Fashion can be captivating and emotionally driven, but true style comes from balancing beauty with function. Like Cinderella’s glass slipper, the right shoe fits effortlessly, without compromise. The shoe either fits or it doesn’t.