Want to score that super cute pump at the most attractive price? Contain yourself! You are about to reveal all the insider tips and secrets you need to know to finally get the dream pair of shoes without emptying your bank account!
1. Always Beware of your Budget
The golden rule to remember here is that just because a pair of shoes is on sale, doesn’t mean that you actually need them. I mean, if you already have three pairs of black heels, impulse buying another one won’t get you any trendier; just a needless spender, according to professional fashion stylists. What you can do is keep is a list of the shoes you do need. Next time you hit the stores, have that list on hand and stick to it.
2. Always shop at the End of the Day
Yes, it is true. Throughout the day, our hands and feet swell, so purchasing a pair of shoes in the morning can mean significant pain for you later on. Instead, shop at the end of the day to get a right size. You will see. Your shoes will be more comfortable and fit much better once your feet have been moving.
3. Know your Arch Type
If you find yourself having the hardest time ever when trying to find a pair of comfortable athletic shoes, it could mean that your arch is to blame. To be sure, do this trick. Wet the bottom of your foot and then step on a piece of white paper. The wet parts you will get on the paper will reveal your arch type. For instance, if you see most of your footprint, then you most likely have a flat arch. If you see the middle part of the footprint missing (this is your arch), then you have a high arch. Know that a normal arch will only wet half the paper. Now that you know, you can get our there are shop the right shoes for you!
4. Don’t Buy before you have Tried on 3 Sizes
This is where the “better safe than sorry” quote fits like a glove. According to world-renowned footwear designers, you should first try on the shoe size you wear. Don’t buy that pair just yet, though. Try on a half size larger and a half size smaller before you make up your mind. You see, sizes among brands vary and, sometimes, different shoes within a brand are no alike. So, don’t get stuck on the numbers and try on those three sizes and let your feet do all the talking about the perfect size.
Now, if you are still not sure about the correct size, podiatrists suggest you go with the slightly bigger size. To address possible foot slippage, you can doctor it up by placing instant Arches or an insole in the shoes.
5. Don’t Purchase if you can’t Walk in them.
It makes perfect sense, but it is amazing how many women go for a pair of shoes that look fab, but make them look like a struggling duck when walking. It is not only a turndown, but also dangerous for you to walk in shoes that you can’t balance well on. In this case, no matter how gorgeous that pair of heels may seem, purchase something more practical. Save your money since realistically you can’t wear it.
6. Become Besties with the Sales Associate
For the best deals, befriend (in some way, not literally, of course…you know what I mean!) with the sales associate. They are key people that will help you find exactly what you want without straying from your budget. Not to mention that you may even end up with a significant discount if you hit it off! So, you get shoes within your price range, get alerted to upcoming sales, and grab fantastic shoes that fit you perfectly! Yes, the sales associates want the commission, but what is important to them (or, at least, it should be) is to make you a coming back customer. Customer experience and satisfaction is always a necessity when doing business.
7. Look Good
It may strike as a bit awkward but wearing something cute and flattering makes us feel good. This means that you don’t go on the hunt for an amazing pair of heels with your yoga pants. The shoes will lose their glam, and you will feel a bit out of place and totally unable to visualize you with the new pair of shoes in another (more proper) outfit.
8. Consider wedges
According to podiatrists, high heels can cause a series of severe issues, such as blisters, hammertoes, bunions, ingrown toenails, neuromas (nerves of the foot that are pinched), bone spurs, stress fractures, sprains, and injuries in the tendons (known as tendonitis). All pain-inducing and difficult to treat.
The American Podiatric Medical Association recommends our heels is no more than 2 inches in height. However, you all know that we, sometimes, need a bigger boost than that. So what do we do in this case? Opting for a wedge, which we have seen fashioned in the 2015 Fall/Winter Shoe Collections, can be life-saving! The thing with the shoes that have a platform is that you are wearing a shorter heel because the front height basically makes it! Not to mention that wedges distribute the body weight across due to their larger surface, which allows us, ladies, to have more support when walking!
9. Forget about the Trends of Each Season
No, I am not saying you should be outdated and old-fashioned. It’s just that if the shoe doesn’t seem to work for you, then there is no need to purchase it because you saw it sported in runways lately. Put it back and carry on shopping until you find the pair the compliments your body. For example, an ankle bootie with a cute ankle strap may make your leg appear shorter, which is particularly the case when you already have short legs. Although fabulous as a pair of shoes and the trend right now, you need to look good.
Now, if you want to know all about the 2016 Spring/Summer Shoe Trends to see which one(s) will make you feel good, by all means, be our guest!