Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tips for Choosing Comfortable Shoes

As women, we like to keep it sexy…however we define sexy…and oftentimes our shoes are a big part of helping us to look and feel that way. In many cases, we end up sacrificing comfort to achieve that look, so how can we do both? Here are some tips for choosing comfortable shoes while still maintaining that shoe diva image.

Size and Fit
Size and fit are two different things. Your size represents the length of your foot but it doesn’t take into account the width of your feet. While there are options for Medium, Narrow, and Wide, a number of people fall in between those plus those options are not always easy to find. Additionally, shoes are produced differently. Some shoes run smaller than the true size especially in stores like Aldo. Some shoes are not available in half sizes. Given these variations, it is important to try on the shoes to ensure the right fit for that particular shoe.


Shape
Pointy toe shoes are often the source of discomfort because they tend to squash your toes together. That’s not good news for our stiletto queens. To accommodate this style, consider going a half size bigger to give your toes the appropriate room.

Heel
Choose your shoes appropriately for your event or venue. The stiletto heels are the least comfortable heel, so if you’re going to be walking a lot or standing for a long time, that should not be your shoe of choice. If you are addicted to stilettos, choose the platforms instead because this style provides more support at the balls of your feet which will alleviate the typical discomfort associated with stilettos in general.

Inside the Shoe
Another source of discomfort is often the design inside the shoe – seams that rub against your foot, cut outs that press down on your foot, straps that chafe your foot or squeeze your foot, etc. Sometimes these features can cause the most discomfort, damage and distraction while you are wearing the shoe.

Your Needs
Be familiar with the attributes of your foot. Do you have a high instep? Do you have chunky or narrow feet? Do you have long toes? Pay attention to how your feet react to different types of shoes so that you know which styles and brands are the best fit. Flat shoes aren’t always the answer. You still have to ensure they have the proper support especially if you have flat feet.


What other tips can you share for finding comfortable shoes?


At Chocolate Sole Lounge – the Shoe Party Boutique, you can purchase designer shoes, host shoe parties or start your own shoe business. The choice is yours! Join us on Facebook to keep up with the latest styles.