How to choose high heels

High heels can make your legs look long, lean and luscious. Unfortunately, they can also be quite uncomfortable if not chosen wisely. To avoid foot problems, you need to strike a balance between looks and comfort
Here's how to choose high heels that'll feel as good as they look:

How to choose high heels: The right fit is critical
High heels aren't the most comfortable shoes to begin with so getting the right fit is critical. By getting the right fit, you can reduce your risk of developing blisters and corns. When you try heels on in the store, walk around for at least five minutes before making a decision to purchase. Rise up on your toes and see if the shoes still feel comfortable. Before purchasing, make sure they're returnable in the event you get them home and they don't fit properly. Always try on shoes at the end of the day when your foot is it's largest due to fluid retention. Be wary of purchasing high heels online where you can't try them to see if they're comfortable.

How to choose high heels: Consider your build
If you have chunky or muscular legs and calves, choose a thicker, more substantial heel to balance out your leg. A good choice is a platform heel or an espadrille style. Not only do these tend to be more comfortable, they can make a chunky leg look smaller. Thin heeled shoes such as stilettos look best on people with thinner legs.
How to choose high heels: Invest in neutral colors
Although you may want to branch into colored shoes occasionally for variety, blacks, browns, and neutrals are much more versatile and can be worn more places. Get out of the mindset that you need to match shoe color with your outfit. This is often overkill. Buy a few pairs of high quality heels in neutral tones that look good with almost everything. Buy one or two pairs of colored heels for special events.



How to choose high heels: Consider your height
If you're six feet tall, you may want to avoid wearing five inch stilettos unless you want to look down on everyone. If you're short and petite, tall stilettos may add height, but can be overpowering. Choose a more modest two and a half to three inch height for daytime wear. You can wear a slightly taller heel for evening. If you want to add height when wearing pants, a platform or wedge heel can work well. These shoe styles also provide better foot support than narrow heels.
How to choose high heels: Give yourself a break
If you plan on wearing high heels to work, take along a pair of flat shoes to wear during your lunch break if you'll be doing a lot of walking. To avoid foot problems, it's always a good idea to give you feet a break from the stress of high heels. For additional comfort, consider adding a pair of gel soles to your shoes.
High heels can be stylish to wear and they don't have to be uncomfortable if chosen wisely. Spend some time trying on a variety of high heels before purchasing. Don't make the mistake of sacrificing comfort for style.

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