We’ve all been through it. Our stunning five-inch stilettos that make us feel like we could rule the world leave us with nothing but pain, scarring and blisters. Midway through the night, we’d be limping and dying to party barefoot instead. Well, making smarter choices about your purchases might land you more comfortable, wearable heels. Here are five things you can look out for:
1. Look at the heel cup – Shoe manufacturers add a stiffening medium in the heel or the counter of the shoes so that it retains structure. The stiff areas of the heels are primary spots for all sorts of friction, resulting in blisters. To avoid that, you may choose heels that are made out of leather or suede. The material itself is soft, and will mould to the shape of your foot seamlessly.
2. Cruise around the store in the heels – Merely standing in the heels wouldn’t help you determine whether they are comfortable. Take your time and walk around the store in those shoes. Then, close your eyes and focus on how your feet feel. Is there pressure on any points of your feet?
3. Do the thumb test – Your heels will most definitely hurt if they are too tight or small. There should be three quarters of an inch of space between the front of the shoes to the tip of the longest toe. This leaves your feet with a little wiggle room, avoiding friction against the sides. Also, if the width of your feet is a little larger and feels too constrained in the shoes, put them down immediately.
4. Assess the width and height of the heel – A wider heel would mean less pressure on the foot. Same goes for the height of the heel. Additionally, do look at the arch of the heel. How slanted does the arch go? Instead of super thin heels, look out for more chunky ones. You can also have the same added height with platforms or wedges, which are more forgiving.
5. Make your decision at the end of the day – The foot swells towards the end of the day, so it is advisable for you to shop for shoes in the evening or at night time. The shoes you have purchased during the day when your foot is the slimmest may not fit as well at night.
