I have joked – perhaps in poor taste, but that’s just me – that on some days, a burqa seems like a really good idea.  The traditional Islamic garment that envelopes a women completely has its merits, don’t you think?  No hassle dressing, no messing with the hairdo, no makeup, no jewelry, no worries.

Not so fast.  One of the featured products at the Arab Health 2010 Conference last month in Dubai was “a discreet portable electronic device which tightens and tones women’s feet.”  According to the Dubai Podiatry Centre, The Footerella Device uses electrical stimulation to contract muscles resulting in,  “…a decrease in shoe size by ½ to one full size.”

Shoe size?  Forget my hips, my butt, that double chin, now I need to worry about my feet?  Oh, my “dogs” are barkin’ just thinking about it.

The Footerella takes itself quite seriously, though.  It was invented by a podiatrist, who happens to be a woman, tried and tested on patients in Dubai, and according to a press release, results in tightened and toned arches, more able to withstand the rigours of stiletto use.”  Who knew they wore stilettos under those outfits!

The device has three electrode pads that stick to your feet and stimulate the muscles while you are sitting down, watching TV, having dinner, maybe even working at the office.  There are different programs for “slimming and toning” or exercises specifically for high heels and even bunion prevention.  You start shocking your feet at the beginner level, then move to intermediate, then advanced when you’re ready for those 4-inchers.  As the website says, “What more could you want for those beautiful shoes you have begging to be shown off?”

As we know, however, beauty isn’t cheap.  The price for The Footerella in US Dollars is $544.33, plus shipping anywhere in the world.  There is one review on the website, too.  A customer wrote in, “Thanks so much! I purchased this as a present for my wife and she is really happy with it!”

I BET she is.