Buying the Right Shoes for You

By Jo Clary Maughan

Shoes!  Our favorite thing to shop for after handbags!  Shoe shopping is so much easier as we can try them on without waiting for a fitting room or having to strip down under harsh lighting and an altered mirror.  But are you purchasing the right shoes for you?

Being well-heeled or flat soled depending on what you are wearing is up to you and your comfort preference.  If you are fond of flat shoes, do remember calf muscles constrict every time we put on a pair of heels, which stimulate the muscles giving the leg a leaner look.

The French first invented high heels in 1896 and while they may look stunning, standing in them all day can be torture.  Most women feel comfortable in a heel height of 3 to 5 cms, 1 to 2 inches.  If you stand at work or do a lot of walking each day, this is where you will find the most comfort.

If you are large busted, D cup or over, it is best to stick to a maximum heel height of 5 cms.  Higher than this, you may experience balance difficulties, as you need a stable centre of gravity.  The safest bet is a classic width or moderately stacked heel/wedges to evenly distribute weight.

Always remember the height of your heel needs to be in proportion to your garment hem length.  Golden Rule – The higher the hem, the lower the heel and the lower the hem, the higher the heel.  A high skirt hemline with a high heel will result in a tart like look and conversely a long hem with a low heel such as a Birkenstock will leave you looking like grandma.

When trying on shoes, don’t ever tell yourself that they will stretch unless your shoe is quality leather.  Any shoe that has top stitching over the foot will never stretch.  If you feel any pain when walking in the shop, don’t buy them. 

For a fashion update or learn more about purchasing shoes, contact us today to find out more about our consultations and services.  We are here to help you look and feel your best in clothing and accessories that you love to wear!