HEELS ONE-O-ONE (Part-1)

TNN Bureau. Updated: 10/5/2016 5:00:05 PM We the Women

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HEELS

Shop wisely. Not all high heels are created equal and the ability to walk well in high heels relies heavily on choosing the right ones. Always go shoe shopping at the end of the day, when your feet are slightly swollen from walking and at their biggest. Pick shoes that are suited to the shape of your foot-making sure the shoe is wider than your bare foot. Always try both shoes on in the store and take a walk around-if you don't find them comfortable immediately, then you probably never will.
Buy a quality pair of shoes. Shoes in up range will last longer and be better for your feet, but you'd do well to pay more-buy the best heels you can afford, and remember an old-school rule: the higher the heel the more you should pay as the heel will be stronger-scrimp on your flats if needs be, but never on your heels as it's just asking for trouble. If you can only have one high-end piece in your wardrobe, make it your heels, for there more than anywhere else, quality really matters, and makes a huge difference; remember, quality is not necessarily 'designer brand'-you want to source your heels from expert shoemakers, not clothiers and/or cosmetics companies! The better brands make their heels with a sturdier spike, better quality leathers, a more padded insole and they are simply more well-made all round.
Start small and work your way up. It's probably not a good idea to choose a pair of 4 inch (10.2 cm) stilettos if you're not used to walking in heels-it's better to work your way up, increasing the height as you get used to how they feel. There are many different types of heels to choose from, varying in height, thickness, and shape. Training your feet by starting out with small heels will allow your ankles to develop the strength they need to walk safely and gracefully in high heels.
n Begin with a shoe that has a low heel of about 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 cm). Try to go for wider heels (rather than skinny spikes) as these will provide more balance. Closed-in shoes can also be easier to walk in than strappy sandals as they provide plenty of support over your foot and around the heel and ankle.
n High heeled wedges are the easiest high shoes to walk in, as the heel is fully attached to the sole of the shoe, giving you increased balance and comfort. These are a great option if you want the height of a high heel, but don't feel ready for a stiletto. They are best worn in spring and summer - to wear to work, on holidays or to a summer wedding!
n Wear the mother of all heels. Stiletto heels are also referred to as "spike heels" and include anything with a heel above 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm). These are the final step in your high heel training-once you've mastered walking in these, you'll be ready to take on the world!
n Get the right size. Choosing the right size shoe is absolutely essential when buying high heels. Be aware that different brands of shoes may be sized quite differently, so you might be a 7 in one brand, but an 8 in another. As a result, you should always, always try your shoes on before buying.
n When in doubt, always go for shoes that are slightly too big rather than slightly too small. You can always make big shoes smaller by adding insoles and cushions, but you can't make small shoes bigger. Shoes that are too small will be terribly uncomfortable and you'll probably regret buying them.
n Remember to have your feet sized regularly, as your shoe size can change over time, especially as you get older. Your feet tend to get longer and wider as your arches begin to fall.
Make it comfortable. Use cushions and insoles. Add cushioning wherever there's a lot of pressure and/or friction. There are cushions made in various shapes and from different materials that you can stick on the inside of your shoe for more comfortable walking, thus preventing bunions and blisters. If your shoes are slightly too big and you find them slipping off your heel, get some insoles which can make the shoes smaller by half a size, while also adding comfort value. Use these innovative items generously - there's really no need for discomfort!
Give your feet a break. When wearing high heels, the best advice you can take to prevent pain is just to sit down whenever possible! This will give your feet a break and will stop any pain or discomfort from building, keeping your feet fresh.
Remember to cross your legs, sitting up straight and stretching out your legs from the waist down. This is also a great opportunity to show off your fabulous shoes!
Try not to take your heels off, if at all possible, your feet will swell up and you'll find the shoes harder and more painful to put on again.
Wear strappy, platformed shoes. Shoes with straps that fasten securely around your foot and ankle are more comfortable to wear others, as they prevent your foot from slipping around too much inside the shoe, reducing friction and pain. Platform shoes give you all the benefits of extra height, without the discomfort of feeling like you're standing on your tip toes. Your foot is more parallel to the ground in a platform shoe - making them a great option for nights on the dance floor!
Don't wear high heels too often. High heels look fabulous, but they will have more of an effect and give you extra "oomph!" when you save them for special occasions. If you wear them too often, blisters, and bunions are more likely to form and you will also put pressure on your lower back. Your feet (and the rest of your body) need some time to recover.
If you need to wear heels everyday for work, at least try wearing different shoes, with varying heights; this prevent too much pressure or friction from concentrating on one particular spot and keep your feet feeling fresh.

IN NEXT PART WE WILL TELL YOU ABOUT HOW TO WALK PROPERLY IN HEELS.


Comment on this Story