Shoes should be comfortable and supportive when on your feet all day. Otherwise, that cute pair of heels may become blister-ridden nightmares or, even worse, foot problems. But that doesn’t mean you have to trade in your favorite heels for sneakers. With the right advice, you can find comfortable dress shoes that don’t sacrifice style.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Whether you want comfortable dress shoes to wear to work, flats to keep you on the go in casual dresses, or sneakers for running errands or a gym session, there’s a shoe out there for every occasion and fit. But there’s no point in sacrificing style for comfort, especially with the many gorgeous options. If you must wear heels, look for those with lower heel heights and an enormous heel composite for balance. A wider toe area will allow your feet to expand as the day progresses. The most comfortable women’s shoes, like the ones from Kohl’s, will have good cushioning for shock absorption. The balls of your feet are put under more pressure than the rest of your foot when you walk, so you’ll also want a good amount of padding in that area. A great rule of thumb when shopping for footwear is to make sure your shoes are stiff enough to support your arch and leave at least a finger-width gap between your big toe and the edge of the shoe. A squishy, flexible shoe will cause you to bend your toes unnaturally, leading to heel pain. It’s also a good idea to look for shoes with grooves in the sole that allow your toes to bend naturally.
Take Your Time
We’ve all heard the saying, “Beauty hurts.” It can also be painful to wear cute but ill-fitting shoes or lack cushioning and support. Sadly, the pain we experience from ill-fitting shoes often evolves into longer-term problems like bunions and plantar fasciitis.
To help you avoid painful footwear:
- Take your time when choosing women’s shoes.
- Ensure that you can wiggle all your toes when wearing the shoes and that there’s at least a finger-width gap between the end of your big toe and the shoe’s edge.
- Try on shoes that are a half-size larger as well to see if they work for you.
Also, if you’ll be in shoes for long periods, choose something that lace-up rather than slip-on. Lace-ups are more secure and keep your foot from sliding around in the shoe. If you do decide to wear heels, opt for lower heel heights and a wider heel that doesn’t curve in. Heels can be detrimental to feet, knees, and spines if worn often and for long periods, so it’s best to save them for special occasions. For everyday wear, flats are generally more comfortable.
Try Them On
One of the most essential aspects of shoes is how they fit. You want them to feel snug but also not too tight. A finger-width of space at the front of your longest toe would be best. You also want to ensure your heel fits comfortably into the shoe. If your heel is too big, it can cause painful pressure on the balls of your feet. In addition, a too-small shoe can cause you to walk improperly, leading to pain and discomfort over time. Trying on your shoes at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen is a good idea. This will allow you to see how comfortable the shoes are. Also, remember to try on both feet, as we often have one foot that’s larger than the other. You don’t have to sacrifice style when selecting shoes to wear all day. There are many stylish women’s flats, clogs, sneakers, and heels that will keep you comfortable without sacrificing fashion.
Measure Your Feet
Having the right foot size is one of the keys to comfortable shoes. It is essential to get an accurate measurement of your feet, which can be done using a foot-measuring device, a ruler, and a piece of paper. The process is easy and should be repeated with each foot, as each is slightly different. Measure the length of your foot from the outer tip of the longest toe down to the outside edge of your heel and the width of your foot at the broadest part of your forefoot. Use these numbers as a guide when shopping for shoes. When you are trying on shoes, make sure that you can wiggle all of your toes in them. They are too tight if you can’t do this and may cause blisters and other problems. Also, pay attention to width and length when deciding on a shoe. If the ball of your foot feels squashed in a particular shoe, even if it is a wider fit, it won’t be comfortable. When measuring your feet, wear the socks you plan to wear with the shoes. If you do this, you can be more accurate in determining your shoe size. Also, measuring your feet at the end of the day when your feet are most swollen is a good idea.
