“Don’t your feet hurt?”
“How do you walk in those?”
I get asked one or both of these questions almost every time I step out in my “big girl shoes”.
The quick answer to these questions in order is “yes” and “with practice”.
I can however offer some advice for those wishing to go big.
- In general. High-end designer shoes are way more comfortable than cheap shoes. Why? Because these companies crafted the product and their specialty is making shoes, not just mass production plastic ripe offs from China. It’s like sitting in a leather recliner verse a metal folding chair. Yes, they are both chairs, but that is about all. Invest in some Salvatore Ferragamo, Giuseppe Zanotti, Lavin, Sergio Rossi, Fendi, Miu Miu or Lamb brand shoes or many others as well. Your feet will feel the difference. I know they are expensive, trust me I know. But a well-made pair of shoes will last for decades. A payless special not only hurt, they fall apart in mere months.
- Some shoes are just more comfortable, just like some pairs of paints etc.… It depends a lot on your foot shape and the shoe brand. Feet are different on everyone. They are like trees, all tress yet none look the same. My suggestions on comfort: Open toe is always more comfortable. No cramming toes into a point. Nice sturdy straps at toes and at the ankle help provide support. These straps also help reduce what I call “balance work” while walking. A high heel with one tiny strap across the toes can be super sexy, but requires balance training to walk in.
- As far as walking in sky- scraper shoes. It does take practice and balance. All your weight is shifted forward and up on your toes. If you want to practice, just walk on you toes only a few minutes everyday- you will get the hang of it.
- Start small and work you way up. Think of it as training wheels. First a two-inch thick chunky heel, they a three-inch sensible pump, then maybe a four-inch wedge…. You get the idea. The bigger the base of support i.e. wedge is way easier that a tiny stiletto heel. And then add in height for the difficulty factor. I didn’t really mean to make this sound like a math problem. When you can run in five-inch stilettoes, you have mastered the high heel.
I included a picture of a favorite comfortable pair. They reflect many of things I mentioned: High-end brand, open toe, sturdy toe and ankle straps. And they are really cute. I can wear this pair for many hours and they feel better than a pair of payless sneakers I purchased in desperation one day in NYC.
Now go and strut your stuff!
Laura
