The problem with that perfect pair of heels is that, beautifully comfortable they may be when you slip into them, after half an hour of walking or standing you can be in real pain. Your feet change when it’s warm, when you’ve walked a bit, if you have to go up lots of flights of stairs and those shoes you thought would be absolutely perfect have suddenly become your worst enemy.
I will admit that finding a pair of heels that you can walk all evening in, at a concert, out to dinner etc can be a trial, and unfortunately trial and error. This is mainly because we can’t go walkabout in a brand new pair of shoes until we own them, and it’s not until then that the flaws show up.
This year there are fewer platforms, although with height it tends to be more comfortable, so I’ve gone to mid-heel for trips to Glyndebourne and similar. I’ll let you know….
10 Rules for buying shoes:
1. If you’re between sizes don’t try and squeeze your feet into a size down as your feet are bound to swell at some stage. Better to use an insole you can take out.
2. Best of all buy shoes with a back strap, in other words sling-back, as these are usually adjustable and so will fit better.
3. If in doubt and you’re buying shoes for dressing up and going out in, buy pale gold or nude, they will make your legs look longer. These are always the most flattering on anyone.
4. A platform will make the drop from heel to toe not so pronounced. A mid heel will be best if you have lots of walking to do.
5. Test the cushioning in the sole, some designers and brands are still selling shoes with very little. They will end up being hard on your feet.
6. The more strappy the sandal, the more places there are where they may rub later on.
7. Shoes with non slip synthetic soles, such as those by Geox, will be less hard on your feet.
8. Pointed toe shoes will be harder on your feet if you get warm.
9. If you’re going somewhere like Glyndebourne, where you’re going to spend a long time, take a spare pare of shoes with you in case your feet start to hurt. Seriously.
10. Don’t buy anything thinking that the fit will improve when you wear it. It may well not.
