I like the idea of an outfit having multiple footwear options, like this one.
My favourites in the outfit above are without a doubt the yellow heels with the wooden heel. Aren’t they spectacular?
I’m surprised how many times I will build an outfit around a pair of shoes.
My Top 6 Tips On How To Choose The Right Shoes
Don’t buy the shoes if…
they pinch, rub or in any way feel uncomfortable.
you “walk out” of the shoes.
they feel too tight or too loose. (Exception being boots, I almost always buy them a half a size up for comfort.) I don’t believe anymore that the “shoes will stretch out”. I’ve suffered many blisters waiting for that to happen.
you feel unsteady or off balance.
Shop later in the afternoon, when your feet are swollen and at their largest.
Look for shoes with a flexible rubber sole and arch support built in. These are great to avoid slipping and will be more comfortable than a rigid unlined insole.
Of course I don’t always follow my own rules. Often, in the throes of passion and lust upon discovering my latest shoe crush, I will convince myself that we are meant for each other…perfect “sole” mates if you will. My brain goes into overdrive finding excuses why this time it will be different. This time they will make all my dreams come true. I just need to give them a chance. They won’t be another one night, “I-try-to-stand”. My delusional reasoning convinces me that I can afford to Botox my feet so they no longer feel pain. Not only will I be able to wear any type of heels I want, my feet will look as smooth and fresh as an eight year old! #weirdandawesome
Of course this is all just a foot fantasy. Those sexy shoes are my youth wrapped in a dream and tied with a massive ribbon of self esteem. The time in my life where I could wear uncomfortable shoes for hours without wanting to kill someone has long disappeared along with my ability to party all night and wake up ready to do it all again the following day. Now I require a good three days of recovery which includes a full spa day.
As I inch closer to fifty harsh reality has pushed its way to the forefront of my brain and often bursts that beautiful fantasy bubble before I make the mistake of buying. I’ve come to realize that for me, a two inch heel is ideal. I’ve slowly and with great reluctance begun to surrender to my diva feet’s desires.
Are you ever seduced by shoes you know are bad for you?
Do you have any tricks to ensure the shoes you buy won’t bother your feet?
I’m seduced less often now (but it still happens). I wish I knew what wouldn’t bother my feet. Many’s the time something felt great in the store, but after a day walking in town it was blister city.
Suzanne…If someone says “no” to being seduced by shoes…I no believe. Part of the problem (in my rationalization) is they can fell fine in the store (since you’re on carpet and only wearing them for 5 minutes) and then you walk on concrete for half a day and ugh!!!
I did find the trick (if they are slightly tight) of putting on a pair of socks and using your hairdryer (since heat causes expansion) to actually work! jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
ps…I do love those black/white sandals, but way out of my price range!!
I know. I never though about foot pain until I was about 45! Now it’s numero uno when I’m shoe shopping. Love those yellow Antropologie heels. xox
Love all of these shoes,
but I won’t wear a wood heel,
Rubber bottoms for me!
I also won’t wear too tall of a heel without a platform,
but those are my only concerns..
I can always add rubber to a leather sole,
Love that last pair of shoes!
xx, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Oh, I’d never thought about when your feet are at their most swollen. Good tip!
My feet are definitely feeling their age these days, and I am far more careful about what shoes I buy. No, I’m not seduced by shoes that will hurt my feet, because I know I simply won’t wear them and that would be a terrible waste of money. The only exception were a pair of 1970s blue suede platform sandals – I love them, can’t walk far in them, but they only cost £1.49 so I can live with that! xxx
I’ve actually had trouble with boots stretching so much that they become uncomfortably loose after a few years…I’m not sure why that is, unless my too-cold feet lead me to wear too much in the way of fluffy socks in winter and that’s the culprit. Arch support definitely matters.
Shoes…sigh… The eternal dilemma remains. Most of the pretty, sexy shoes are killing and definitely not made for any walking in them. Most comfy, supporting shoes are ugly and not elegant or feminine at all. Bummer!
I still don’t understand why it seems so impossible for manufacturers and designers to make elegant, sexy shoes that you can actually walk in without pain.
Getting older and gaining weight have certainly made my feet get worse and get more problems, needing more support and padding.