Cardio Strip is so over

I think I may have found the perfect cardio class...

Then again, I may alrady have all the training I need. Truthfully, you have to accept that stilettos are never gonna be comfortable as a pair of flip flops. That's why I always tell people who ask me how I can wear heels - "embrace the pain!" Also, genetics play a bit of a role... if you have naturally high arches, they're a little easier to bear. But there are a few dirty little secrets:

1. Manolo Blahnik really does make the best stiletto. Not only do they reveal the perfect amount of toe cleavage and carve your calves into gazelle-like limbs, the heel is centered just so that your weight is distributed over the ball of your foot as evenly as possible. He does have a background in architecture, and an understanding of tensile strength, torque, etc.

2. Topy, topy, topy. When you first buy a pair of shoes, ask the salesperson if they can topy ("Toe-pee") the soles. This means melding a thin layer of rubber on the bottom of the shoe. It usually takes about a day, so you won't be able to go home with your shoes, but it'll be worth it in the long run. It makes your shoes last longer, plus provides better cushioning and increases shock absorbtion. If your shoe store does not topy, take them to a cobbler as soon as you can. Topying your shoes when they're new is a lot cheaper than when trying to do it when they're old. Oh, and don't topy any Christian Louboutins. Those shiny candy red bottoms demand to be seen, not covered with rubber!

3. Make the cobbler your friend. (Sort of a continuation of the last one.) He can stretch shoes out, replace worn out heels, soften any rough edges that are cutting into the back of your heel....

4. Foot petals. Ingenious little things, sort of like bandaids for stiletto wearers

5. The dirtiest secret of all - avoid standing in them when at all possible. That means taking cabs (or cars) instead of walking, accepting a seat whenever offered, and generally not moving too much. Silly, but true.

6. If it becomes unbearable, just keep telling yourself you'll treat yourself to a pedicure the next day.

Hmmm, maybe cardio strip isn't quite over yet. It's all coming back to me.. I now recall seeing a dancer at AsiaSF who was seriously working a pair of 5 inch Dior motorcycle boots a few weeks ago. Methinks a hybrid (between stiletto strength and cardio strip) is in the works?