The Ultimate Guide to Women’s Heels

Heels for formal settings

Whether it is a corporate dinner, graduation or wedding ceremony, stiletto heels will rise to the occasion. Since they are tall, they are great for formal occasions. They will boost your stature, accentuate your figure and make you walk with confidence.

That is not to say you can’t wear lower block heels on these occasions. With attitudes towards dress codes relaxing, anything is possible as long as you exercise common dress sense. You can never go wrong with covered-up block heels with classic designs and versatile neutral tones.

Heels for work

When dressing for the office, you will want to prioritise comfort and practicality. It is always a good idea to reach for heels that deliver in both aspects and strike the perfect balance between style and function. They include classic pointed-toe pumps with slingback straps and kitten heels, as well as block heel mules that are easy to wear and style with your work attire.

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Heels for parties and events

Stand out at your next party by making bold fashion choices. From a festive soirée to a night out, dress from the feet up with statement-making party shoes. These occasions present opportunities to experiment with your style and reach for shoes that you would hardly wear on a daily basis.

Take the spotlight in metallic platform sandals that will boost your style and stature without compromising comfort. Their reflective nature is highly eye-catching and will draw all the attention. Alternatively, you can add glamour to your outfit with shoes featuring details like chunky chains and sparkly jewels.

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When wearing heels, your body naturally tilts forward. This posture arches your back and lifts your chest, accentuating your natural curves. Moreover, heels will alter your movements because the heel lifts the back of your foot off the ground, putting more weight on the balls of your feet. This shortens your stride and gives it a bouncy quality, essentially giving you a spring in your step.

Apart from improving your posture and gait, high heels can also boost your confidence. They make you feel taller and walk with more purpose, giving you a more powerful and commanding presence. Additionally, heels can make your legs appear longer and more toned, which can increase your self-esteem. Research has shown that women who wear heels may be perceived as more attractive by others, which can lead to an increase in self-assurance and a more positive self-image.

This applies not only to high heels but also to low block heels. When you are comfortable in your footwear, you feel more confident in your own skin, which allows you to project more confidence. Wearing shoes that fit well and feel comfortable can help you walk with more ease, making you appear more self-assured and in control.

By making you look taller and more confident, heels can bestow you with a more authoritative bearing. In fact, many successful women in business and politics are known for wearing heels as a way to command attention and project power. Additionally, heels can help create a more polished and put-together appearance, which can be particularly important in formal, professional or high-stakes environments.

Finding the right heels for your foot type and size is not rocket science. With a little bit of research and knowledge, the process is easy and effortless. Start by determining your foot shape and size. Then, consider the type of heel that will be most suitable for you with our guide below.

If you have wide feet, it’s important to look for styles that provide ample space in the toe box, as well as sufficient support and stability. Avoid pointed-toe heels, as they can pinch and constrict your forefoot, potentially causing bunions. Instead, opt for heels with rounded or square toes that allow your toes to rest comfortably. When shopping for a strappy design, keep in mind that thinner straps can make your wide feet appear larger, so consider heels with thicker straps for a more balanced look.

If you have narrow feet, they can slip out of shoes that are too wide, leading to discomfort and instability when wearing heels. Look for heels with pointed toes, which can help elongate the foot and prevent slipping, or straps and laces that can be adjusted to fit your feet snugly. Avoid wide toe-boxes that can make your feet slide forward and put more pressure on your toes and the balls of your feet. Consider using heel grips or inserts to help fill any gaps and provide extra cushioning.

If you have high-arched feet, you can wear higher heels like stilettos without feeling discomfort as easily. However, high arches cause your weight to be unevenly distributed across your foot due to the arch being higher than normal, which can lead to pain when wearing heels. To alleviate this discomfort, choose heels that offer extra cushioning and support, such as those with padded insoles or arch support. Additionally, narrow toe boxes can put pressure on the toes and ball of the foot, so it is best to avoid them when possible.

If you have flat feet, high stiletto heels can be painful and uncomfortable as your feet cannot form an arch. The best heels for you are mid-length block heels with a heel height of around 7 - 8 cm. Wedge heels are also an excellent choice if you suffer from flat feet because they are lower than other high-heeled shoes. They will help you distribute your weight more evenly across your feet and you won't have to worry about arch pain or other problems. Additionally, they are sturdier than other types of heels, which can aid in balance and comfort.

Heels need to fit and support your feet well in order for you to avoid discomfort and pain while you are wearing them and even after you take them off. Even within the same brand, different styles in the same size will have slight variations, so it is important to pick heels that best fit your unique shape.

The right shoes will support the arch of your foot to reduce the pressure on the balls of your feet and also offer a close, snug fit that doesn’t pinch your toes. The best way to find the best pair of heels for you is by simply trying on different pairs of shoes until you find one that feels right — drop by any of our stores and try out your favourites before making a decision.

Whether it is packing a pair for your next vacation, enjoying a boozy brunch with friends, or striding confidently onto the dance floor, there is a pair of heels for every and any occasion. If you foresee being up on your feet for extended periods of time, we recommend opting for a low block heel for all-day comfort and ease of wear. If you really want to make an unforgettable style statement, say at a party or a wedding reception, don’t be afraid to slip into a higher pair of heels to really turn heads.

If you can’t seem to settle on a heel type, we recommend that you reach for a pair of platform heels. Thanks to the sturdy and stable soles, they will remain comfortable even when you opt for extra elevation. Plus, they are also versatile enough to pair with casual and dressier ensembles alike.

Who says comfort has to come at the expense of style? Whether you are out traveling in a foreign country or simply on a city break, heels are still a viable shoe option. Regardless of their height, chunkier platform soles are your best bet when it comes to tackling cobblestoned streets or uneven terrain. Pick shoes that come with ankle straps or slingback straps for added support and stability and you’ll be good to go!

While picking the right pair of shoes is half the job done, being able to cruise comfortably in your new heels takes time, practice, and endurance. Wearing heels requires you to engage and use different muscles in your feet and legs, which means developing the necessary muscle strength, tendon flexibility and balance skills. Start low, go slow, and work your way up!

Get familiar with the load-bearing points on your foot by first taking off your heels and standing on one foot. Notice the three points: one under your heel and one on each side of the ball of your foot. By consciously thinking about using these points to hold yourself up, you will realise that you can improve your balance.

When you wear heels, these load-bearing points become smaller but aren’t completely gone. You will want to walk heel to toe (i.e heel down first), placing one foot in front of the other as though you were walking along a single straight line.

You will probably need to slow down and take smaller steps until you become more familiar with how heels feel on your feet, so take the time to work your way up to your normal strides. As you walk, remember to maintain good posture for added support and even distribution of weight on your heels. Tightening your core and adding a little hip sway helps you ease into this new movement.

Start by wearing your heels around the house, it will give you a good sense of how the heels fit and feel, especially over prolonged periods of time. If they start to hurt, simply take them off and try again the next day. With practice and patience, you will be able to wear them for longer periods before you start to feel any discomfort. As you get better, you can start to incorporate your heels into daily wear, like going to shop for groceries or for weekend brunch with your friends.

While finding the right fit and wearing them often is the best way to break in your new heels, you can also try speeding up the process by wearing them with a thick pair of socks for a few hours or for 10 minutes on-and-off, throughout the day.

When it comes to staying comfortable all day long, looking out for the right fit is the most important part. Low heels and chunkier styles such as wedges, platforms or flatforms are suitable for beginners; they will give you a height boost without the pressure.

For added support and comfort, reach for gel cushions or padded inserts that go under the balls of your feet to reduce the pressure. If you are especially blister-prone, moleskin inserts, anti-blister sticks or even simple fabric plasters will help to reduce friction around any problem areas. Heel cushion pads and grips are great alternatives that double up as extra security for shoes that don’t come with straps.

SHOP FOOT CARE ACCESSORIES

Learn to trust your heels and practise putting your weight into them, even if it feels unnatural at first. If you walk or stand with all your weight on the balls of your feet, not only will it lead to poor posture, but it may also result in aches, pains, and even fractures or sprains.

If you are just starting out with heels, pick a lower heel height or chunkier heels to reduce pressure on your feet. Another helpful tip is to limit the amount of time you spend wearing them before working your way up to longer durations or higher and slimmer heels. Practising also ensures that you build sufficient leg and core strength and helps to improve your balance.

When properly cared for, leather heels are built for longevity. Contrary to popular belief, cleaning and conditioning leather shoes is not as difficult as one might think. All you need is a good care kit that comes with polish, conditioner, brushes and a polishing rag.

1. Brush your shoes to remove any loose dirt, dust or debris.
2. Clean your shoes if necessary — a slightly damp wipe will do just fine.
3. Wait until your shoes are fully dried; a minimum of 20 minutes or even better, let them dry overnight.
4. Apply your preferred conditioner according to the given instructions. Be sure to apply small amounts and when in doubt, apply less.
5. Let the shoes rest overnight before brushing them again.

Remember that less is more, so you only need to condition your shoes once every 3 - 5 months to keep them in tip-top condition!

Most of the time, the backing over the tip of heels is made from plastic. It tends to grind against concrete and other hard surfaces, exposing the metal point of the heel. Swap out the plastic tip for a more durable rubber equivalent at a cobbler or simply invest in heel savers — a protective cap — to extend the life of your beloved pairs.

Being a little extra conscientious when you wear and store your heels will also make a world of a difference. Use a shoehorn to put on your heels, if needed, and take the time to remove them carefully. If you can, try walking more slowly and lightly and be aware of your surroundings to prevent unnecessary wear and tear.

When it comes to leather shoes, wooden shoe trees — rather than plastic or metal — not only help wick away any moisture and prevent odours but also help to keep the shoes in shape, keeping creases at bay.

Ideally, you are able to store your heels in a cool, dry and temperature-controlled area. Open shelves or wire shoe racks in a space without direct sunlight work perfectly. This is because exposure to heat and sunlight can cause the leather to fade over time, while too much moisture will result in the growth of mould or fungus.