Thing that remains a mystery

As detailed in my previous post I have learnt much on this trip, but one thing remains a mystery:

How do women get around in high heels on cobble stone streets without destroying their ankles?

Every European city we’ve visited has had much cobble-stoneage and yet almost all the women are in high heels. It is bewildering. I have gone over on my ankles wearing the most comfortable and supportive of footwear. No harm was done because my beloved boots have non-ankle-spraining super powers. Yay boots!

I saw one woman get her heel stuck between stones. She came to a sudden and whip-lash looking halt, before bouncing about, trying to extricate herself. She was promptly rescued by a kind gentleman (who unlike me didn’t stand their giggling helplessly) and tottered off on her way as if nothing had happened. But that’s the only mishap I’ve seen. I suspect there are high-heels-on-cobble-stones training camps all over Europe.

Paris continues to be fabulous. Even without cobble stone related accidents. I don’t want to go home.

Posted by Justine at 13:02, 17 April 2008 under Fashion, Travelling | 20 Comments »

Comments

lunamoth Says:

I suspect that women (like myself) who wear heels a LOT, tend to develop a certain amount of flexibility and strength in their ankles specific to that particular exercise.

April 17th, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Carrie R. Says:

I’ve always wondered that same thing, honestly!

April 17th, 2008 at 4:01 PM
claire Says:

i think you’re supposed to walk on the balls of your feet.

heh. balls.

April 17th, 2008 at 4:11 PM
Ted Lemon Says:

It’s that whole Nietzschian “that which does not kill me makes me stronger” thing. European women are tough.

April 17th, 2008 at 4:32 PM
Mary P Says:

I think you have to be born in Paris to navigate those cobble streets in heels–because they all do. Me, I’m a flat person all the way.

And sigh–that “vicious” pup is so cute.

April 17th, 2008 at 6:25 PM
doselle Says:

My mother used to get some kind of sinister enjoyment from watching other women fumble in their heels while she, herself, seemed able to glide effortlessly over practically any and all manner of urban terrain. Best I can imagine it must be some kind of arcane, learned skill–like Parkour or, perhaps, y’know, lion-taming.

Good luck with that. Bet you’re happy your ankles have been toughened up by all those years roaming around in the outback or, more likely, honed by your elite tastes in designer footwear.

Rock on!

April 17th, 2008 at 6:33 PM
hillary! Says:

HA! I know what you mean.
I always wear flats. Always. But one day I had this strange urge to wear Prada Milano 6 inchers (hand me downs from reallt rich lady my tia works for, I could never aford those shoes, but they are pretty!) to school.
I walk to school.
My heel got stuck in one of those little holes in manhole covers.

April 17th, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Celsie Says:

I think it has to do with how early and how often you “borrowed” your mom’s or older sister’s shoes growing up.

I’ve always had foot problems, so I didn’t totter around as much as my friends do. I have a friend who can dance in four inch heels for hours, while I can barely stay on my inch slip ons for even a third of that much time.

And in Europe, they must have face planted while it was still cute to do, instead of when it would have been devastatingly embarrassing.

April 17th, 2008 at 11:39 PM
Mahek Says:

We’re all used to it. although I don’t wear heals as much as I used to since I’ve sprained the same ankle four times.

April 18th, 2008 at 5:42 AM
dragonfly Says:

One of the many reasons I never wear high heels.

April 18th, 2008 at 7:21 AM
Gabrielle Says:

Well. I personally manage to twist my ankles in the grass in flip-flops. So I suppose I’m not born to be European.

April 18th, 2008 at 10:08 AM
Hillary! Says:

I’ve done that too Gabrielle. I wasn’t even running. To me, it seems more embarassing than painful.

April 18th, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Ted Lemon Says:

Gabrielle and Hillary, sounds like you both need to do something to strengthen your ankles. I’m not sure wearing high heels is the right thing, because they’re actually bad for your feet, but wearing them will strengthen your ankles…

April 18th, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Patrick Says:

I saw a woman lose her heel in either a crack or grate or something on 6th ave in NYC this week.

I think heels are just dangerous regardless. But Dang sexy, so, ladies, keep on risking life and limb for appearances.

April 18th, 2008 at 3:04 PM
Patrick Says:

Wow, I’m in the moderated queue and I didn’t even mention unico—.

April 18th, 2008 at 3:06 PM
dami Says:

I must be strange in that I’m more likely to twist my ankle in flats – can walk in heels no probs. don’t know why – just weirdness.

April 18th, 2008 at 5:53 PM
Mahek Says:

I always sprain my ankle in flat shoes. The first time was when I was walking down stairs. The second time was when I was sitting down. The third time was when I was running down steps and the fourth time was when I was in a wood and was running up a hill. I slipped in wet mud since it had been raining.

I try not to run these days. But I love spraining my ankle. It gives me a reason to not do any school work or coursework. But I HATE the pain.

But I am a natural when in heels. I can run in them but I get wobbly if it is 3 inches (about 9 cm) or more.

April 18th, 2008 at 6:13 PM
marrije Says:

ooh, i feel very european: this is how i climb steep cobblestony streets in belgium http://www.flickr.com/photos/verkade/483932025/. those are my low, sensible heels.

April 21st, 2008 at 8:59 AM
Mike Says:

Not to mention ‘high heels while riding a Velib on the Boulevard St Germain.
A toute vitesse, and not a helmet in sight. Phew!

April 23rd, 2008 at 6:48 PM
shelly rae Says:

In heels I’m just over 6 feet tall so I tend not to wear them much. But for navigating cobblestones in stilettos? The secret is to put all the weight on the balls of your feet and none on the heel at all. You sort of tip toe in those heels. Me? I’d rather wear a pair of comfy shoes.
But those boots are clearly made for walking or something….
Anon

May 2nd, 2008 at 12:24 AM

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.

Justine Larbalestier