How to choose high-heeled shoes: rules, tips, recommendations

Comfortable and true to size

When trying on shoes, it is important not to ignore the sensations that arise and record any discomfort. To ensure a long-lasting friendship with new shoes, you should pay close attention to two parameters:

• size;
• block.

Shoes must fit perfectly to the shape of the foot and be true to size. A deviation of half a size upward is allowed, but not downward. It is easier to put in an insole and remove it in case of swelling of the feet than to suffer from constant discomfort. If your toes are too pressed together, stick out, or press against the toe of the shoe when walking, it would be prudent to ask for a different size.

ATTENTION! Consultants usually reassure hesitant customers by saying that after some time the shoes will wear out and become more comfortable. After all, no one has ever put on a new pair out of the box, except during fittings. Accordingly, the material will take some time to take the shape of the foot. But, if the size is initially small, normal fitting into such shoes, alas, will not happen. But calluses will probably appear, and pain will become a frequent companion. In addition, frequent wearing of ill-fitting and tight shoes can negatively affect the condition of the spine, worsen posture, impair blood circulation and increase health problems.

The block is no less important. Often it is the poor last that makes shoes uncomfortable, not the high heel.

If the shoes are chosen correctly, the load on the foot is distributed evenly and there is no feeling that most of the weight falls on the toes or heel.

IMPORTANT! Before buying, it is better to walk around the store in the shoes you like for as long as possible (necessarily in both half-pairs), compare several sizes and types of lasts. If doubts still remain, sometimes it is preferable to take a break and return to the fitting later.

Are heels beneficial or harmful?

Disputes on this topic have not ceased for many years. There are many supporters for each of the opinions. However, the verdict of orthopedists is this: wearing high heels every day has a bad effect on posture, joints and can lead to various health problems. But completely flat soles on shoes are not the best choice. Doctors recommend leaving high heels for special occasions, and choosing a pair with a moderate height for every day. Regardless of how many pairs of high-heeled shoes are in your wardrobe, you should choose the next one with the same attention as the first.

Stylish heels

Typically, such shoes are chosen for going out, which means they won’t be worn too often. But this does not mean that the requirements for high-heeled shoes are less than for other shoes.

You need to carefully inspect the heel and make sure that it is directly in the center of the heel. The heel should be stable and not lean back when walking. An important point is determining the optimal height and thickness of the heel. Models with stiletto heels certainly look impressive, but if you lack experience, walking in such shoes may not be very comfortable. And too high heels usually cause periodic back pain. It is also worth starting from the features of the figure. Shoes with thin heels can undesirably emphasize excessive thinness or fullness of the legs.

The toe part of closed shoes for an evening out can be oval and pointed. The latter option looks better on tall women.

Open heels are not recommended for those with wide feet.

Stylish shoes with straps that fit thin ankles look elegant. But it should be remembered that an extra horizontal line visually shortens and “cuts” the leg. Therefore, it is better for short girls to refrain from buying such a model. It is also worth making sure that belts, chains and other external decorative elements do not dig into the skin.

The rule of a slightly larger size is especially important when choosing shoes with heels, since when walking in such shoes, the foot moves forward significantly. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the toes do not protrude beyond the sole (if it is an open model) or rest against the toe.

It is better to give preference to shoes with ribbed soles, otherwise there is a high risk of slipping.

Heeled shoes must be light in weight.

General rules for purchasing shoes

There are criteria that apply when choosing any shoe. These few rules should be taken into account when choosing high-heeled shoes:

• Do not wear shoes on bare feet. You should use your own trace or take it from a consultant.
• It is important to feel how easily and comfortably the shoes are put on your feet, while helping with the spatula.
• You should walk around the store in shoes, “listening” to your own feelings.
• Don’t rush into choosing, but try on a few more pairs.
• The ideal time to buy shoes is the afternoon. At this time, the legs are more swollen than in the morning. This will help you choose the most comfortable pair that will definitely not be tight.

  It is better to buy shoes in the afternoon

Advice. At the slightest discomfort, it is better to refuse the purchase. The seller’s beliefs and hope that the shoes “break apart” are not justified in most cases.

Pumps

Pumps are a universal classic model of women's shoes. They can be worn every day with almost any clothing, while they will look elegant in combination with an evening dress.

The heel height is selected based on personal preference. There are also models of pumps with flat soles.

The best investment would be to buy black leather or suede pumps with a narrow toe. This classic model looks extremely impressive on your feet and goes with literally everything.

You should pay attention to the shape of the cutout of the pumps in order to have an approximate idea of ​​what will happen to the shoes during use. Worn-in shoes with a square or rectangular neckline look more aesthetically pleasing than those with a round neckline.

REFERENCE! A win-win option is to buy nude pumps. Nude shoes visually lengthen your legs; the main thing is to choose shoes so that they perfectly match the shade of your skin. It is better to wear such pumps with thin transparent tights or stockings.

Model selection

Shoes, like clothes, may or may not fit depending on your height, body type, and leg shape. Thus, pointed-nosed models look ridiculous on girls with “skinny” bodies. In this case, it is better to give preference to classic models with stable heels of medium height. Young ladies with a fragile build are not recommended to choose massive shoes.

The following tests will help determine whether a particular heel height is appropriate:

1. After putting on your shoes, you need to stand on your feet. If at the same time your calves are cramped, the height is excessive.
2. Lean forward. If there is a feeling of falling, it is better to refuse the purchase. In this case, the problem may be not only with the height of the heel, but also with incorrect formation of the “nose”.
3. Place your feet shoulder-width apart. The arching of the ankles inward should alert you. This symptom indicates that the shoes will be very uncomfortable to wear.
4. Take a walk. Here you need to pay attention to the length of the step. He shouldn't be mincing. Normally, approximately half a foot should fit between the heel and toe.

Attention! An effective method to check the correct heel height is to put on a pair and try to stand on your toes. Ideally, the distance from the floor to the heel should be 1-2 cm. If you can’t stand on your toes, the pair is not suitable for wearing.

When deciding on the model and heel height, it is important to understand how often you plan to use the shoes. For daily everyday wear, the main criterion should be comfort and a comfortable fit, not height. It is also worth paying attention to the thickness of the heel. Stiletto heels are appropriate for an evening out, but for going to the office it is better to give preference to moderate or wide heels.

For the office, choose shoes with wide heels

Leather shoes

Genuine leather shoes are a real salvation for those who are on their feet from morning until late at night. After all, this material is soft and comfortable, breathes, does not allow moisture to pass through, and even lasts a long time. In stores, they charge more for genuine leather shoes than for shoes made of leatherette. Therefore, in order not to accidentally pay too much, you should remember the signs by which you can distinguish natural leather from artificial leather.

Bending the shoe at the toe or pressing the toe with your finger will reveal what material the shoe is made of. If the network of wrinkles that appears at the bend disappears after straightening the shoe, then the leather is genuine. If the shoes are made of genuine leather, you can feel the warmth by placing your palm on the outside of the shoe for about ten seconds. Chill will be a sign of artificial leather. A diamond icon on the lining or sole denotes leatherette. Shoes made of genuine leather are stitched with rounded and thick seams.

IMPORTANT! Leather shoes will stretch better when worn than shoes made from non-natural material. This should be taken into account when purchasing.

To graduation party

At the prom, it is important not only to look irresistible, but also not to be distracted by possible pain from uncomfortable shoes. In order to be confident in the brilliance of your image and not fall off your feet just a few hours after the start of the celebration, you need to take the utmost responsibility when purchasing shoes for the ball. To do this, you will need to pay attention to some basic selection parameters.

Under the dress

When buying shoes, you need to remember that they should form an organic ensemble with the prom dress you have already chosen.

You shouldn’t load your image with two accents at once.

If the dress is catchy, bright, with many decorative elements, you should opt for discreet and laconic shoes. A luxurious and elegant pair of shoes will make even the simplest dress more spectacular, and the overall look richer.

By color

Shoes in white, black and nude are considered timeless prom classics. Black shoes will look harmonious with an elegant evening dress in dark colors, and beige, white or powder ones will make a winning pair with a delicate pastel-colored dress. If the outfit is multi-colored, it is desirable that the shoes are close in shade to one of the colors participating in the composition. You can also focus on the color combination of shoes and accessories.

Heel height

If a graduate usually prefers to wear flats or sneakers, she is unlikely to endure a whole night of dancing in stiletto heels. Therefore, sometimes it is better to wear a low heel than to sacrifice your own comfort. If you wish, you can abandon the heel altogether, since it is not difficult to create a competent set with ballet flats or elegant flat pumps. Alternatively, you can take ballet shoes with you and change your shoes when your feet get tired.

REFERENCE! A thick and high heel is more stable compared to a thin stiletto heel, but it looks no less impressive. The same applies to shoes with a high platform or wedge. Choosing this type of shoe can be a compromise between flat soles and difficult-to-wear stiletto heels.

Men's

It is a mistake to believe that men's shoes do not come in a variety of styles. Modern men are not limited in their choice, so for each individual occasion you should choose one or another model of shoes.

Brogues are classic men's shoes with non-through perforations along the toe. It is better not to buy such a model with a formal suit, but in combination with tweed or corduroy suits, jeans, flannel shirts and cardigans, brogues look fantastic.

The derby model features an open lacing type. Best worn with jeans, corduroy pants and chinos. Suitable for feet with high arches.

Oxfords are shoes made of smooth leather (less commonly suede) with closed lacing and a flat wide heel. Buying oxfords is relevant for an upcoming formal event, when you want to perfectly complement a classic suit or tuxedo.

In monk shoes, lacing is replaced with a strap with a buckle. They are not as formal as Oxfords. It is preferable to wear monks with short-cut trousers and jeans, straight or tapered at the bottom.

Moccasins with flat soft soles and without laces are the best choice for every day.

Loafers are similar to moccasins, but the former have thicker soles and a small heel. Loafers are often decorated with a decorative strap or leather tassel. They are worn with casual clothes. Good for warm seasons.

Deserts are suede boots with crepe soles. Characterized by ankle height and two to three pairs of holes for laces. Versatile, perfect for casual wear.

How to choose shoes according to your figure

Shoes are always a continuation of the image and outfit, so you need to choose not only whether you liked them or not, but also because of how well they suit your figure.

• Short stature. Immediately forget about 12-centimeter heels; they don’t look good on little girls and look vulgar. The optimal height is 8 centimeters, which is also considered correct and safe for the foot and body.
• Curvy shapes. Excessively thin heels are avoided, the height is selected to 8 cm. Durable, slightly thickened models look great. Classic pumps look elegant and graceful, without any unnecessary elements. And in no case should you deliberately weigh down your leg, unless the image or style itself suggests this.
• Plump ankles, calves. Here you should be careful when choosing shoes and, especially, heels. The main attention is paid to the comfort of the shoes and their comfortable fit. We buy models that are not too open, but also not tightly closed, capable of squeezing everything.
• Short legs, long body. Avoid models that visually shorten your legs. This is especially important when choosing models with decoration or clasp at the ankle. She shouldn't stand out. To lengthen it, you can try wearing options with a deeper cutout at the nose and an open last.

In any case, it is worth remembering that shoes with black chunky soles do not suit anyone. She looks unnatural and is not able to emphasize the image effectively enough.

Where should I put my shoes?

Pumps can be chosen for any occasion. This could be going out or going out with friends. The following options are worth considering:

• Classic pumps are used as office shoes. They will suit any business style outfit. Look great with straight-cut or pencil skirts. These shoes are suitable for sheath dresses and other styles of business dresses. It is important to choose the right color for your shoes. Beige, dark blue and black tones are appropriate for the office.

Classic pumps are used as office shoes. They will suit any business style outfit. To create an evening look, sophisticated models with high heels are suitable. As a casual option with jeans, mid-heeled pumps are ideal. With their help it is easy to create a fashionable and stylish look.

• As a casual option with jeans, mid-heeled pumps are ideal. With their help it is easy to create a fashionable and stylish look. Boyfriend or skinny jeans will look good. You can choose any trousers, but it is important that the ankles are open. Classic models look great with dresses and skirts in a feminine style. These shoes can be worn with Bermuda shorts or shorts.
• To create an evening look, sophisticated high-heeled models are suitable. Classic-style pumps go harmoniously with a traditional little black dress or with new-look outfits.

Advice! The right size is important for the comfort and convenience of your feet. It is necessary to take into account not only the length of the foot, but also the fullness and width of the leg. If the pumps compress the toe area, this will lead to the appearance of calluses.

Medium and low heels are suitable for creating casual looks. Boyfriend or skinny jeans will look good. You can choose any trousers, but it is important that your ankles are open. Pumps help to visually elongate your leg and make your look sexier.

About the material

Probably everyone knows that shoes should be natural. However, let me dwell on why this is so important.

Choose leather or suede shoes! Not to mention the comfort that natural materials provide, synthetics are simply harmful to health.

And if in your youth you wear shoes made of low-quality material, it is possible that after forty you will have to walk exclusively in orthopedic shoes without heels! And at this age, looking good is much more important than in youth, which is beautiful in itself.

Leather, like any other material, stretches and easily takes the shape of the leg, unlike leatherette. It looks good much longer and is not afraid of temperature changes. It is easy to care for and looks like new for a long time, unlike synthetic materials.

And it’s just nice to know that you’re wearing an expensive, high-quality item and not a fake.

How to choose the perfect pumps: 5 useful tips

Although there are dozens of different shoe styles out there, there's no denying that pumps have been, are, and will continue to be the most versatile and stylish pair of shoes. We tell you how to choose comfortable and stylish shoes in which you can spend the whole day.

Pumps are perhaps the only thing that could drive absolutely everyone crazy: office workers, businesswomen, royalty, and stars on the carpet. Almost every girl has at least one pair of pumps in her wardrobe. True, many people give up these shoes forever after purchasing a pair in which they can only stand (and only for a short time), putting an end to all pumps. And in vain. The only problem is incorrect selection, but if you follow a few important rules, selection errors can be easily avoided. We share simple life hacks on how to choose comfortable and comfortable stilettos in which you can spend the whole day.

Take a closer look at models with a last that is convenient for you

If you already have comfortable and convenient shoes in your wardrobe, check out other models from the range of this brand. Most likely, the last of your other shoes will also suit you. For example, Prince Harry's wife Meghan is a longtime fan of Aquazzura, which she wore before her royal life and continued to wear shoes from this brand while living in the UK. Melania Trump chose Manolo Blahnik for herself and also does not deny herself the pleasure of walking in high heels, even if the event promises to last especially long (