It's not news that women love their high heels. It's also not news that heels, in general, are potentially awful for your feet, tendons, back, etc. Oh, the things we do to feel great and look amazing.

Well, there's no more denying it, ladies! Podiatrists are filling our beauty-cluttered heads with the straight dope (read: actual facts) about heels and the damage they can cause to our various parts.

In an interview with podiatrist Greg E. Cohen, DPM, we learn that some heel types are better than others. When asked if there was a difference between different heel types and effects, Cohen says, "Wedge type heels tend to be a little better than stilettos because the base of support is more stable." Well, sure. We could have figured that one out, right? Stilettos have an absurdly small amount of surface area (i.e. the parts of the shoe that touch the ground, where all of the tension from walking is directed - ball of the foot and heel) making arches extremely sucseptible to damage. 

So what about flats? Well, we can't seem to win anywhere, girls. Stephanie Wu, a podiatrist, foot surgeon and faculty member at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in North Chicago, says a shoe with a small heel is a better choice than flats for long-term comfort. Seems odd, doesn't it? Heels are better for comfort than flats? What is the world coming to? Even squishy, go-to flip flops are out, says Wu. "The trouble with flip-flops is you have no stability."

Oi, so what are we supposed to do?

1. Try to wear your heels for as little time as possible. For instance, wear flats or low-heels on your way to work, then change into your heels to hit the office. Once at your desk, slip off your shoes until you need to hop up and go somewhere.

Naturalizer's "Mermaid" Pumps - they don't look orthopedic at all! Or expensive at only $29.99.

2. Experiment with "ugly" shoe companies. Naturalizer, Sofft, and Born are constantly trying to create more appealing women's shoes that offer high levels of support and comfort. The good part? These shoes are totally affordable. 

Cole Haan's Nike Air-infused "London" Sandal. Weighing in at just under $300 - it's better than Balenciaga (price-wise, of course)

3. The inevitable solution: drop some dough. Some higher-end shoe designers are also trying to find ways to make the beautiful high heel safer. For instance, shoe leader Cole Haan has partnered with Nike Air to create a crazy hybrid shoe that LOOKS like a heel, but feels like a sneaker. (For savings, keep your eye on their Women's Air Sale Section.)

Well, don't we feel all the wiser?