Have you chosen your love for stylish and trendy shoes over the need to be comfortable (guilty, here)? The truth is many of us have adopted the “grin and bear it” approach and have continued wearing high heels while patiently enduring the pain involved. Well, we’ve spoken with podiatrists and expert who gave us fantastic tips that will allow us to wear our favorite stilettos without paying the price in comfort!
1. Pick the Right Shoe
This may sound that we are stating the obvious here but it is indeed the number one mistake most women make when buying shoes. They either pick the wrong size for their foot or shoes that they don’t try before purchasing. Trust me, if the shoes give you blisters, they will end up stashed in a dark corner somewhere in your closer for eternity.
According to podiatrists, our foot size changes over the years, especially after having kids. Don’t be surprised if you used to wear a 7 and now you need an 8 to fit you feet! So, it’s best to have your feet measured (for both length and width) before you shop for shoes. That way, you can ensure you will shoes that are both stylish and comfortable!
And, don’t forget to take a little stroll around the store when you try a shoe. If you feel uncomfortable (too tight around the toe line or the heel bone), then it’s probably not the right for you. Also, check the heel. It should be thick enough to provide the necessary support per your body type when you walk.
2. Know your Foot Type
Do you have a high-arch or a flat foot? Knowing this is half the battle because you will be able to look for the shoes that fit your foot type and not waste precious time (and pain) trying shoes that just won’t cut it. Except for a podiatrist, who can tell for sure, you can also make an impression of your (wet) foot onto a piece of construction paper. This will show you how high is your arch you have or how much your foot flattens.
3. Choose a Thick Heel
Stilettos should best be avoided or worn on special occasions only, where you’ll have to endure them for a couple of hours. This is because they cause the foot to wobble around too much, which puts your feet under too much stress and an elevated risk of injuries. For everyday use, thicker heels are much more preferred.
4. Prefer Thick Soles
Thin soles put extra pressure and cause pain on the bottom of the feet. A hint of a platform or slightly thicker soles made from rubbery materials to absorb pressure will help release some of the tension and help you walk without looking like the Hunchback of Notre-Dame!
5. Go for Coverage on the Top of the Feet
If you tend to have friction and blisters, trying shoes with more coverage on the top of your foot will save your day. With spring fast approaching and considering the 2016 Spring/Summer Shoe Trends, you have lots of options. High-heels with wide straps across the top or ankle straps are fab and definitely something you can wear all day without feeling your feet killing you.
6. Try Shoe Inserts
You know, these oval-shaped silicone gel pads that you place under the ball of the foot that fight pain and hold the foot steadier in the shoe (don’t let it slide forward)! They can make a huge difference in your walking and comfort level as they also protect from blisters and friction.
Extra tips:
1. Take breaks and stretch your feet – Try to find some time during the day to kick off your high heels and stretch your feet (toes and ankles). You can start by pointing your toes down, then side to side, and finally, use a strap to pull the toes up so that the muscles of the calf can find some relief. You will feel much better in an instance!
2. Relax – Ensure your neck and shoulders don’t cramp up. Walking in high heels cause trepidation. So, allow your hips to sway just a bit, loosen your arms, and walk with a little bounce to look like a super-model sashaying the runway!Also, let your heels touch the ground first and then your toes. It will help you maintain balance and relieve the balls of your feet from extra tension and pressure.
3. Be Confident – You wear the heels and not the other way around! Feel that concept and you will definitely pull the hottest pair of shoes off!
Importance of Posture
Without proper posture, you will not only look clumsy when you walk but also risk tripping and toppling over the gutter. Not sexy at all, no matter how you see it. So, do exercises that will help you to elongate your neck and open up your chest area. Something as simple as rolling your shoulders back and down will do. Have you even taken ballet classes? If yes, you must remember being told to tuck your bottom slightly under and lift your chin so that your eye don’t gaze down but straight ahead.
Finally, when allowing your heels to hit the pavement first, you also need to balance your weight. Else, you will be forced to lift up from your knee, which is not a pretty sight. Instead, transfer your weight from your heels to the toes while walking. Also, it’s very important that your knees and ankles can absorb the impact of every step. It is all about creating momentum and looking elegant. Therefore, the knees and ankles shouldn’t be rigid, and it’ll be best if you led from the hip.
Once you feel you have mastered all the above, nothing stops you from adding some hip thrust! Just don’t overdo it!
Is learning how to walk in heels and look like Victoria’s Angels walking down the runway involving a lot of work? Yes. But, you know, and I am sure you agree with me ladies, it’s worth it! It’s such a delight to know that you can walk sexy in a 4-inch or your favorite stiletto!
