Ask The Experts
My husband wears cowboy boots with a fairly high heel all the time. He has started a job where he is on his feet all day and has to walk a lot. I think he needs to get some low heeled shoes with soft soles for work but he says he will be OK working in his cowboy boots.
Thank you for contacting IPFH. IPFH advocates the use of footwear that minimizes unhealthy forces on the feet (primarily pressure, shear force and impact), that helps control moisture generated by the feet during normal activities or exercise and higher intensity activities, and that fits the feet properly. Characteristics of these types of footwear can be found in our article “Integrated Approach to Selecting Padded Socks and Shoes that Fit.” Human feet are "designed" to bear weight in equal amounts in the forefoot and rear foot, and high heels alter that weight ratio (which can lead to discomfort and some foot conditions over time). But rather than try to convince your husband not to wear cowboy boots, you might share this article with him. Once he begins working in the boots, he will find that either they do work for him, or they don’t work for him. Then he can take appropriate steps to get new footwear, or he can continue to use the boots if they are comfortable enough for him. One thing he can do to help protect his feet in the boots is to use padded socks. More information about these is also in the previously mentioned article on the integrated approach. We wish your husband much success and comfortable feet in his new job.