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.

Essential Beautiful Shoes for Women

Essential Women's Shoes

By Desiree Stimpert, About.com Guide

This list contains the top ten essential women's shoes. While footwear comes in all styles, shapes, and colors, it never fails, something comes up, and the perfect shoes are nowhere to be found. This list will help solve that problem. Here are the essentials, complete with shopping links.

1. The "Little Black Dress" of Shoes - A Low Heeled Black Pump

A low-heeled, comfortable black pump is essential to every woman's shoe collection for all those times when a strappy sandal or overly-glamorous shoe is inappropriate or too dressy, like an early dinner; an impromptu business meeting; or even a funeral.

These basic pumps from Fitzwell are versatile enough to pair with anything, and feature heels that are only 2 inches high. As an added bonus, these classically-styled shoes are also available in wide widths.

2. The "New Black" - Neutral Pumps

Even with as versatile as black pumps are, they simply will not go with everything. Add a neutral colored (not white) pump to your collection, and you'll have the the "basic pump" category of women's shoes covered. Shoes like these pretty pumps from Stuart Weitzman offer a classic look that will work season after season, and year after year.

Looks great with black dresses too.

3. The "Comfort Food" of Shoes - Your Everyday Shoe

Only you can be the judge of what will work best as your "every day" shoe, but whether it's a sneaker, a loafer or a flip-flop; comfort, fit and style should be key in choosing the right shoes for your everyday wear. I wear a lot of jeans, so I'm a sucker for cute and casual flats, like the 'Sloop' from French Sole. I often opt for bright and unique colors, because they add a bit of personality to even the most basic of outfits.

4. The "Walk in the Park" of Footwear - A Sneaker

Again, the choice is yours, but whether it's a little white pointy sneaker, or an edgy, retro high top, every wardrobe needs a pair of comfortable sneakers. This simple sneaker from Puma is one of my favorite styles -- it's perfect for walks in the park, or trips to the grocery store.

5. The "Instant Make-Over" - Heeled Casual Shoes and Booties

Nothing can dress up a casual outfit and make you feel better about yourself, like adding a bit of height. It doesn't matter how high or low the heel is, it's just about getting out of flats for a bit. Look for casual booties or shoes with a bit of a heel for times when you want to be chic, even in jeans.

6. The Alternative to Women's Shoes - A Tall Boot

Whether it's a high-heeled fashion boot or a warm and comfy casual style, colder weather screams for boots. Plus, depending on the boots you choose, everything from skirts to jeans can look fantastic with them. Every woman's wardrobe should have at least one pair in brown or black. I like boots with a low heel that can go casual or dressy.

7. The "Warm Cup of Cocoa" - Slippers

I'm not talking about "glamourous" slippers here. I'm talking about, after a shower, sitting around in your bathrobe, talking on the phone kind of slippers. These "New Spa" slippers from Acorn are exactly the kind of slippers I'm talking about. After all, whatever shoes you wear during the day, you're feet will appreciate being pampered at night.

MY THOUGHTS

love this list. although recently i discovered i don't have pumps anymore. which shows to ptove that the shoes we buy and keep depends on our lifestyle. how can i have heels in my closet when i don't need them. i hardly ever go to formal affairs. even semi-formal events are rare. so,i have a whole array of comfort shoes. suitsme just fine.

do you have the right kind of flip-flop?

The right kind of flip-flops to wear this summer

by Joanna Douglas, Shine Staff, on Thu Jun 3, 2010 7:04pm PDT

At last, the breezy days of summer are upon us. Instead of repeatedly checking the daily weather forecast to deliberate if we need a scarf or sweater for layering, we can enjoyably slip on some comfy shorts or an effortless sundress. For many of us, flip-flops become the go-to footwear to accompany such an ensemble, but as we’ve often been warned, these flimsy slip-ons do not always provide ideal foot support.

USA Today reports that Justin Shroyer, an assistant professor of kinesiology at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette, studied over 100 flip-flop wearers to uncover patterns in their feet and leg movements. While presenting his findings at the American College of Sports Medicine's annual meeting in Baltimore this week, Shroyer explained some of the key problems with these shoes. Namely, he discovered that by trying to grip and hold flip-flops in place, people work the muscles in their shins much harder than when they’re barefoot. He said that shortened strides while wearing flip-flops can also strain the lower legs.

"The more the shoe conforms to your foot, the better off your foot and leg will be," Shroyer told USA Today. "If it's loose, your foot has to work harder to keep your flip-flop on." He said that more structured flip-flops with deepened heel cups and defined arches can remove some of the stress from your feet and legs, but that a sneaker is still preferred when doing extensive walking or activity.

Dr. Rock Positano, director of the Non-surgical Foot and Ankle Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery, confirms Shroyer's findings. "With no real solid support underneath the foot, it loses its shock-absorbing capabilities. The lower leg, shin, knee, hip, and back are overworking." Dr. Jacqueline Sutera, doctor of podiatric medicine and surgery for the American Podiatric Medical Association, agrees with Shroyer as well. "Wearing flip-flops will shorten your stride, so your leg and foot muscles have to work harder," she says. "This causes the need for compensation--sometimes from your knees, hips, and back. This could be bad news for people with previous injury in these sensitive areas." In addition, Dr. Positano says certain pathological foot types (like high and flat arches) predispose people to foot and ankle issues, and that soft flip-flops with no support accentuate these mechanical deficiencies. Some short-term issues related to flip-flop use would be heel and arch pain, tendinitis, shin splints, sprains, splinters, cuts, and toe injuries. Long-term problems might be stress fractures, bunions, hammertoes, and neuromas.

As Shroyer suggested, "not all flip-flops are created equal," says Dr. Sutera. "The wider the straps, the better. Also, try to get a sandal with a back strap. Back straps take some of the stress off your toes and decrease the demand for them to work so hard." She agrees that a more contoured flip-flop is preferable. "If you have arch support and can cup the heel, then the foot may not pronate as much." (Pronation is when the arch flattens out when we place weight on the foot.) "There is a certain amount of pronation that is normal, but over-pronation causes many, many foot problems. I call it "the root of all evil."

When it comes to brands, some are better than others. Those ultra-affordable Old Navy flip-flops may be appealing and available in every color, but your feet will pay the price if you’re doing much more activity than sitting around at a barbeque. Dr. Sutera lists Crocs, Clarks, Born, Teva, and Birkenstock as acceptable brands for light to moderate use. For a higher end option, Dr. Positano is impressed with the offerings from Tory Burch, Chanel, Prada, and Bally. Here's a complete list of flip-flops given the APMA Seal of Acceptance.

Even with a comfortable flip-flop, you should limit your use to no more than a few hours of wear. "If you’re hanging around the pool or going to the beach it’s fine. They’re not going to kill you," says Dr. Positano. "Where people get into trouble is when they use them all day, walking around, and standing for a long period of time." The worst scenario, perhaps, is what Dr. Positano refers to as the "Disney World fracture." "You have a person who’s already walking more than they’re accustomed too. Pair that with foot gear with no support, and you have the quickest way to arrive at the vacation from hell. Trips are ruined because people develop stress fractures, knee problems, and hip and back problems."

When in doubt, Dr. Positano offers up some simple but important advice: "The bottom line is wearing flip-flops is no different than wearing three-inch high heels. Be sensible. Know how to wear something and when to wear it."

MY THOUGHTS

this is a good read for citizens of flip-flop country. i got hooked myself. and then i realized it's not practical for someone who needs to wera office shoes 5x a week. and for someone who has hyperhydrosis, flip flops just won't work.