How to choose the perfect heels. I’ve never hidden my affinity for high heels, the higher the better, but there are certain key things I look for before pulling out my credit card. It’s not just any shoe that’s coming home with me. It pains me to say that as beautiful and eye-catching as a pair of heels can be, if the quality isn’t there, then I know it has no place in my shoe closet. An uncomfortable pair of shoes or one that looks old and worn, will never see the light of day and who wants a pair of heels they can’t show off?
HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT HEELS
Get to know the shoe. Let’s take a moment to look at the anatomy of a heel. I think everyone should know what they are wearing. An informed shopper is a wise shopper. Whether you choose a stiletto or a boxier heel, understand that a wider heel will give you more stability than a thinner one. In addition, the strappier the shoe, the less support it provides.
Quality matters. Natural fabrics and leather absorb your sweat and allow the air to circulate, thus permitting your foot to breathe. Plastics and synthetic fibers aren’t pliable and will just be uncomfortable in the long run. Examine the actual heel. A quality one will be made of leather, whereas a plastic one will be more unstable and not very durable. The insole and lining should also be made from leather. You can also opt for high-end vegan heels.
Consider the sole. I always check the sole of my shoe. A quality heel will either have a leather sole or built in rubber. You should take your shoes to a trusted cobbler before wearing them and they can protect the sole, so it will last and last. Some soles are glued on, while others are stitched. If yours is glued on, ensure that it is thick enough so that it won’t begin to peel. If your shoes have stitching, make sure that the stitches are even and don’t stick out. This way, a good cobbler can secure and protect them with non-slip rubber.
Comfort. Lastly, make sure that you can walk in the shoes. Spend some time in the store walking around. Most shoes will feel great at first, but after 10-15 minutes you will know whether they are right for you. Check the store’s return policy. Once you are home, put them on again and walk around (on a carpet so you don’t scratch the soles). If after 30 minutes they start to pinch, then maybe returning them is your best bet….. I know. I’m sorry!
I’m not saying that every single pair of shoes needs to be an investment. Every now and then, I buy heels that I know I’ll only wear a few times in a season, but for the classic pairs, the ones that I truly love and the ones that I want to keep forever, they are definitely worth the splurge! Keep in mind, however, that there are many great brands and you don’t have to run out and buy the top designer ones.
Do you have any tips for buying the perfect heels?
Find your next pair of investment worthy heels here:
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43 Comments
Great tips dear!!! You sure know about heels1 xxx
http://www.stylentonic.com
Ha! Thanks. Yeah I sure try….
xo
love all models, very nice post
have a sweet day
http://tr3ndygirl.com
Thank you! I just keep buying them….
xo
Good advice. Heels are so seductive. We all want them no matter what we say. 🙂
Agreed! I’ve seen some of your heels and you have wonderful taste!
xo
So true and great tips as ever!
I agree you pay for quality, most times! One of the cheapest pairs I own have served very well but this is rare.
x Kirsty
Exactly! I’m so glad you agree. I have a couple of low quality pairs but I’m really picky about making sure my heels look good.
xo
Hi Caroline, I notice you following me on twitter so I thought I come and say hi – hi.
Me and heels do not go together, I have a confession to tell you – I still wear children shoe size. Yup me at 31 still go to the children department and buy my shoes from there. I love the look fo high heels but not the practically of it.
Thank you so much for stopping by! Wow the children’s department, I guess there are no heels there. On the positive side it’s a great excuse to get some custom made shoes…
xo
Heels are so feminine…. great tips Caroline!!!!
Kisses doll!!
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Thank you. I agree, I love a beautiful pair of heels.
xo
This is awesome! Amazing tips! 😀
Thanks for visiting my blog!
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xoxo,
Jess
My pleasure and thank you!
xo
This is really good advice, it explains why some of my heels are so uncomfortable! I think I might need to pay more attention to detail when purchasing my next pair.. Great post! xx
xbeccabe.blogspot.co.uk
Oh let me know if it helps! I do believe that heels are definitely worth the splurge.
xo
This guide is really useful *_* thanks <3
kisses
Francesca http://everydaycoffee23.blogspot.it
I´m like you! 🙂 I tend to go home with the most expensive ones from the store, quality really matters and the ones I tend to gravitate towards cost.
http://kjandersen.org/
Oh I know.. however sometimes, the look will out weigh comfort.. for the most part!
Hope
http://www.hhdesignsblog.com
I had no idea on the shoe anatomy part! Learning something every day 🙂
Tonie
http://www.toniegirl.com
This post was positively brilliant– I have yet to see a post like this on a blog! So well written and informed!
Anyways, my biggest issue with luxury shoes (esp Louboutins) is the tightness around the toe box! It’s so frustrating, I almost always have to get them stretched width wise!
XxMO
madame-ostrich.com
Shoes are all well and lovely, but worn improperly they can be totally detrimental to yr health/posture etc, so these tips are great!
Great post and good advice. Thx for sharing.
xox
Lenya
FashionDreams&Lifestyle
thank you so much for stopping by
xo
hi darling i repass
new post on my blog http://tr3ndygirl.com
i wait you
kiss
you are always welcome to stop by!
xo
styleontheside.com
great tips!
http://www.mrsnoone.it
kiss
Thank you!
xo
Nice shoe collection! I’m with you, quality matters. I love to wear heels, so comfort is a must for me. Nothing worst than spending eight hours in uncomfortable heels. I mean whats the point of having beautiful shoes that you can’t wear.
xo, Jackie
http://www.stylemydreams.wordpress.com
EXACTLY!
xo
Yet again a very insightful,post .i,love to wear heels, but only,manage a few hours in them.
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Thank you! I just put together a post on how to make them more comfortable.
xo
totally like it!
http://www.supongoestilo.blogspot.nl
Thank you!
xo
Great post! I love the look of heels-so sexy-but the discomfort always an issue for me! I realize the ones with the platform bottoms offset the higher heels.
They do, but there are also so many great products you can try that will help too!
xo
Good advice: if the hoes pinch while I try them on…….they go back on the shelf. I’ve wasted too much money in the past in shoes that I end up selling on ebay because they pinch too much every time I tried to wear them.
I think it’s well worth paying more for good shoes…cheaply made shoes tend to be ill fitting and uncomfortable.
Exactly! Shoes that pinch are a not an option.
xo
Love your beige Christian Louboutin heels! ♥
Thanks! They are actually nude, they match my skin tone perfectly.
xo
It’s a never ending story me and high heels. I got a few from leather to plastic ones and the only pair that really fits me is a pair from New Look with straps. For some reason every time when I wear heels which are open I walk in them and it won’t take long for me to slip out.
One of my favourite pairs is an open one and at home I walked around and was totally fine. then I walked on the pavement and every step hurt and I had to concentrate so much to not slip out. I must have looked so funny and I walked really, really slowly. A distance which I usually walked in 10 mins took me 45mins. So embarrassing I can tell you. I tried a gel cushion but still slipped out of the shoe. So whenever I have a look at heels now, they have to have a strap.
Caz | Lunch Break Adventures
Hmmm, could it be that you are slipping out because you either have super narrow feet or perhaps a very high arch? I had a friend who every time she sat down would quite literally lose her shoes. See a good shoe repair person because they might be able to help. Sometimes you can sew an elastic into the shoe (this depends on the style of course).
xo