Last night I had dinner with a friend and attended a Pulse of Central FL event and this is what I wore! I'm often asked how I wear heels so much, and/or how to find comfy heels, so I put together a few of my best tips for you guys. Not all shoes are created equal, and footwear often dictates the rest of my outfit depending on how comfy I need to be for that occasion. This was the case last night. I picked some of my most comfy heels since i had a fair amount of walking and standing to do. Here are my best tips for finding comfy heels:
1. Angle of foot. Most people think that heel height makes the biggest difference in comfort, but even more important than that is the angle of your foot. If your heel is 5 inches high with no platform, you are essentially walking on your toes, which is not comfy. If your heel is 5 inches, and the platform is 3 inches, your foot will only be at a 2 inch angle, which makes a huge difference! You can do this math on websites that list their heel and platform height (heel ht. (minus) platform ht. = foot angle, the lower the better).
2. Stiletto width. Another huge factor in the comfort of a shoe is the size of the stiletto. If the tip of the heel is the size of a pencil eraser, it's pretty tough to walk in. A wedge, on the other hand, is the most comfy heel out there. Another way to think of it - view the shoe from the bottom. How much is touching the ground? The more, the better.
3. Shoe material. My strategy for shoes is to shop for brand names at DSW, TJ Maxx or Ross. This is not because I'm a label snob, it's because a higher quality shoe is way more comfortable! Natural and real leather shoes are much more comfortable than man-made materials, which is why I try to find brand names with higher craftsmanship at discount stores. I stay away from buying shoes at stores like Payless or Target.
4. Correct size. This may seem like a no-brainer, but we've all been tempted to buy a shoe that was the right price, the right style... but not quite the right size. If your shoe is too big or too small, you will likely never be comfy in that shoe, so just pass on it.
5. Padding. I haven't tried them personally, but if you are still having troubles with heels, I suggest giving some gel inserts or extra padding a try!
Occasion: Dinner and tweet-up
Shirt: Forever 21, $16
Skirt: Forever 21, $16
Belt: American Eagle, $15
Watch: Michael Kors, family gift
Bracelets: Forever 21, $8
Earrings: c/o Mikel Maia
Shoes: c/o Chinese Laundry
I definitely require comfortable shoes so thanks for the tips! I agree that name brands are usually much more comfortable. I always enjoy coming here because you have such helpful posts and I love all the outfit recreations! Debbie
ReplyDeletehttp://thriftygirlvintage.blogspot.com
by stiletto size, do you mean heel size? from my understanding, stiletto is a specific style or type of shoe with a narrow heel.
ReplyDeleteI wear sky high heels extremely often and rarely have any comfort issues. I think the very most important factor is size. Many ladies wear shoes that are a tad to small or large, which makes it difficult to walk in. If they are too tight your feet are going to be killing you and if they are too big you are likely to fall because your feet will keep sliding out of the back. Inserts are a huge help! My favorite are Foot Petals because they are thin and are much more comfortable than any other inserts I've tried. I put them in almost every shoe I own! They have all kinds of styles, colors, etc. Check out my post on them: http://www.shoesandjules.com/2011/04/how-to-make-your-high-heels-more_09.html. They are amazing!
ReplyDeleteGreat Tips!!! Cute outfit!!!! And yes the gel inserts, help a lot! It has made unbearable shoes for me...very bearable(If that's a word....lol).
ReplyDeleteRoni
www.styleandpoise.blogspot.com
Love this post! I may print it out and carry it with me! :) Thanks, J! And the outfit is amazing, as usual!
ReplyDeleteThese are all such great tips! I agree on the gel inserts, also kushyfoot makes these little 'socks' that have the gel inserts built in. I can't explain them well enough, but I swear by them! Also, wedge platforms are the most comfortable shoes, because like you said, there's only like a 2 inch angle on your foot. You look so cute too, love the outfit on you! I wish I still lived in FL, I've met so many amazing ladies on twitter/blogs... Hopefully I'll move back :)
ReplyDeletexoxo
Lia
This couldn't have come at a better time! I am going shoe shopping at lunch. I have my eye on a pair of bright blue CL by Laundry wedges at Stein Mart. :)
ReplyDeleteI buy inserts for almost every pair of heels I own. It totally saves my feet! The only downside is that it can add up to $10 to the price of the shoe after purchasing the right inserts. I live in NYC where we walk a lot, so comfy shoes is a MUST. I don't own a car so I view my shoes as my transportation :)
ReplyDeleteOohhh those sound so cute!! Pick me up a pair. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie!!
ReplyDelete@f90619aef874f7db09b84e8c83bf9085 I think calling it "heel size" is confusing because that could mean how TALL your heel is, not how wide it is.
ReplyDeletePlease do!!
ReplyDeleteI'll probably be posting a picture on your facebook page this afternoon. I am so excited I am almost giddy. Shoes can do that to me. :)
ReplyDeleteI totally use inserts in my heels, sometimes even in wedges! Between work and school, I can walk a lot. A day in SF is like "whoa" on my feet, so gel inserts have been a life saver :)
ReplyDelete-Kendall
Hey.. Do tell me where to buy the best blazers or jackets at a good price and that look good and last too...
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit!
ReplyDeleteI really like this post. Would love to see more "how-to's" from you!
You always look super cute in all your outfits, but as someone who has dealt with foot issues (had surgery 14 weeks ago), take care of those feet! The heels look cute and make you feel cute, but no matter what, they do a number on your feet. Even my cousin who swore they didn't bother her feet, has now had to go to the podiatrist for a cortisone shot and was told to cut back on wearing them and to avoid wearing them if possible.
ReplyDeleteAnne, I try to do at least one per week! To see the different topics i have covered archived go to "Favorite Posts" in the right hand column in bright blue. http://www.jseverydayfashion.com/p/favorite-posts-and-videos.html
ReplyDeleteCrystal, can you be more specific? What kinds of heels were you guys wearing and for how much walking? Did your feet ever hurt while you were wearing the shoes? I ask because if you wear heels and essentially your feet never hurt - are you really doing any damage?
ReplyDelete@47db125e465a353da977beff6e490509 I like to buy blazers on sale at Banana, Gap, LOFT, Express or Limited. I can usually find them for about $50. Blazers at Forever 21 cost less, but are not even half the quality of blazers at other stores. Another great place to look for blazers is MJR Sales, I got a $100 one for $35 and it's awesome!
ReplyDeleteEven if they do not hurt when you are walking, heels damage the alignment of your feet and cause a lot of problems further down the road. I'm a med student :)
ReplyDeletelove your tips
ReplyDeletei am terrible with shoes
thanks so much
brett