Chapter 1: Size Matters

You’ve seen them everywhere. In the isles at supermarkets, stumbling around the mall, stopping ever so slightly to adjust their – shoes!

These women clearly have no idea how to properly fit or wear their footwear.

And why is that? Are women not born in heels? Are we not taught that the proper shoes can make the entire outfit?

Of course we are! However, many of us are so blinded by the adorable shoe that we totally disregard the most important criteria: fit.

Fit is the primary thing you should look for before deciding to buy that gorgeous pair of heels. You must ask yourself – are you willing to walk around for hours in agonizing pain just to show off your latest shoe splurge? If the answer is no, we have to talk.

Many people think amazing shoes must be brutal for your feet. These people are absolutely incorrect. Many of these painful shoe blunders could be cleared up for good once you discover your proper fit!

Sizes does matter. If you want to walk without pain, please do not be married to your ‘designated’ shoe size. Throw this size out of the window! Many mainstream shoe brands are cut differently from the next. Just like your favorite jeans, getting the right shoe fit requires time. Do not rush to buy a pair of cute shoes just to be unhappily dancing the night away! You must wear the correct size depending on the style that you choose.

For example, a pointy-toed stiletto may require that you wear one half to one whole size UP. Yes, up. Do not be afraid. Going a size up in the shoe department is not as scary as it seems. In fact, you may just have a revelation – your feet will not hurt. This small size adjustment will make your heels more comfortable – and no, no one will notice.

Are the shoes too large? Do they slip off of your feet while you walk? If so, you must go down at least one half size and try again. If going down a size does not correct the problem, or if the shoes are now too tight – this shoe is not going to fit you. Do not try to “make it work”. There is no such thing. You want to be comfortable and confident in your shoes! Try another pair.

A very common mistake I see daily is women who buy a shoe without trying it on OR walking around in it. You absolutely MUST walk in the shoes. Once you have put them on, stand up. As soon as you are balanced, make sure these shoes are of the proper height. Do they feel stable? Proper fit must be determined by walking on both soft and hard surfaces. Be sure to walk around on the carpet first. Then, move to the nearby hard surface flooring. You will always be able to ascertain whether or not a shoe will be functional by walking on a hard surface. The hard surface test will also make you aware of the soles of the shoes – are they extremely slippery? Do they feel off balance? Slippery soles can be fixed. However, unbalanced shoes should be written off altogether. Falling down for the sake of fashion is never cute.

Please ladies, I beg of you - do not buy the shoes if you cannot walk in them! Be realistic. It is perfectly normal to have difficulty walking in sky high stilettos. There is an art to walking well in heels, and it can be learned – but not without practice.

If you cannot walk in the shoes after you have completed your carpet and hard surface test, move on. If the shoes feel like they are slipping off of your feet, or you feel your toes curling over the front of the shoes, move on.

If the shoes fit you and feel comfortable, congratulations! You have found your perfect size!

Yes, it is a sad day when a pair of hot shoes are not “the one” for you. Do not worry. There are plenty more shoes that are fabulous AND functional. You just have to find them =)