Why your love of stilettos may prove to be your Achilles heel

‘House of Cards’ Claire Underwood may like to stride around the White House in 6in Manolos but there will be a high price to pay as she hits 50, finds Margaret Jennings.

She is negotiating with Machiavellian skill the ruthless world of American politics, but Claire Underwood, the icy blonde First Lady in the Netflix blockbuster, House of Cards, may find that her Achilles heel is literally that, as she strides purposely and endlessly around in stilettos.

Underwood, played by 48-year-old actress Robin Wright, may live in the White House, but nevertheless it is her home, where most women kick off their high heels with relief, no longer needing to “keep up appearances”.