Letting loose on the weekend is an American pastime. From tailgates to dance floors, there’s a not-so-subtle double standard at play. While men can throw on a pair of sneakers (or maybe leather shoes if they’re feeling fancy) women are expected to keep up in a pair of 3 inch heels and a skirt. It’s the classic Ginger Rogers dilemma. And while things are far from fair, there are some simple ways for women to even the field. Dr. Suzanne Levine, a New York City podiatrist, offers the following list of essentials for your night out.
1. Roll-Up Flats
Because no one wants to be the girl carrying her heels home at 3 a.m. It’s depressing, and also the quickest way to pick up a case of tetanus. But, Dr. Levine advises, “One woman’s shoe being as flat as a ballet slipper without any arch support is as much a troublemaker as another’s woman’s stiletto.” Essentially, play up the arch of your foot and find what feels right. Dr. Scholl’s Fast Flats are a great, affordable option.
2. Gel Inserts
On that note, Dr. Levine recommends a product she’s created called “Pillows for Your Feet®.” “The balls of your feet, the fatty cushions, carry three times your body weight even when barefoot” explains Dr. Levine. These inserts, which come in two versions for heels and flats, sit comfortably under your arch and redistribute weight evenly.
3. Band-Aids
Here’s another no-brainer. Get the ones with antibacterial ointment as a preventative measure for blisters.
4. Moisturizing Cream
Dr. Levine recommends a bronzer that will pull double-duty by soothing skin, and adding a glow to compliment your white heels. In addition, “use cuticle cream to prevent ingrown toenails.” Burt’s Bees makes a nice lemon butter version that will fit snuggly in your pocket.
5. Marbles
stilBelieve it or not, but rolling your foot on a couple of marbles is a great DIY reflexology–especially if your foot’s been stretched and squeezed into a 4 inch heel all night. Just ignore any funny looks from your friends.
6. Stiletto Rx®
This is one of Dr. Levine’s most exciting new products. Stiletto Rx® (pictured above) is a topical numbing spray that applies to the foot in seconds and soothes away foot pain. In conjunction with “Pillows for Your Feet®,” you’ll feel like a million bucks on the dance floor.
7. Ibuprofen
Not only helpful for pain relief, these handy pills also act as an anti-inflammatory if your feet are taking a beating. Advil makes a pocket sized pack of 10 that’s perfect.
Why should you choose between style and comfort? Use this list to upgrade your “utility belt” and tackle any roadblock between you and a fantastic night. Visit www.institutebeaute.com to shop all of Dr. Levine’s products and services.
About Dr. Levine
Dr. Suzanne Levine is a Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon who has been named one of “America’s Top Podiatrists” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America and is among the most acclaimed podiatrists internationally. Dr. Levine has worked as both an educator and an author, writing My Feet Are Killing Me! and Your Feet Don’t Have To Hurt, amongst others. She has been quoted in, and consulted for countless articles in leading periodicals, and is featured frequently on The Today Show and WNBC’s Today in New York. Her past television credits include Oprah, Entertainment Tonight, Extra, 20/20, as well as ABC and CBS News. She has created a best-selling line of proprietary foot, face, and body care products that are available for purchase on www.institutebeaute.com and www.pillowsforyourfeet.com
