Walk Tall, not in Pain

 

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By Christopher Peculiar 

People say "Beauty is pain" and every woman knows that moment when your heels start feeling like a torture, halfway through an event. You look fabulous, but deep down, your feet are begging for mercy, but still, you need to maintain your steeze and composure while walking. And some, because of the pain opt for flat shoes or baby shoes. But who rocks flat shoes for dresses like Ankara, lace or traditional wears? Most times it's not the heels itself, it's you choosing a style, that doesn't match your foot shape or arch type and that's why you experience blisters, sores, ankle pain whenever you put on your heels. The truth is, heels don’t have to hurt. With the right pair, you can walk tall, look classy, and still feel comfortable all day.

So here's a quick solution for you. But before that, let's briefly look at some types of heels:

Mule

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Mule heels are backless shoes that come in a variety of heel shapes and heights. They can feature closed or open toes and range from low, subtle kitten heels to dramatic stilettos and sturdy block heels. 

Stilettos

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A stiletto heel, or just stiletto, is a shoe with a long, thin, high heel. It is named after the stiletto dagger. Stiletto heels looks so classy, but they can make your feet beg for mercy. A quick advice, take an extra slippers like you would, to avoid, the popular rant, "God Abeg".

Block Heels

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Block heels are a comfortable and stylish alternative to stilettos, featuring a wide, chunky, or square base for greater stability. Their supportive design distributes weight more evenly, making them suitable for long days and walking on uneven surfaces. 

Wedges 

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Wedges are a type of heel characterized by a sole that runs from the front of the shoe to the back, forming a solid, continuous wedge shape. For ladies having issues with walking with heels, wedge is actually a beautiful idea for you. I remember learning how to walk with heels through "wedges". Wedges are Chic, balanced, and easy to walk in.

Now, that we've discussed the types of heels, here's the solution to finding heels that match your feet. The real secret to walking tall without pain is knowing how to choose the right pair of heels for your feet. Not every heel is meant for every foot, and that’s where most people get it wrong. Sometimes, you stumble on heels online and because it's fascinating or trendy, you jump on it immediately, or, maybe you see a celebrity putting on a particular heels and it looks so attractive, you rush to buy the same, without pitying your feet first. The truth is, your comfort in heels has more to do with your foot shape, arch type, and balance than with the heel itself. Once you understand how your feet works, you’ll never have to suffer just to look good again.

So here are some practical tips: 

Measure your feet: Get your feet professionally measured and know your length and width. If your feet are different sizes, fit them to the larger foot. Or back then, the Local way of measuring or knowing your foot size is the "broom method". Our mothers would place a broomstick beside our foot, measure the length, and then head to the market to find a shoe that fits the size of the broom. Simple? But it worked! Knowing your exact size helps you avoid shoes that are too tight or too loose, which are often the real reason behind blisters and discomfort. For online purchases, measure your feet accurately and walk in them for at least 10 minutes to test the fit before returning if there is any discomfort. 

Try on heels later in the day when your feet are slightly swollen for a more accurate fit.

Walk around: Don't just stand in the shoes. Walk on different surfaces to ensure they are comfortable and stable, and check that your heel doesn't slip.

Check for gaps: Ensure there is no gap between your heel and the shoe, but also no pinching or rubbing. Also, make sure your toes can spread out naturally and aren't squeezed together. 

In Conclusion, Your heels should make you stand gallant with confidence and poise and not punish you. When you choose wisely by understanding your foot size, checking your heel height, and caring for your comfort, every step becomes a statement of confidence. So, next time you wear heels, remember: Don’t just walk tall. "Walk tall with confidence and not in pain".