The average woman owns more or less 100 pairs of shoes in her life, many of which never see the light of day. In fact, some are totally impractical and resemble instruments of torture rather than tools to take us from A to B. With sky high heels, straps that dig in and shoes so pointed they give instant blisters, it is no wonder the subject of shoes is such a popular topic of conversation among women. For us, painful shoes seem to come with the territory.
There is no doubt that high heels can look good. They instantly elongate your legs, making you taller. They also make you legs appear slimmer and can give the overall illusion that you have dropped a few pounds. High heels are perceived as being glamorous and are sported by Hollywood celebrities strutting down the red carpet or emerging from limousines.
How to shop for comfortable shoes
A properly fitting shoe is one that is the appropriate size and supports your feet. You should be able to wear them the entire day without pain or blisters. Always try on shoes before you buy. Sizes may vary and size 5 in one shop may be too small in another. Your feet can swell during the day so it is best to shop for footwear first thing in the morning.
Have a good walk around in the prospective shoes before you buy them. They should not rub and fit snugly so that your foot does not slip out when walking. Bear in mind that leather is likely to stretch more than synthetic material. Flat pumps or sandals are perfect for the warmer weather, while boots such as Uggs are ultra fashionable, comfortable and a good option for the cooler months. There are a number of online retailers if you wish to buy Ugg boots UK online
How high heels and badly-fitting shoes can result in damage
High heels force the ball of the foot to carry the entire body weight rather than distributing it evenly. Foot deformities, back and knee pain and even sprained ankles can result from wearing high heels.
Ill-fitting shoes can cause friction-faults such as calluses and corns which are essentially a build up of dead skin which is meant to protect. Shoes that are too-narrow can aggravate bunions – big tow joints out of alignment, which can become tender and swollen.
Many people do not realize that the effects of ill-fitting shoes do not stop at the feet. The danger of foot pain is that you may unintentionally adjust your walking position to alleviate the discomfort which can then put strain on other parts of the body such as the back.
Whether you are pounding the treadmill, walking the dog or seeking a pair of smart shoes for the office, comfort is just as important as style when it comes to looking for footwear. Your feet are under a lot of pressure, literally, so make sure you look after them. High heels are fine for occasional wear, but for everyday, you will need to put comfort above fashion. Fortunately you do not have to look far to find appropriate footwear and there are an abundance of retailers with shoes to suit all tastes and styles.
