{ a blog all about the love of shoes }
August 25, 2011 
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When an outfit and a shoe don’t complement one another, the whole get-up is destroyed. Women of all ages have struggled time and time again to pull off a sophisticated outfit with comfortable shoes to avoid aching feet, unflattering blisters, or the inability to walk alongside fast-paced friends. Luckily, designers have taken us ladies into consideration. No longer do you have to mismatch a perfectly adorable outfit with sneakers, overworked flats, or wildly unbecoming high heels. Here are some of my picks for cutest comfortable shoe.
Oxfords: Pay homage to your uniform-wearing private-school days by donning a pair of oxfords that exude a much appreciated modern twist. The Keats shoe by Miz Mooz perfectly blends everything we appreciated about oxfords – comfort, delicate stitching, and laces for adjustable support – and adds another plus, chic wearability. Available in rich mahogany-tinged brown leather, these shoes offer a platform sole and a 4-inch heel for added comfort. They’re perfect for any outfit and can easily transition from day to evening.
Wedges: Perfectly paired with maxi dresses, capri pants, cute shorts or cuffed jeans, wedges are the epitome of fashionable comfort. If you’re looking for a simple yet elegant shoe, try the Eye to Eye in light tan by Seychelles. Complete with a 4 1/2-inch stacked heel, platform sole, and delicate cut-out detailing, this must-have design is ideal for chic dinners with that special someone.
Espadrilles: When graduating from sandals, most women enrolled in the University of Espadrilles. Always playful, summery, and full of flair, this shoe category welcomes a star— the Tilly in cream by Boutique 9. Ideal for warm weather days in the city and long hours in the office, this fashion-forward flirty shoe boasts a platform sole and wedge heel for added comfort, as well as leather ruching for style and versatility.
Naz Papen
Naz Papen is a frequent contributor to MyShoes.com.
June 19, 2011 Comments (0)
Last month we spent some time discussing splurging versus spending when it comes to shoes. And if you’ve decided that now is your time to splurge, may we suggest the Stuart Weitzman Blog pumps. Coming in at around a cool $300, the versatile shoes are comfortable and will last in your work wardrobe for years to come.
Why We Love Them
The Stuart Weitzman Blog pumps are ideal for the working woman on the go. The pumps have a low 2 ½-inch heel and platform. This means even those who have zero experience walking in heels will be more than able to get around in these shoes with ease. If you’re tired of toting an extra pair of shoes with you to and from work (you know, in case your feet give out), the Blog pumps work from morning to night because they’re all about comfort.
Choosing a Color
The Blog pumps are available in an array of basic colors. Nude is ideal for spring and summer, and these shoes happen to be available in two nude shades. One is more of a peachy-pink while the other is a warm chestnut hue. If you have a medium or deep skin tone you may find the chestnut shade more suitable, while those with fair skin may opt for the peach. There’s also navy and black, plus a pair of patent gray for those who already have the basics in their wardrobe.
How to Wear Them
Sport the Blog pumps with any office duds you have. Sheath dresses, suits, and tailored jackets will all play nicely with these classic pumps. If you opt for a dark pair, you can wear opaque or printed tights with these shoes in the winter. The nude colors can work on the weekend or for casual events when worn with a blouse and trouser pants or a cardigan and straight-leg jeans. It’s a basic pump, only with a more wearable heel than most, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to styling these staple shoes.
Samantha Cabrera
Samantha Cabrera is a freelance writer who covers the best of fashion and beauty.
June 9, 2011 Comments (2)
A hammer toe is a condition where the toes painfully bend in on each other. The phenomenon is thought to be caused by wearing high heels or otherwise uncomfortable footwear, which forces the toes into an unnatural position.
It turns out, however, that you can stave off this unsightly foot condition without sacrificing your prized collection of stilettos. The following are a few tips to keep your feet hammer free:
1. Limit High Heel Wear: Yes, we know that we all have to suffer for fashion, but perhaps you could limit that suffering to the office or the club, and slide into a pair of comfy flats as you commute to and from the office.
2. Wide Toe Box: When looking for new styles, look for those that have a wider toe box. A square or rounded toe box is less likely to smash your toes and induce a hammer toe over time than say, a pair of ultra-pointy stilettos.
3. Arch Support: Look for styles that have good arch support, as this can help distribute your body weight across the entire shoe. Shoes with poor arch support can cause you to pitch forward, which can lead to some serious toe smashing.
4. Take Your Time: Before making a purchase, either in the store or upon delivery to your home, really try them on. Take them for a serious spin around the store or your living room for AT LEAST 10 MINUTES. And besides checking out how awesome those new shoes make your legs and feet look, also consider how they really feel. Are you slipping (a sign that the size is wrong), are any of your toes feeling pinched?
If, however, after all these precautions, you still develop signs of a hammer toe, do not panic! There are a variety of pads and gel protectors available to help make your shoes more comfortable. But if the pain gets too bad it is recommended that you visit your doctor. He or she can explain your options, which can range from a splint system that can help straighten the toe over time, to corrective surgery.
Lianne Woolley
June 6, 2011 Comments (0)
June is going to be an exciting month, astrologically speaking. There will be three eclipses this month, and the stars are in perfect position to make lucky things happen.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Stress is your enemy. A few worrisome incidents could pop up this month, but you must try to keep stress from overwhelming you. Hold onto your comfort shoes, and don’t wear anything that hurts your feet. You need all the comfort you can get this month.
Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)
Your income is due for a boost in June, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for what you know you deserve. When you’re in the boss’s office asking for that extra bump in the paycheck, make sure that your shoes are particularly glossy. And since you’re in for a big income increase, how about treating yourself to a celebratory pair of new shoes as well?
Gemini (May 21 – June 20)
While you won’t travel this month, you will be taking to the roads, the seas or the skies very soon. Since it always pays to think ahead, you should look for a pair of flat shoes that will look stylish and be comfortable no matter where you go.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22)
Evaluate your life and your goals this month. Have you grown more in the professional world than expected? Are you where you want to be, or making inroads to reach your goals? Since your life is rapidly changing, this is the perfect month to get a makeover. Go with it, and don’t forget to shop for a new pair of shoes.
Leo (July 23 – Aug 22)
You’re more creative than ever this month, and that will show in your wardrobe. Branch out and experiment with trends in June to start a new look and make yourself look sharp. Your speaking skills will be in high demand this month, so looking polished is crucial.
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Changes are going to be happening for you. Do you already feel them starting? Look for shoes that can go from a morning commute to a night out, and you’ll find your day slides by much more smoothly. You’ll feel more optimistic this month, too, and that means you might decide to splurge on a fun shoe purchase.
Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)
Money and friendship are in your future this month. With such a combination in play, it’ll be easy to enjoy a group shopping spree. But choose your words carefully when you’re out with the girls this month. You might have difficulties with one person in your trusted circle.
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
As the month draws to a close, you could feel unusually worn out or tired. Try to fight those feelings with shoes that support and protect. No cheap shoes this month, please, and try to soak your feet in a warm bath as often as possible.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
You are going to be working out a lot this month, so buy yourself a new pair of sneakers before you hit the gym. You won’t just be tackling cardio, either, but exciting sports like kickboxing and maybe a martial arts sport. Success will be yours when sparring or competing as well.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
This is a month of getting results. Want to find a great deal on shoes? It’s out there for you. Want to concentrate on quitting bad habits? You’ll be able to do it without any trouble. Stay positive and stay happy, and you’ll get what you want during this exciting month of action.
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
You’ve had some struggles with your finances, but you’ll see that solutions to those problems pop up in June. Try cleaning out your closet and donating your old shoes to charity. It’s time for a fresh start.
Pisces (Feb 19 – March 20)
Positive changes are brewing for you this month. Shine up your work shoes and practice a winning smile because this is your chance to shine like never before. You are going to need a new work outfit or two, so buy the best you can afford. This change in your professional life will last a long, long time.
Mei Sawyer
May 6, 2011 Comments (0)
Luxury shoe designer Raphael Young thinks he might have achieved the holy grail of shoes: Creating a sky-high stiletto that’s as comfortable as a flat. In fact, he’s so sure that his new design will revolutionize the way women think about shoes, that he’s patented his creation.
Inspiration
Young was inspired to create comfortable shoes more than a decade ago while visiting a factory that produced flexible footwear that mimics the wearer’s natural walk. This point marked the beginning of an obsession with crafting a shoe that was stylish, but could be worn all day without pain. Approximately 12 years later he unveiled a shoe with a design that he describes as “dramatically improving the comfort and flexibility of the shoe while keeping an external look similar to any other standard shoe.”
The range of shoes, dubbed R-Flex, boasts steel inserts in the heel for stability, as well as a latex gel injection in the leather soles and a rubber injection in the area under the balls of the feet. To improve the stability of these shoes, which are so flexible they can literally be bent in half, Young added an “anti-twisting steel accessory” near the toes that is designed to stabilize the shoe and prevent ankle twisting.
Round and Peep
In terms of style, the shoes are offered in round- and peep-toe varieties, with closed heels or sling-back straps. They’re also available in a range of colors. I would describe them as a nice, classic shoe to wear to the office and then on to happy hour. And with the promise of keeping you comfortable, you might be able to ditch those ballet flats you have stashed in your work bag!
But before you get too excited about Raphael Young’s R-Flex, please note that they come with a steep price tag: $600. But is it possible to pay too high a price for comfort and fashion?
Lianne Woolley
May 4, 2011 Comments (0)
Are you prone to blisters? I know I am. I’ve been battling blisters for years, and they can be quite the nuisance to say the least. In all of my years of shoe-shopping experience, I’ve discovered that there are certain shoe styles that are less likely to cause these oh-so-extraordinary little lumps of pain. The following shoe styles have spaired my feet from a bounty of blisters; perhaps they can do the same for you:
Shoe Styles
Sensible Heels: Lower heels can decrease the stress felt on your feet, so if you’re looking for a shoe that really feels comfortable, you need heels that are perfect for you. We’re all built differently, and some of us are simply supported better by a lower, blockier heel. When your feet are at their most comfortable, blisters are a lot less likely to occur.
Suede Shoes: When it comes to matte suede vs. shiny leather, suede often wins for me. Why? Because suede shoes have always proven to be much more forgiving to my feet. It might be because shinier leather, especially patent, is more likely to trap sweat, which can then lead to blisters. Our suede indulgent pick of the day: the Fastwist platform ankle bootie in brown suede by Christian Louboutin. Simply extraordinary!
Flexisole Shoes: Shoes with especially flexible soles are less likely to cause pain. When your shoes move with your feet, hugging them perfectly, it eliminates those odd areas of friction you get with other pairs. The hot points are gone, and you’ll actually be able to walk to lunch in your work shoes if you want.
Design Considerations
Open Back Sandals: These sandals completely eliminate one major area where blisters form: the backs of your heels. If you have serious issues with your straps rubbing or slipping, then you should try to circumvent the issue with slip-on sandals that don’t have a back strap. Problem solved.
Lace-Up Heels: If you wear heels, boots, or sandals that lace up the front, the laces will allow you to adjust the shoes as needed. Giving yourself more room or making your shoes snug can help create the perfect fit needed to prevent blisters from occurring.
Do your feet feel better already? In a pinch, don’t forget that when you feel a blister starting to form, you can use a smear of any petroleum-based lip balm to keep it from developing further. Reapply as needed during the day until you can switch to a pair of flats or take off your shoes.
Mei Sawyer
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