Rocket scientist behind high heels

Apparently, it takes rocket science to make high heels comfortable. A New England firm, working with an MIT-trained rocket scientist has unveiled what it claims to be a footwear breakthrough — one that makes sexy high heels nearly as easy to wear as sensible shoes.

HBN Shoe LLC of Salem, NH, which markets products under the Insolia brand, is now selling $9.99 weight-shifting inserts in CVS stores and will roll them out to other outlets this year. Unlike cushion inserts already available in the market, the Insolia technology shifts the body’s weight off the ball of the foot by changing the inside of the shoe to place the foot into the optimal position for a high heel. HBN says the technology reduces forefoot and toe pressure, gives better balance, improved body alignment, and ankle stability. Better yet, the inserts are small, slim, and clear, so nobody knows what’s inside your $600 Jimmy Choo stilettos.

“Bringing comfort to high heels really is rocket science,” HBN president Michael Backler said. “Finally, women can feel comfortable all day long in high heels of their choice.”

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Other companies have attempted to combat the havoc high heels wreak on women’s feet. The most common approach to easing the pain, so far, has been padding or cushion inserts but these efforts don’t reduce pressure, Backler said.

The research team that helped develop the Insolia inserts included Brian Hughes, a rocket scientist with a degree from MIT and podiatrist and HBN founder Howard J. Dananberg.