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How to choose shoes without endangering your health? How to choose the perfect shoes: tips for girls.
Shoes can do anything: increase height, give a slim figure, visually make legs longer, slimmer, or vice versa, shorten. With the help of incorrectly chosen shoes, you can emphasize the excessive fullness of your legs, and generally ruin the harmony of your style, even if you are wearing the most chic suit. Our following tips will help you avoid such mistakes, and with the help of shoes you will emphasize the advantages of your figure and harmoniously complement your image.
Choosing shoes according to your figure
Women with short stature It is better to choose thin heels up to 8 centimeters high. It is better not to wear shoes with very high heels, as when walking the center of gravity of the body shifts and you will lean forward.
Women with a curvy figure . If you cannot boast of a slim figure, when creating a harmonious style you should avoid very high and thin stilettos. An elegant thick heel 5-8 centimeters high will help give a proportional look to your figure.
Women with full calves
and ankles, you need to choose shoes of simpler styles; both too open and too closed shoes do not suit you. In order not to make a mistake with your choice, be sure to try on new shoes in front of the mirror to look at them from all sides. Shoes should be as comfortable as possible.
Any fashion detail at the ankle will interrupt the line of the leg, making it appear shorter and thicker. To visually lengthen your legs and make them slimmer, pumps and sandals with a deep cut in the front, or shoes with an open last are suitable for you. Remember, the longer the profile of the shoe, the more graceful your foot and ankle will appear.
In cold weather, your best option is elastic, knee-length boots that fit snugly around your legs and should be worn with skirts. For the summer season, platform sandals are perfect for you; they will create the effect of a slimmer lower leg.
Note to everyone: shoes with very thick black rubber platforms are not suitable for any woman.
How to choose the right heel
The shape and height of the heel depends on the shape and length of your clothing, as well as the type of fabric. To achieve harmony in style, you should not wear thick, heavy clothes with pointed stilettos.
Follow a simple rule: the denser and heavier the fabric of your clothing, the thicker and more powerful the heel of your shoes should be. And vice versa, the more elegant the dress, the thinner the heel.
Flat shoes determine the length of the clothing. These shoes are suitable for shortened clothing models: trouser legs should end at or above the ankle, and skirts and dresses should end above the knee. If you wear flat shoes, make sure your clothes are smart, otherwise you will look casually dressed.
Low heel . Low-heeled shoes can be of two types: the first is moccasins with a heel of about 0.5 cm and the second is shoes with a higher heel, up to 1.5-2 cm. Most women like the second type. Shoes of this type are very comfortable, and they also look good with both trousers and a skirt.
High heel. Many women prefer to wear high-heeled shoes not only in the evening, but also during the day, to work. In this case, you need to have replacement shoes at work. If you spend most of the day in very high shoes, you will not avoid health problems - leg pain, foot deformity. Wearing high heels in winter increases the risk of slipping. Therefore, everything is good in moderation.
As for the style of clothing, shoes with very high heels require a certain length of the dress: it should not be above the knee, or a couple of centimeters above the knee. If you want to wear a short skirt or mini-dress, choose low-heeled shoes.
Thin heel. Thin heels periodically come into fashion. Fashion connoisseurs consider it to be high style, so stiletto heels are best worn with the most fashionable clothes. The classic style of clothing does not go well with these shoe models. However, when paired with stylish dresses and suits, as well as wide-leg and capri pants, a thin heel can add harmony to your overall look.
Wide heel. If you cannot boast of the slenderness of your legs, a wide or wedge-shaped heel is your salvation. In contrast to such a heel, the leg appears slimmer. These types of shoes, combined with a rich tan, will give your legs a slender, harmonious silhouette.
Precautionary measures: Buy a model with straps, as an unsecured leg in such a heel can twist, and you will get a dislocated or sprained ankle.
Choosing color and material
When buying shoes made of suede or woven materials, you should remember that despite their beauty and practicality, they will quickly lose their freshness and in a month or two will begin to look worn. Shoes made from genuine high-quality leather last much longer with proper regular care. Please note that the colder the season, the thicker the leather of your shoes should be.
Color. Black shoes go with any outfit. Therefore, if your budget allows you to buy only one pair of shoes, choose black ones. If you prefer to go to work in a business casual style, neutral colors should predominate in your wardrobe. Exquisite, bright colors are appropriate to wear during the summer season.
Bright shoes can spice up any stylish outfit. Wear colored shoes with clothes in white, khaki and pastel colors.
The emphasis in your image can be placed on only one detail. If you want to surprise everyone with a chic, fashionable dress, your shoes should not be too conspicuous. Conversely, you can liven up your outfit with calm clothes in neutral tones with eye-catching stylish shoes.
Shoes. Defining the style
A nice pair of stylish shoes will add flair to the rest of your outfit. With the help of stylish shoes you can add charm, audacity and sexuality to your clothes. Don't skimp on quality and fashionable shoes. Remember: many cheap shoes are no substitute for one pair of stylish, high-quality shoes.
Classic shoes. Classic shoes are always in high demand. Classic black shoes in your wardrobe play the same role as a “little black dress” or a crisp white shirt among all the other fashionable clothes. Their main advantage is their combination with most of the most popular clothing styles. In addition, they are also very comfortable, as they have a heel height of up to 3-4 cm. The shape of classic models can change according to fashion. For example, the sharpest sock can quickly give way to the dullest one.
If you choose shoes to go with trousers, choose models with a high tongue. With trousers, shoes look more stylish if the foot is covered.
Evening shoes. Many women choose evening shoes to match specific fashionable outfits and events. However, it is convenient if you have on hand one pair of closed-toe evening shoes (from black satin, for example), which will be in harmony with any of your evening outfits.
There's only one time of day for fine shoes: evening. But if you just want to look chic during the day, wear high-heeled pumps with a closed or open toe.
Shoes with open heel. These shoes are perfect for you if you can show off your beautiful legs, especially your calves and ankles. Since the heels will be open, do not forget to take care of their appearance. Such models of shoes with open or pointed toes and thin heels look especially stylish.
Straps and buckles. If you are not happy with the silhouette of your feet, choose the most revealing shoes, without additional trims or straps that attract attention.
The pronounced horizontal line of the strap makes the leg visually shorter. However, there are also styles with a slanted ankle strap that may look great on you. So try it on and experiment!
Sport shoes. If you love jeans and sporty style, this does not stop you from looking stylish. Choose something with a flat sole or low, wide heel, like old school tennis shoes.
Sandals
"Metal" sandals. Stylish leather sandals in golden or silver shades are always in fashion. Choose an elegant 5-8 centimeter heel and a round toe for a stylish look that never goes out of style.
Brown sandals. Buy a pair of light brown sandals for the summer - they are very comfortable. They will match most items in your wardrobe and are much more practical to wear than white or cream. The most popular models are with a 3 cm heel. However, it all depends on your taste, style, and figure.
When buying sandals, do not forget about style; they should match your clothes. Sandals with an open heel will look too provocative in combination with a classic suit.
Be careful with sandals with very high heels - they look extremely sexy.
Choosing stylish boots
Tall black boots. These boots, made of high-quality, elastic leather, are universal and play the same role in the wardrobe as black pumps. They always look expensive and will always be in fashion. Boots should fit your feet “like gloves,” otherwise your style will be ruined. Knee high boots can only be worn with skirts that slightly overlap the top edge of the boot. Women of Balzac's age should not wear long boots with short skirts.
High boots made of satin. These boots look very elegant and stylish in cold weather. A pair with a classic pointed toe and a thin, graceful heel 5.5-8 centimeters high will look especially elegant.
Ankle boots. These ankle-high shoes are great to wear with a pair of stylish trousers to create a continuous leg line. Both shoes and trousers should be selected in the same color scheme or tone.
Boots and short boots. Boots and short boots always go well with trousers. It is better not to wear skirts with them, unless you can try elongated models.
The ability to choose high-quality and stylish shoes can be compared to true talent. When you go shopping, you need to have a clear idea of what you're looking for and enough willpower to avoid buying shoes based on their appearance alone.
We decided to find out for sure what nuances you should pay attention to when choosing and buying new shoes. Today we are happy to share the results of these studies with you and give you tips to help you choose the perfect shoes.
What should you pay attention to?
First of all, once you have your pair in mind, make sure the toe and heel hold their shape. When you squeeze them and then release them, they should not remain deformed. The heel of the shoe should be rigid, as a soft heel can quickly sag, which will cause you a lot of inconvenience when walking. 
Secondly, new shoes should be tried on the larger foot. Believe it or not, many people have one leg slightly larger than the other. So, you should try several pairs of different sizes and choose the one that feels comfortable on both feet. 
Sustainability should be high on your list of considerations when purchasing new shoes. If you're looking for a pair of high heels, try applying a little pressure to your midfoot with your hand. In some cases, this can cause the heel to slide backward. This is a clear sign that this pair is not worth buying unless you are prepared to face the disadvantages of a wobbly gait and constant loss of balance (which will definitely cost you your nerves). 
You should also pay attention to the flexibility of the sole. Take the boots in one hand and try to bend them in half. An insufficiently flexible sole does not allow the foot joints to move normally. This can lead to problems with gait, fatigue, and the body having to increase its energy consumption. 
The problem with tight shoes
You also shouldn't buy shoes that are a little tight in the hopes that you'll be able to wear them. This can lead to problems with circulation and muscle function. In addition, such shoes quickly lose their presentable appearance. 
To avoid this situation, stand on a piece of paper with your socks on and outline the shape of your right and left feet. Cut out these outlines. Next time you go to the store, insert these shapes into the shoes you want to purchase. Both should fit into the shoe without bending at the edges. 
We recommend that you buy new shoes at the end of the day. The fact is that towards evening our legs swell a little. This means that a pair of shoes that fit perfectly in the morning will end up being too tight in the evening. Therefore, it is better to nip this problem in the bud and choose a pair that will make you feel comfortable around the clock! 
How to determine the comfort of shoes
Always check new shoes from the inside. The inner surface should be soft, without rough seams. The insole should be elastic and easy to remove. When trying on new shoes, make sure you can walk a few steps on a hard surface. Soft carpets will help make any boots feel comfortable. To get a better idea of whether you're comfortable, walk on the bare floor! 
If you are thinking about buying shoes with heels, then their maximum height should not exceed 9.5 cm. An acceptable distance between the sole and the heel should be at least 3 cm. The shorter the distance, the less stable the shoe, and the more weight is transferred to the toes legs 
You should remember that your feet may become a little longer and wider over time, so you should have them measured every 2 years, especially if you often buy shoes online. 
How to choose the right size
If you are buying high heels, it is very important to make sure that your feet do not slip. If your foot is already slipping when you purchase it, this effect will worsen over time, which can lead to problems when walking. 
If you're looking for a pair of fur-lined shoes, keep in mind that fur tends to wear out, resulting in extra empty space inside. 
When purchasing suede shoes, it is important to remember that they wear out quickly. Therefore, when trying them on in a store, make sure that the shoes fit your feet tightly.
If the boots have an elongated toe, there should be 1-2 cm of free space.
Shoes play a huge role in the development and prevention of foot and toe problems such as bunions, calluses, calluses and hammertoes. Inappropriate shoes make these conditions worse and more painful.
Key points
Comfortable, well-fitting shoes provide you with:
Relief of pain in the feet or toes that is caused by deformities and joint problems.
Prevent the development or worsening of foot or toe problems.
Preventing the recurrence of problems with the joints of the toes after corrective surgery.
Before you go shopping for shoes to correct your foot problems, ask your doctor for any recommendations.
What are the most common foot problems?
Bumps on the outside of the big toe, calluses, calluses and hammertoes are the most common problems that can develop over time. These problems can range from simple discomfort to pain. In severe cases, they can make it impossible to wear shoes.
See pictures of a bump on the outside of the big toe; hammertoe; calluses; and calluses.
Why are good shoes so important?
Well-fitting shoes are the key to both preventing and treating foot problems. You may develop a callus, callus, bunion, or hammertoe due to a variety of causes, such as joint disease, genetics, or stroke. But shoes play a huge role in how severe your foot condition will be.
If you have had surgery to correct your foot problems, wearing properly fitting shoes will reduce the likelihood of these problems recurring.
Although you can wear tight shoes or high heels after surgery without experiencing pain, these types of shoes increase the chance of developing foot problems again.
How do I choose the right shoes?
For some people, the only viable option is sandals or athletic shoes that won't rub against existing bunions, calluses, calluses, or hammertoes. But most people can find shoes that won't cause pain and allow them to lead a normal lifestyle. Before you go shopping for new shoes, ask your doctor for specific recommendations tailored to your needs.
When you go to the store to buy shoes, do not forget about the following points:
Try on shoes at the end of the day, when your feet are at their largest due to normal swelling.
If you have shoe inserts or orthotics, take them with you so you can try them with different shoes.
Shoe size, especially width, can change with age. By measuring the size of both feet, you can choose the right shoes for yourself and determine which foot is larger. Choose shoes based on how your larger foot feels.
During fitting, you need to stand and carefully listen to what you feel.
Walk around the store to make sure the shoes actually fit you.
If you think that the shoes suit you, but this is not your normal size, be guided by your feelings. Don't pay attention to the size.
If your shoes fit you well, you won't have to break them in.
If one shoe is tight, the seller may be able to stretch it.
When choosing the right shoes, look for:
Low heel. Avoid narrow, pointy, and high-heeled shoes. High heels increase pressure on the forefoot and toe joints. If you cannot avoid wearing pumps or high heels, choose heels no higher than 5 cm.
Shoes that are wide and deep at the foot level, especially in the toes. The distance between your longest toe and the end of the shoe should be at least 1.3 cm. You should be able to move your toes while wearing the shoe.
Shoes with a hard heel (reinforced heel), which will prevent your foot from slipping out of the shoe.
Flexible sole that allows your toes to bend as you walk.
Shoes that will fit tightly on the arch of your foot, at its widest point.
Closed shoes, which are better than lace-ups. Athletic shoes may be a good choice.
Shoes that breathe when your feet sweat. Avoid plastic or vinyl shoes.
Shoes that do not have seams that rub or irritate the skin over your skin problem.
At home:
Wear sandals, soft leather shoes, slippers, or buy cloth shoes and cut a hole over the affected joint.
Walk barefoot whenever possible (or wear socks) unless you have diabetes, peripheral artery disease, or other conditions that reduce the sensation in your feet. People who suffer from similar conditions with limited or no sensation in their feet should not walk barefoot because minor lesions that may go undetected are prone to infection.
“Walk more in your ballet shoes,” said an orthopedic doctor I knew, responding to my complaints about my back. “In a couple of years you won’t be able to straighten up at all, and it’s not just your back that will hurt.” This warning was not the first, so I, who had lowered my gaze guiltily, could only remain silent and blush. And again it didn’t work. Well, I didn’t believe that flat-soled shoes could be so harmful to health until...
Everyone knows that after the birth of a baby, a woman experiences severe weakness. For some reason, my weakness after childbirth increased 20 times when I went outside. It felt like all the energy was left at home when dressing the children for a walk.
And then one day, instead of my favorite ballet flats, I put on mid-heeled shoes. My surprise knew no bounds: where did she, the usual “street” weakness, go?!
Since then, having stopped attributing the tension and severe heaviness in my back, legs and arms to the postpartum period, I began to take the clothing element of my legs more seriously. Now, having collected the necessary information, I am telling the world how to choose the right shoes.
Why are flat-soled shoes dangerous?
A flat sole disrupts the correct position of the foot and leads to its deformation. Ligaments and tendons are stretched. Often, constant wearing of such shoes causes pain in the toes, especially the big one. This is just the beginning. Then the feet begin to hurt, then the knees. Fans of flat shoes develop transverse-longitudinal flatfoot, thrombophlebitis, arthritis, pathological changes in the Achilles tendon, and curvature of the toes. A common symptom of these diseases is severe pain in the legs.
The load on the spine when wearing flat-soled shoes is not distributed physiologically, which creates a high risk of developing the insidious disease osteochondrosis. Why, even intervertebral hernias!
What are the dangers of high heels and platforms?
Can you imagine people walking on stilts? Incredible work. If a woman wears a heel higher than 5 cm, her musculoskeletal system does approximately the same thing.
The foot in high-heeled shoes takes on an unnatural position. The support shifts - mainly to the forefoot. Normally, the foot should perform a spring function, i.e. protect the body from shocks that could damage it. When walking in high heels, this function is impaired. Each shock has a destructive effect on the spinal column.
Consequences of constantly wearing shoes with heels higher than 5 cm:
- corns, bumps (bursitis), deformation of bones in the legs
- swelling
- thrombophlebitis
- transverse flatfoot
- arthritis
- arthrosis
- varicose veins
- excessive back curvature, vertebral displacement, osteochondrosis
- displacement of internal organs
- injuries
The foot in high heels takes on an extremely unstable position, this is fraught with dislocations, sprains, and torn ligaments.
Wearing shoes on platforms and rocks is no less traumatic. The sole of such shoes is thick, it does not allow the legs to bend naturally when walking. Actually, the consequences of constantly wearing such shoes are the same as when walking in heels.
Ideal shoes: what are they?
Firstly, about the material from which the shoes are made. It is completely natural for human feet to wear shoes made from natural materials: leather, crack, nubuck, suede, fabric. Artificial fabrics do not have the property of hygroscopicity, i.e. They do not absorb sweat, the skin does not breathe in them. Shoes made of synthetic materials can emit harmful substances; feet in such shoes are always wet.
Secondly, shoes must have a heel. We have learned that flat soles and high heels are equally harmful when worn continuously. The optimal heel height is from 2 to 5 cm. Below and above is dangerous to health.
Thirdly, the back of the shoe is required. Since it is designed to secure the foot in the shoe, it should not be soft.
Fourthly, the toe of the shoe should be wide. A narrow toe deforms the foot. The load falls on the middle fingers. In this case, a so-called “bump” or “bone” is formed (bursitis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint), which also hurts.
About orthopedic insoles
There is an opinion that if you put an orthopedic insole in shoes with flat soles, it will not cause harm to your health. Unfortunately, this is a misconception. In this case, the heel remains approximately level with the toe.
In general, factory-made orthopedic insoles are not always effective, because... Each person has individual foot characteristics. It happens that the legs have different sizes. Modern orthopedics offers the production of individual orthopedic insoles, taking into account the characteristics of a particular person’s foot.
What should house shoes be like?
It is advisable to wear slippers at home with a heel of about 2 cm. There are orthopedic indoor shoes for adults and children.
What about men's shoes?
The requirements for men's shoes are the same as for women's. It has been proven that men's shoes are safer. A man most often chooses convenience over beauty. And the choice of the stronger sex is small, not like the ladies.
A little about children's shoes
Since most modern children have flat-valgus feet, it is recommended to wear orthopedic shoes from the time the child begins to walk. These shoes must be purchased “size-to-size”, and not for growth, because... The correct formation of the arch of the foot depends on this.
Let's go to the shoe store
It is advisable to buy shoes in the afternoon, since in the evening the foot becomes a little larger. For everyday wear, choose shoes made from natural materials. And it’s better not to skimp, if possible. A stingy person, as the famous saying goes, pays twice.
If convenience is on one side of the scale, and the external attractiveness of the model is on the other, choose the first.
When choosing shoes, remember what they should be so as not to cause harm to health: heel 2-5 cm, hard heel, wide toe. Shoes should not be too wide or too narrow.
The sole of the shoes should be moderately soft: it should bend easily and take its previous shape without deforming the toe.
Winter shoes should have wide soles and good treads, autumn-spring shoes should not let moisture in, summer shoes should have a heel to secure the foot.
The toes should not rest against the toe, but lightly touch it.
Try on shoes on both feet and walk around the room to evaluate the comfort.
In conclusion…
Of course, there are times when a woman needs to look “perfect.” Sometimes you can afford high heels and even stilettos. Or go for a walk with the dog in ballet shoes. But wearing these shoes all the time is dangerous. Wrong shoes have an extremely unpleasant effect on the health of the legs, back and even internal organs.
Remembering the introduction to this article, I would like to wish readers not to be as frivolous in choosing shoes as its author once was.
Properly selected, comfortable and practical shoes will highlight a person’s individual style and will serve for many years. Shoes should fit snugly and secure the foot, be comfortable in the instep and practical to use.
Size selection. The correct choice of size is the key to the health of the musculoskeletal system. Shoes need to be tried on while standing, since when walking you can fully evaluate the comfort of a pair. If shoes have a tapered toe, you should choose shoes that are 1 cm larger. A small size will lead to poor circulation, deformation of the foot and toes. Large shoes also have a negative impact - incorrect placement of the foot on the arch support increases the load on the joints and distributes it incorrectly.- The choice of fullness is a line passing through the bone of the big toe and little toe. International standards are from E to I. If you choose a small fullness, the shoes quickly trample and squeeze. With great fatness, the foot “slips” and the joints quickly get tired.
- Material. The best material for shoes is genuine leather. It adjusts to your foot as you wear it. Protects against moisture. Thanks to natural pores, it has a thermoregulatory effect. A common material in shoe making is suede. Such shoes look impressive and do not go out of fashion, but caring for the material is quite complicated. Suede is impractical, quickly becomes greasy, and accumulates dirt. Shoes made of textiles do not protect against moisture, quickly wear out and lose their appearance, but in the summer such a model will be comfortable and light.
- Heels up to 5 cm in height are necessary for proper distribution of weight on the joints and the prevention of diseases of the foot and the entire musculoskeletal system. Heels higher than 5 cm transfer weight to the toe, causing a violation of the physiological position of the body. Platform shoes lead to flat feet. No matter how dangerous high heels are to health, a large number of women wear them more than four times a week. To avoid health problems, when wearing high heels frequently, you need to follow the following rules:
- Instead of a thin stiletto heel, it is better to choose a wide, stable heel. Moreover, this year this form is very relevant in the fashion world.
- If the shoes have an open heel, then the function of fixing the leg is taken over by the sock - it should be closed.
- You can wear high-heeled shoes for no longer than 4 hours at a time.
- Pay attention to regular stretching sessions for your legs and feet.
- Choosing shoes for your body type. There are several universal tips for choosing shoes to suit your figure:
- For full calves, choose high elastic boots. In the summer, platform sandals will visually narrow your feet. You cannot choose shoes with decoration on the ankle - it will make the leg even thicker and shorter.
- Flat shoes go well with cropped trousers and above-the-knee skirts.
- Black shoe colors will go with any clothes, bright ones can be worn with pastel-colored suits, light colors make the foot heavier and make it wider.
- The pronounced horizontal strap visually shortens the leg.
- Ankle boots are best worn with trousers to create a continuous line.
- High heels are best suited for skinny jeans: stiletto heels or wide, stable ones. The choice of width and heel model depends on the style of the trousers.
- Pair with a maxi skirt with Greek weave sandals. Open stilettos look great with a mid-length skirt. It is not recommended to wear high heels with short skirts - the image will turn out vulgar. Wicker boots with low heels are better suited.
- For wide trousers (flares, Bermuda shorts, banana shorts, trousers, riding breeches), you need to choose shoes without heels and closed toes.
Properly chosen shoes will protect your feet from overwork and the development of joint and vascular diseases. Such a pair will last a long time and save your budget. A tastefully chosen model will emphasize the style and complete the current look.
