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Contributing Editor Elizabeth Thompson also blogs at The Imperfect Parent.
Okay, I admit it -- wearing shoes that don't fit right sucks toe jam -- when it comes to shoe shopping, nine toes out of ten, damned if I don't always choose style over comfort...and I know that's not good.
But, what I didn't know is how many of us (mostly women) do, or how much the foot experts seem to think that it's bad for me, too!
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) reports that more than 43.1 million Americans -- one in every six persons -- have trouble with their feet, mostly from improper fitting shoes.
As an avid shoe shopper with the tiniest fetish for flip-flops and ribbon thongs -- and having rather large feet to begin with that have grown exactly 1/4" after the birth of each of my four children -- I can certainly appreciate the importance of finding a shoe that not only fits...but, is something that I'd actually wear...is no easy feat!
AAOS suggests using this guide when you shop for shoes:
Have both feet measured every time you purchase shoes. Your foot size increases as you get older.
Women should not wear a shoe with a heel higher than 2 1/4 inches.
Try on new shoes at the end of the day. Your feet normally swell and become larger after standing or sitting during the day.
Shoes should be fitted carefully to your heel as well as your toes.
Try on both shoes.
There should be 1/2-inch space from the end of your longest toe to the end of the shoe.
Fit new shoes to your largest foot. Most people have one foot larger than the other.
Walk around in the shoes to make sure they fit well and feel comfortable.
Sizes vary among shoe brands and styles. Judge a shoe by how it fits on your foot not by the marked size.
When the shoe is on your foot, you should be able to freely wiggle all of your toes.
If the shoes feel too tight, don't buy them. There is no such thing as a "break-in period."
Most high heeled-shoes have a pointed, narrow toe box that crowds the toes and forces them into an unnatural triangular shape. As heel height increases, the pressure under the ball of the foot may double, placing greater pressure on the forefoot as it is forced into the pointed toe box.
Feh, so what's a gal -- say, with a penchant for high heels and platforms -- to do?!?
Well, welcome to BlogHer -- here be women who blog with a leg up on what looks good, as well as feels good, in shoes this Spring.
Easter is just around the corner and The Secret Life Of Shoes is feeling the heat of Enzo Angiolini:
...I wore this pair by Enzo Angiolini. Love these. They are very comfortable platform shoes. I wore them for 8 hours. By the 7th hour they began to feel not so good. Now I know. Less than 5 hours in these are enough. My legs felt like I was doing the stiletto heel workout. I felt like I had on super woman shoes and I was invincible. I am going to hate when these wear out!"
Ahem...by the by...Erotic Shoes of 2006...a must see...personally, I think April's a pisser!!!
Oh! And the sexy healthy heels posting over at SHOEbuytes (the official blog of Shoebuy.com) are to die for!
Oh! Shoes combines the sexy stylings of heeled shoes with athletic cushioning and comfort of sneakers, creating a revolutionary shoe line! Finally, you can have the height without the pain.
According to orthopedic surgeon and leading women's foot health advocate Dr. Carol Fey, "Oh! Provides a shoe that not only meets the requirements of a 'healthy' shoe, but also provides women with fashion and variety without sacrificing health. Oh!'s unique patented construction offers the combination of superior support throughout the entire gait, long-term cushioning, and beautiful materials and craftsmanship. This is indeed unique."
Net Coupon Codes is offering 10% off any purchase at Shoebuy.com.
HOLD THE PRESSES!!!
Gen Art Pulse has given us a peek into their closet and I'm absolutely salivating...I swear!
Allow me to introduce you to "MARGE." Gen Art Pulse describes her as, "...the super, simple sandals by Cynthia Vincent," but I think I'll just call her...my precious!
**heavy sigh**
Yes, Virginia...there are indeed bloggers out there who have found very fashionable shoes...and have worn them, too!
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