Beautiful Shoes that Feel Good

Treat Your Feet: Shoes that Look and Feel Good
Arricca SanSone on May 27, 2010 at 11:41AM

From stilettos to strappy sandals—how to choose summer styles that won't hurt your feet

Stilettos

Ultra-high heels look beautiful on Sarah Jessica Parker and her fellow Sex and the City 2 cast members, but the damage they can inflict on your feet can be ugly. Walking or standing at that angle on hard surfaces can put a strain on the balls of your feet, and eventually cause permanent deformities like hammer toes. “You’re transmitting tremendous force to the forefoot,” says Steven L. Haddad, M.D., associate professor of clinical orthopedic surgery at the University of Chicago. “The higher the heel, the more pressure and pain in the ball of the foot.”

The solution: You don't have to give up stilettos completely; just save the Manolo Blahniks for special occasions. Limit wear to a few hours, sit often, and go with a lower heel (2 1/4” or less) if you need to walk a lot. With sandal styles, the more straps, the better as they can hold your foot in place so you won’t wrench your ankle.

Flip Flops

They’re a summer staple, but—believe it or not—they’re actually hard on your feet. “Pancake-flat flip flops are fine for around the pool, beach or hotel room so you don’t step on anything or pick up plantar warts or athlete’s foot,” says Krista Archer, D.P.M, of Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. “But they’re not meant for long walks because they have zero support, which can lead to heel or arch pain and tendonitis.”

The solution: Toss last year’s worn pair and look for a new pair with built-in arches and a slight wedge or thicker heel, such as FitFlops. A good test of quality: Bend the shoe to test its sturdiness; it should flex at the ball of the foot but not fold completely in half.

Sandals

Sandals are perfect for flaunting your pedi and, while they're pretty, they're also practical. “They’re some of the healthiest shoes,” says Carol Frey, M.D., director of the Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Center in Manhattan Beach, Calif. “There’s no deforming effect on the foot because they’re not constrictive. It’s as close to barefoot as you can be.”

The solution: Try sandals such as Teva (left), which are good walking shoes because they’re supportive and adjustable so they won’t slip around (and come in some cute styles!). For dressier sandals, look for those with arch support, such as Dansko. To avoid blisters, choose soft leather—especially with gladiator styles—and make sure there’s no heel hangover and a thumb’s width of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.

Platforms and Wedges

Among high heels, the platform or wedge shape is preferable to slinky stiletto heels when it comes to comfort. “The wedge distributes your weight more evenly over the whole foot,” says Dr. Haddad. “And platforms have a more gradual taper from the heel to the forefoot, which is less stressful than a sharp angle.” You’re at risk for ankle injuries when wearing platforms, though, especially those that are more than three inches tall. Like your favorite stilettos, they’re best for special occasions or limited walking.

The solution: For comfort, choose cork wedges, which offer more cushioning, and wide straps that can be fastened securely so your foot doesn’t slide around. Espadrilles are another option; look for arch support and tie them firmly around your ankle.

Ballet Flats

After a long winter of boots, ballet flats seem heavenly. But they can feel like hell if you're not careful. “If you transition too rapidly from a shoe or boot with a heel to flats, you may stretch tight calf and hamstring muscles too rapidly,” says Dr. Archer. “That can contribute to arch and heel pain.”

The solution: Pad the arch and heel of your favorite flats with an insert like Foot Petals pads. Stretch the Achilles tendons and back of the leg muscles daily (a runner’s stretch is ideal). Even with the added support, it's still best to limit walking on hard surfaces or for long distances in these shoes.

Sneakers

Many fashion sneakers have flimsy soles, which make them okay for occasional wear but not for every day or athletics. “They don’t have the support or the features needed for lots of walking or sports,” says Dr. Frey. “If you do anything more than three times a week, you need a shoe designed specifically for that activity.”

The solution: When it comes to athletic shoes, you generally get what you pay for. Cheap sneakers may feel okay the first month, but the insoles wear out quickly, which can cause heel pain. What’s the best kind? “Everyone’s foot is shaped differently, so get fitted at a specialty store to find the brand and style that fits you best,” says Dr. Haddad.

MY THOUGHTS

i love sandals.unfortunately i can't wear them often.  especially during summer. i have overactive  sweat glands. so,i go for sneakers and ballet flats.

Peacocks ballet flat shoes

Black Swan propels sales of Peacocks ballet flat shoes
Hollywood ballet drama effect helps sales of flat shoes overtake heels for the first time in years

http://www.prlog.org/11255215-black-swan-propels-sales-of-peacocks-ballet-flat-shoes.html

PRLog (Press Release) – Jan 27, 2011 – With Darren Aronofsky’s ballet drama Black Swan (starring Natalie Portman) currently wowing critics and audiences alike across the UK, ballet style is beginning to ramp up in popularity according to leading retailers, the UK fashion press and fashion designers.

Yesterday, top value fashion retailer Peacocks reported that sales of their ballet shoes and on-trend flat pumps and brogues (http://www.peacocks.co.uk/family/index.jsp?categoryId=38 ...) have been outselling heels by three to one for the first time in years, with sales increasing by 70% when compared to last January.

Fashion analysts opine that cold weather conditions experienced in the UK this month and continuing uncertainties over the economy have also boosted the popularity of this type of footwear – however, there is also little doubting the effect that a major Hollywood movie can have on fashion trends.

The Independent reported on this trend in their article ‘Flat shoes find their footing again’ which highlighted that both ends of the fashion spectrum are seeing a revival on flat shoe interest. Along with value retailers such as Peacocks, top designers such as Karl Lagerfeld have been turning to flat shoes in their recent collections. Lagerfeld stated that ‘this is the way young women dress nowadays’.

The Sun Newspaper also highlighted Peacocks ballet shoe sales, as well as the increase in popularity of Maxi Dresses this winter period.

Whatever the reasons for this popularity, it seems that ballet fashion is here to stay.

# # #

Peacocks are a leading value fashion retailer based in the UK. See the website http://www.peacocks.co.uk/ for more information.

MY THOUGHTS

ballet flats are in here.  you see them everywhere these days. and that's not because of the movie.  it's comfortable and stylish.

Finding Beautiful Shoes

Best Shoes
Secrets for Finding the Best Shoes

By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide

Did you ever wonder how some people manage to find all the best shoes while your closet seems to be teeming with black pumps and cross-trainers? It doesn't take a lot of money or a stylist to have attention-getting footwear. In fact, armed with these tips, you'll find that you can have shoes you love, no matter how small your budget is.

Colors
You can have a wardrobe full of killer shoes without ever straying from basic black, but a littler color never hurt anyone.

If you're not comfortable in bright shades, don't wear them. But just because you don't see yourself as a red stiletto type, doesn't mean you're condemned to a life in brown loafers.

Assess your wardrobe, your lifestyle, and your personality, and look for shoes in colors that fit in well with all three.

If you love earth tones, next time, take a chance and try a pair of rust shoes instead of dark brown. Do you have a lot of navy suits? Chartreuse, red, cream and white all look great with that shade.

Much like painting a room, adding colorful shoes is one of the simplest ways to make over an outfit.

Prints
Print shoes are loads of fun, and can inject tons of personality into an outfit. Plaids, florals, paisleys and geometric shapes all add color and interest, while also making it easier to work out the rest of your outfit. For example, a pair of pumps that feature blue and purple make you all that more confident about pairing a purple belt with your blue dress.

But print shoes can also be a bit of a slippery slope. Unless you have a larger-than-life personality and the fashion sense to pull them off, you might want to steer clear of shoes that combine several prints, are too "zany," or in general, look as if they might have been someone's home ec project.

Accents
It's amazing what a simple buckle can do for a shoe. Especially if it's a really nice, big, round, shiny buckle -- you know, the kind that just looks really polished and nice.

Buckles, gems, brooches, buttons, bows ... all these little accents can really make a pair of shoes, but again, the key is moderation.

While certain occasions and outfits are perfectly suited to shoes that are overly embellished, for everyday wear it's best to keep your head.

Think chic and streamlined, and look for styles that won't seem too outrageous a year or two down the road.

Heels
It seems that a lot of women think that shoes fall into only two categories: stilettos and flats -- or in more extreme cases, stilettos and cross-trainers. But there's a wide, wonderful world of shoes out there that fall somewhere in between the two styles. And while I'll agree that most stilettos are not comfortable, I've worn my share of flats that aren't either.

Low heels, chunky heels, wedge heels, and kitten heels are just a few of the options available to women who don't want to wear sky-high heels, but don't want to spend their lives in sneakers either.

And if you do want to spend your life in flats? By all means, have at it. Chic loafers and ballerina flats never go out of style. But if you're less than thrilled when you look down at your own feet, try looking for nice textures, colors, finishes and accents that will take those flats to a whole new level.

Textures and Finishes
Another huge factor that's often overlooked when buying shoes is their texture, yet a texturally interesting shoe is a shoe that grabs attention. A patent finish is like a magnet for the eyes, especially when it's paired with an otherwise matte outfit, and metallic leathers shimmer with every step you take.

But if shiny isn't your thing, that's okay, there's always suedes, tweeds, velvets, satins, tapestries, brocades, linens, canvas, quilted fabrics, and combinations of all of those materials -- the list is endless.
You Don't Have to Follow Trends
It's fun to look at the newest trends, but it's far better on your checkbook if you're not buying shoes that are so trendy they'll seem out of style next year.

I'd also argue that it's actually more fun to cultivate your own style over a lifetime than it is to just tear out the latest "What's Hot" list and head off to the nearest department store.

If a trend does happen to fit into your own personal style, then it's you're opportunity to go crazy.

I've always love patent leather and platform shoes, so for me, having them so easily accessible over these last couple of years has been like a bit of a fire sale -- and it's kept me from having to shop vintage.

However, if you're only wearing a certain style because it's "in," and not because you really love it, don't invest too much time or money into the trend. Instead keep looking for those shoes that fit your custom style.

You Don't Have to Spend a Lot to Have Great-Looking Shoes
One of my favorite pair of shoes cost me about $25. Ironically, they're also one of the most comfortable pairs of shoes I own. They also happen to be my favorite color (red), my favorite finish (patent), have platform soles and shiny silver buckles -- also two of my favorite things.

They're nearly the perfect pair of shoes for me. But I never would have bought them if I wasn't willing to try on a lot of different brands, shop on sale, and look for shoes at any store that sells them.

It's easy to fall in love with one brand or designer, and want to stick with them. If their shoes are comfortable and you love the way they look, why shouldn't you be loyal? But it's important to know -- especially if you can't afford those higher price tags -- that comfortable and attractive shoes can be had for less. You just need to keep looking.
Watch Out for the Logo Trap
Avoid shoes with overdone logos, labels and other trademarks.

I know it's tempting to let the world know which designer or brand you're wearing by having their trademark, logo or initials cover every inch of your feet, but really, a little of this look goes a long way.

It's okay to favor a particular label, but it's far more impressive and stylish to opt for the styles that aren't so blatant about who made them -- and those styles are usually easier to wear anyway.

MY THOUGHTS

it seems i do not have a problem.  or my problem is i love color and prints and accents. maybe that's the reason why i have so many shoes.  i'm not label conscious.  but i'm particular about character.  oh yes, beautiful shoes are those with character.  it's not pricey but definitely classy.

Ballerina Flats: A Must Have in Your Collection of Beautiful Shoes

Ballerina Flats

What to Wear with Ballerina Flats
By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide

It used to be that ballerina flats were what they sounded like - flat shoes that looked like ballet slippers. And in the strictest sense of the term, that definition is still correct. But now you can find everything from sneakers to evening shoes that are inspired by ballet slippers, and hence could be called ballerina flats.

Being heelless, ballerina flats have a tendency to make ones legs appear shorter, so petite women may want to steer clear, or pair them with a shorter skirt, extending the amount of leg that is shown. Because of this same quality, skimmers are especially great on women of medium height or taller.

Ballerina flats with satin or embellished uppers can seem especially dressy and elegant, while leather skimmers are a bit more casual and are great for pairing with jeans and shorts. If you're looking for a fun, sporty look, a casual canvas skimmer is adorable with capris, shorts and short denim skirts.

What to Wear with Ballerina Flats

•Capri Pants

•Leggings

•Shorts

•Skirts with hemline at or above the knee.

Apparel to Avoid

•Pants that are too long.

•Pleated pants with narrow legs. This will make your mid section appear bigger, while making your legs seem shorter.

Wearing ballet flats with longer skirts and dresses can create a romanticly feminine silhouette, but will make short women appear shorter.

MY THOUGHTS

the only time i got to wear ballet shoes was in grade school. now i can wear these beautiful shoes whenever i want to. they are so pretty and so comfy i think they will forever be part of a beautiful shoe collection.

Beautiful Shoes for Short Shorts

The Best Shoes for Short Shorts

By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide

Short shorts can be more flattering than a lot of women think -- especially when they're paired with the right shoes.

Making Short Shorts Work for You

Short shorts have been a summertime staple for several decades. And while many women don't want to wear shorts this length, for others, it's just a matter of wanting to know how to wear them.

Below are some of the best shoe styles for shorts like this, as well as tips on how to make the whole look come together.

Ankle Strap Sandals
Sandals with ankle straps are just plain sexy, and they're an ideal match for short shorts. Dressier styles like the ones shown here are great for twill, linen and other dress shorts, while trendy platforms or sandals with chunky heels are ideal for pairing with denim.

Wedge Sandals
Since they show so much leg, short shorts can handle a more substantial heel, and wedge sandals are a great choice. But since wedge heels are somewhat bulky by nature, you'll want to choose styles that feature thinner straps or single band slides. This will keep your feet from looking too clunky.

Ballet Flats
If you want to spare your feet and back the pain of high heels, then you should love short shorts, as they're perfect for pairing with ballet flats.

Shoes like the ones shown here will lend a dressier touch, but these days it's also very easy to find canvas ballet flats for wearing with casual cotton or denim shorts.

Flat Sandals
Flat thongs, slides and toe-ring sandals all look great with short shorts. And with styles ranging from basic rubber flip-flops to crystal-encrusted metallic dress slides, there is no shortage of options.

When pairing short shorts with flat sandals, you nearly can't go wrong. The only thing to watch out for is flat sandals that have lots of really wide straps or really thick, sporty soles.

Unless you're very thin, heavy sandals can make your calves look very thick and squat, while skimpier style like the one shown here will give your legs a longer, slimmer appearance.

Canvas Sneakers
Canvas sneakers are far too casual for dressier shorts, but they're a super-cute partner for casual styles.  A sneaker that shows a lot of foot will make for a more feminine look, while a lace-up sneaker will have an edgier vibe.

Espadrilles
A summertime favorite, espadrilles come in a variety of styles, and having rope-covered heels, they look great with shorts of nearly any length.

The style shown here is more on the classic side, and offers a very cosmopolitan look combined with the comfort of a low heel. If you can wear a higher heel, espadrille wedges with skimpy straps are also a great match for short shorts.

MY THOUGHTS

i should have read this article when i was younger. short shorts for me now are for strictly private.

The Best Shoe Fads Ever

The Best Shoe Fads Ever

Fab footwear that we can't get enough of -- past, present and future!
http://www.ivillage.com/

(Click on the shoes to see the photos)
Boat Shoes

Although many prepsters will claim these flats never went out of style, we're glad boat shoes have made a comeback since their stint in the '90s. We might not be sailing, but these shoes are perfect for casual weekends out.


Jellies

The jelly shoes trend entered the style scene in the '80s. After a hiatus, they're back and cuter than ever!

Gladiators

We first laid our eyes on these trendy sandals a couple of summer seasons ago. At first, many of us were skeptical, but fashionistas and non-fashionistas alike have embraced them, and are wearing them with dresses, shorts and skirts in gold, brown and black tones.

Ballet Flats

Ever since we stepped into them, we were sold! We hope ballet flats are "in" forever because not only are they comfortable, they practically go with everything!

Uggs

They might not be the sleekest, chicest boots around, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in comfort. Even better, these sheepskin boots also keep our feet and shins warm in the winter.

Clogs

We loved clogs in the '90s, and wore them with everything from denim shorts to dressy trousers. They have recently made a comeback, and while some style fiends have yet to hop on board (us included!), we can't deny how pretty some of the new ones are to look at. They have come a long way!

Booties

Where would we be without our ankle booties? They're a great addition to any wardrobe -- doesn't matter the season. We love them so much, they've proven to be our go-to shoes for skinny denim and chic dresses.

Dr. Martens

We first wore "Docs" with our flannel shirts and ripped jeans in the '90s. This time around, we're wearing them with tights and fabulous skinny jeans. They've gone from grunge to chic!

Crocs

Sorry Crocs-wearers! They are kind of ugly. However, they've made our list because they are the most comfortable pair of shoes ever.

Minnetonkas

This Native American-esque comeback shoe is a godsend. Not only are Minnetonkas uber-comfy, they're also adorable to look at.

Oxfords

These style of lace-up flats are back after decades of hiatus. First made popular in Scotland and Ireland, oxfords have made it on many fashionistas' feet.

MY THOUGHTS

shoes - i just love this topic. i have to admit, i never bothered to get myself a pair of crocs. booties and uggs are just not for comfortable wear in temperate countries. i did buy a couple of ankle boots. not a good buy. just not for me.