Bay Shore NY
1-28-2025 9:27am

The Power of Wearing High Heels Over 60

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - THE POWER OF WEARING HIGH HEELS AT ANY AGE

I thought I would write about something whimsical and classic. The high heel. Oh, how I love thee. I still wear them. My knees and toes have suffered a bit but wearing them firms my thighs! I mastered walking in high heels on the streets of New York City for over 35 years, and I know how to swag in stilettos. It's an art form.

The Italian word "stiletto" comes from the Latin stilus, the thin pointed Roman writing instrument used to engrave wax or clay tablets in ancient times. The stiletto began to gain fame during the late Middle Ages, when it was the secondary weapon of knights. The stiletto heel is a 20th century invention that combines a thin heel with a sharp point. The name comes from the Italian stiletto dagger of the Renaissance. You know how much I love the Italians. 

 The stiletto heel first appeared in the 1930s. The inventor of this long, often steel-spiked, thin heel remains in dispute, but today many attribute its rise in fame to Roger Vivier's work for Christian Dior in the early 1950s.

I will never stop wearing high heels, and I especially love a high heel boot. I used to have slip on stiletto sandles with a steel heel. I still think about those shoes. You just walk different in a high heel. It gives you power and makes you feel sexy. Those are just some of the benefits to wearing high heels. Let's delve into some history about these pointy passions, shall we.

Did you know that high heels originated in Persia in the 10th century as a practical tool for soldiers. Firm footing, I suppose. They were later adopted by European aristocrats as a symbol of status and power. 

Origins

  • 10th century: Persian cavalry wore high heels to keep their shoes in stirrups and to stabilize their aim while shooting bows and arrows.
  • Ancient Egypt: Butchers wore heels to keep their feet clean of animal blood. Egyptian nobility also wore heels during ceremonies.
  • Ancient Greece: Men wore platform shoes called kothorni during theater plays.
  • 16th century: Women in Renaissance Venice wore platform shoes called chopines that could reach up to 20 inches tall. Be careful!

European adoption

  • 17th century: European aristocrats adopted heels as a symbol of military prowess and virility.
  • 18th century: High heels became a staple of women's fashion.
  • Marie Antoinette: The queen of France wore elaborately designed shoes with heels as high as four inches.

Modern Day

  • 1950s: Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable embraced high heels to accentuate their figures. Thus, the bombshell was emblazed into the American psyche. The term "bombshell" is an informal way to describe a very attractive woman. The term has been used to describe Hollywood actresses, including blonde bombshells, brunette bombshells, and exotic bombshells. These are some of my favorite gals.

I've always followed my own fashion trends. In my 20's, I had lots of suits with matching shoes. One of my favorite pair were my blue suede shoes. Yes, I had blue suede shoes. I also had red and white open toed leather shoes that I mixed and matched with different outfits. I even had earrings to match. 

The 80's were all about color. It was such a fun time to dress, and everything had to match. I was working in New York City at the time, and the streets were a runway. You got ideas for what to wear walking around on your lunch hour. There were vendors on every corner selling pocketbooks. Your outfit wasn't complete without a matching pocketbook.

I love fashion. The high heel is timeless, but wearing them over 60, depending on the height, can be risky. It's important to consider the potential risks and how to make them more comfortable so your feet don't hurt.

Risks and Tips (make sure you read my comments in italic)

Risks

  • Muscular imbalances: High heels can cause your leg and foot muscles to work too hard. This is where they can firm your legs and give your calf and thigh a nice shape.
  • Torn ligaments and stress fractures: Taller heels can cause you to shift your weight more, which can lead to injuries. High heels can also force you to stand up straight...stay focused.
  • Foot pain: High heels can cause sore calves, foot pain, and deformed toes. I'll take the risk. 
  • Ankle sprains: High heels can increase your risk of falling or spraining your ankle. It hasn't happened yet.

Tips

  • Add insoles: Insoles or gel inserts can help prevent tired feet. You can buy them at most pharmacies or supermarkets. I have done this, and it works.
  • Choose a wider heel: A wider heel base distributes your weight more evenly, reducing pressure on the balls of your feet. Some of my boots have a wider heel base. They're very comfortable.
  • Choose wedge heels: Wedge heels are easier to walk in and more comfortable than stilettos. I prefer stilettos even if they are risky.
  • Choose supportive heels: Some brands have supportive straps. I do like a strappy shoe.
  • Consider the fit: Ill-fitting, too tight, or unsupportive heels can increase the risk of foot pain. Oh, let me tell you a story or two about foot pain. I've learned my lesson. Going half a size larger helps decrease pain. 

Wearing high heels is fun. They have endured centuries of styles. There are brands that have become so popular that they stand alone as icons in the high heel world. The name that comes to mind is the French designer, Christian Louboutin. His stiletto footwear incorporates shiny, red-lacquered soles that have become his signature. Initially a freelance designer for fashion houses, he started his shoe salon in Paris with his shoes finding favour with celebrity clientele. His company has since branched out into men's luxury footwear, handbags, fragrances, and makeup. Even men love a red sole.

Heels are a classic sign of sensuality and style. They can affect your psyche in a number of ways, including increasing your perceived attractiveness, boosting your self-esteem, and serving as a form of empowerment. Heels are healthy, no matter how high they make you.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, we may not be able to wear the 3" stiletto like we used to, but we can still try.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week is Harry Connick, Jr. at the Metropolitan Opera House where he'll be performing the Cole Porter Songbook this weekend. The American standards. I just love them. I sing them, too. I'm going this Saturday. Sunday is his last show at the opera house before he hits the road. I'm dressing up and wearing high heels. Visit www.tickets-center.com for tickets and information on this fabulous show. Don't miss it.

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of my week was talking to my dear friend who moved down south last year. We grew up together just two houses apart. When I moved to New York City, she'd come in often to see me. Then when I moved back to Long Island, she lived very close by. We've been by each other's side our entire lives. My blood is her blood. When you miss a friend, don't text, pick up the phone and call them. It's so good to hear someone's voice that you love.

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK 

Dear God,

Please protect and guide all of the people of the world who are struggling to find their way in this world. Amen.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Do you still wear high heels? 

Please put your answer with a story about your high heels in the comment section below in this post. I'd love to hear from you. 

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - WALK THIS WAY by AEROSMITH

<!-- EMBEDDED YOUTUBE URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c8O2n1Gfto -->

LYRICS

Backstroke lover
Always hidin' 'neath the covers
'Til I talked to your daddy, he say
He said, you ain't seen nothin'
'Til you're down on a muffin
Then you're sure to be a-changin' your ways
I met a cheerleader
Was a real young bleeder
Oh, the times I could reminisce
'Cause the best things of lovin'
With her sister and her cousin
Only started with a little kiss
Like this
Seesaw swingin' with the boys in the school
And your feet flyin' up in the air
Singing, hey diddle diddle
With your kitty in the middle
Of the swing like you didn't care
So I took a big chance
At the high school dance
With a missy who was ready to play
Wasn't me she was foolin'
'Cause she knew what she was doin'
And I know love was here to stay
When she told me to
Walk this way
Walk this way
Walk this way
Walk this way
Walk this way
Walk this way
Walk this way
Walk this way
Just gimme a kiss
Like this
Schoolgirl sweetie with a classy kinda sassy
Little skirt's climbin' way up the knee
There was three young ladies in the school gym locker
When I noticed they was lookin' at me
I was a high school loser, never made it with a lady
'Til the boys told me somethin' I missed
Then my next door neighbor with a daughter had a favor
So, I gave her just a little kiss
Like this
Seesaw swingin' with the boys in the school
And your feet flyin' up in the air
Singing, hey diddle diddle
With your kitty in the middle
Of the swing like you didn't care
So, I took a big chance
At the high school dance
With a missy who was ready to play
Wasn't me she was foolin'
'Cause she knew what she was doin'
When she told me how to walk this way
She told me to
Walk this way
Talk this way
Walk this way
Walk this way
Walk this way
Walk this way
Walk this way
Talk this way
Just gimme a kiss

ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE -60 AND BEYOND WITH SKYLARK

My brand was born out of my turning 60 and noticeing a profound shift - mind, body, and soul. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with other women to help them navigate this age as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in older age through knowledge and self-awareness. I will also consider in-person one-hour chats called The Skylark Sessions in your home or at a local library or senior center. Email me at christineskylark@aol.com
or call me at 917-903-5713 if you are interested. This can be one-on-one or with a small group of women.

Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, happiness, dreams, inspiration, motivation, music, and ideas I want to explore. The topics are endless. I represent Bay Shore and the greater Town of Islip community. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up, but you can also subscribe for free. And you can advertise your business or event in my newsletter as well. Just click this link below to subscribe:

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Monthly Vlog - My vlog goes live on my YouTube channel on the first Monday of each month. It's a recap of the previous month’s newsletter articles and then a conversation on a new topic. It is then uploaded to my Patreon account as well as my social media platforms. Just click the link below to subscribe and click the bell to get notified when a new video is uploaded: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

WHERE TO FOLLOW AND SUPPORT ME

Patreon - This is my general brand page where you can support everything I do under my brand in one place. I appreciate any level of support that enables me to carve out time to write my newsletters, create my vlogs and continue to expand my brand. Just click the link here: www.patreon.com/SkylarkLive

Social Media - You can follow me on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn under my brand, Skylark Live.

Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!

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