Hi my name is Jen and I wear high heels...

I work in an office with a "business casual" dress code that requires certain shoes. Business casual in our office is something between traditional business casual and business dress. I also just have to admit that I like the way heels look even though I am 5'10" and have no need for increased height. I just like neat shoes. For example, here's what I'm wearing today:

(image from here)

Despite this, I know that heels do damage. Shortening of the achilles tendon is the problem that worries me the most. This, coupled with joint stress and back pain are enough to make me sit up and take notice. I do have some things going for me in this department, however. I am not required to stand all day and mostly sit behind a desk, I usually kick my shoes off while at my desk, and I make it a point to wear flats at least twice a week.

The best thing I think I am doing for my feet though is that I wear these babies on the weekend:

image found (here)

Terra Plana's Vivo Barefoot shoes (note: this URL was not working earlier today but I linked it anyway for when it comes back online). These shoes were designed to seem like you aren't wearing shoes at all and can supposedly help undo the damage heels and other types of shoes (even other athletic shoes!) cause. The first time I wore them my feet hurt by the end of a hectic day which is supposed to indicate the extent of the damage that I had already done. I've been wearing them regularly on the weekends now and they feel great. Terra plana shoes are also made of recycled materials which makes me feel better about wearing shoes that are part leather. Another added bonus is that they are pretty cute weekender sneakers and they have other equally cute designs on their site.