HAPPY FEET

Often the most neglected part of the body, your feet have to absorb the stress of twice your weight every time you take a step.

So it’s hardly surprising that eight out of ten people suffer from foot problems. It’s important to start paying your feet some extra attention now so you can stay footloose all summer long…

HEIGHT OF FASHIONShoes have always been the epitome of glamour and A-listers such as Mischa Barton, Victoria Beckham, Beyoncé, Sarah Jessica Parker, Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani are rarely seen putting a toe on the red carpet without their obligatory killer heels.

According to catwalk trends, the stakes are even higher this year, with heels reaching the dizzying heights of 15cm!But could putting your feet at such unnatural angles pose serious health risks for the rest of your body? A recent study reveals that over 200,000 people are treated for shoe-related injuries every year – with platforms and high heels being the main culprits.

SAFETY BEFORE STYLE

When it comes to high heels, experts recommend not wearing your skyscrapers for more than two to three hours a day as they increase the pressure placed on the ball of the foot and can distort the natural gait of the foot which can, in turn, damage the knees, hips and spine.

It’s also important to vary the heel heights you wear. Simply changing your shoes halfway through the day will literally take the pressure off your feet. The healthiest option for feet is to go barefoot, so make sure you walk barefoot around the house at some point every day.

When buying summer shoes: Choose leather or suede leather insoles and avoid plastic or rubber soles.Choose open sandals with a moulded sole, so the heel is prevented from sliding straight off.

When buying backless shoes, either flat or heeled, opt for those with a wide band at the front, or even two bands that fully supports the front half of the shoe.

When out walking, choose sandals designed for trekking which have properly moulded soles, heel support and hold the foot firmly on the sole of the shoe. Always do them up snugly.Never wear a new pair of shoes all day – break them in gradually.