Style and comfort were never meant to be at odds. Discover how the right block heels can keep you elegant, supported, and pain-free from morning to midnight — with expert guidance from our podiatrist, Dr. Roxann Clarke.
Embark on a journey into the intersection of style and health with our very own Dr. Roxann Clarke, featured prominently in the latest issue of InStyle Magazine. Renowned for her expertise in podiatry, Dr. Clarke shares invaluable insights on maintaining both style and foot health, as showcased in the article titled “20 Actually Comfortable Block Heels You Won’t Mind Wearing All Day.”
Delve into the full article here to discover the perfect fusion of fashion and foot care, all doctor-approved. With four convenient locations in New York City—Grand Central, Downtown Manhattan, Upper East Side, and Times Square—To Healthy Feet Podiatry invites you to experience the pinnacle of comfort and style. Book an appointment today to step into a world where impeccable style meets unwavering comfort.
Elevating Comfort: The Rise of Block Heels in FashionInStyle Magazine’s recent article, curated by Jenna Igneri and updated on November 30, 2023, delves into the realm of block heels, highlighting their functional durability, chic aesthetics, and surprising comfortability. The feature not only offers an extensive guide to the best block heels available but also features insights from our very own podiatrist Dr. Roxann Clarke, among other industry experts.
The Art of Comfort: Tips for Choosing The Best Block HeelsOf all the comfortable shoe options one can choose from, heels typically aren’t the first to come to mind. But not all are bound to leave you eager to kick them off at the end of the day. Dr. Clarke, in collaboration with InStyle, provides crucial advice on selecting block heels that not only align with personal style but also prioritize foot health.
To avoid blisters, bunions and hammertoes over time, and for optimal comfort and longevity, Dr. Clarke suggests to consider the following:
-
Heel thickness and shape: A broader foundation, like that of a square-shaped block heel, is more desirable than heels with a circular or triangular block design. The broader the heel’s shape, the more evenly it distributes pressure, resulting in less strain on the foot.
-
Heel height: Anything higher than 4 inches can put increased pressure on the front of the foot and be uncomfortable, regardless of the shoe having a block heel. The sweet spot is approximately 3 inches.
-
Proper support and cushioning: Always put comfort first — seek out footwear with ample cushioning, arch support, and a toe box that allows both your style and toes to breathe comfortably.
-
Toe Box Shape: A snip toe or gently squared toe can also present a sleek, professional look while providing extra space in the toe box. Shoes that are overly narrow may cause cramped toes and discomfort, either over time or even within a few hours.
-
If you see signs of wear or uneven spots on either side of the heels, then it’s time to resole or replace them.
To Healthy Feet Podiatry: Marrying Fashion & Function With Exceptional Foot and Ankle CareOf all the comfortable shoe options one can choose from, heels typically aren’t the first to come to mind. But not all are bound to leave you eager to kick them off at the end of the day. Dr. Clarke, in collaboration with InStyle, provides crucial advice on selecting block heels that not only align with personal style but also prioritize foot health.
To avoid blisters, bunions and hammertoes over time, and for optimal comfort and longevity, Dr. Clarke suggests to consider the following:
-
Heel thickness and shape: A broader foundation, like that of a square-shaped block heel, is more desirable than heels with a circular or triangular block design. The broader the heel’s shape, the more evenly it distributes pressure, resulting in less strain on the foot.
-
Heel height: Anything higher than 4 inches can put increased pressure on the front of the foot and be uncomfortable, regardless of the shoe having a block heel. The sweet spot is approximately 3 inches.
-
Proper support and cushioning: Always put comfort first — seek out footwear with ample cushioning, arch support, and a toe box that allows both your style and toes to breathe comfortably.
-
Toe Box Shape: A snip toe or gently squared toe can also present a sleek, professional look while providing extra space in the toe box. Shoes that are overly narrow may cause cramped toes and discomfort, either over time or even within a few hours.
-
If you see signs of wear or uneven spots on either side of the heels, then it’s time to resole or replace them.