shoes

4 Easy Ways To Make Your Shoes More Comfortable

May 17, 2012 at 9:30 am , by Gabrielle Porcaro

In our Killer Heels story, we discussed the fact that wearing super-high heels can lead to some foot issues. Now, I would never tell anyone to stop wearing heels completely (everything in moderation, right?). They can do wonders for your legs — not to mention your self-esteem — but there is nothing worse than having to hobble around with sore, achy feet. Luckily there are some genius products out there that mean you don’t have to suffer.

Pressure Pointz from Foot Petals are one of my new favorites. They’re small thick adhesives you can stick  right on the area where your shoe is hurting to relieve any pressure — these definitely will be in my purse all summer. Dr Scholl’s massage gel insoles fit into any shoes and will keep you feeling like you’re walking on pillows all day. If you do get a blister, Nexcare has great waterproof bandages that will help you survive until they heal. And what about smelly feet (which can be painful to those around you)? I’m a big fan of baby powder, but then I end up tracking white footprints around my apartment. Summer Soles scented insoles keep your shoes and feet smelling fresh.

Stock up on these products and (some new shoes) and your feet will be forever grateful!

---

Shopping with Sue…at Nine West

May 3, 2012 at 11:59 am , by Sue Erneta

It’s official. My toes have been released from the confines of winter. Now, I know that the weather has not been very warm in New York but once I wake my toes from their cold weather hibernation, there’s no putting them back. No more boots. No more tights. So, today I’m taking you shopping for some new summer sandals at one of my favorite shoe companies: Nine West. There’s simply not another brand on the planet that hits every shoe trend at such amazing prices. Here’s my hit list of the top 5 shoes to have this summer.

1. Something flat – We shot these gold beauties in Joshua Tree (you can see the story in our June issue on newsstands May 8th) and though I live in my gold Matt Bernson flat sandals every summer, I think I need to shake it up a bit and add these into the mix. Wewantit, $79.

2. Something floral – Like I said, when the toes come out, they stay out but a little peep might be enough. These would be fun with the pretty, blushy colored skirts and dresses we’ve been seeing this season. (I got this one from Zara.) Feelngood, $99.

3. Something nude – I get a new neutral platform sandal each spring because I wear them to death. By “wear them to death”, I mean there is literally no life in them at the end of the season. This summer, I’ll be picking up Nine West’s Hotlist in Light Natural Leather ($89) because they’re cute and not a bad substitute for the YSL Tribute that I’ve been coveting forEVER. (Um…$795? Not for something that me and the New York City streets are going to murder in 3 months time. Well, actually not for anything!)

4. Something bright – High heeled wedges are so comfy that they’re like slippers to me so I’ll definitely be picking up these bright orange (or should I get the yellow? No, the orange. No wait…) woven heeled wedges. Oh, they’re on sale! Maybe I’ll get both. Troischic, $59.

5. Something crazy – Oh boy, it’s that gorgeous Hotlist style that I loved in nude but this time it’s in…muticolored glitter! Could any outfit be sad with these babies on your feet? I don’t think I need to tell you that my 1st grade diva daughter nearly passed out when I brought these home. Hotlist glitter sandals, $69.

Say it with me…Free Those Toes! Free Those Toes! (And don’t forget your pedi! Zoya’s bright orange Paz is going to be my summer 2012 color.) Happy shopping!

All images from ninewest.com

---

Go Ask Gab: More Fall Boots!

October 12, 2011 at 9:10 am , by Gabrielle Porcaro

Sometimes when we work on stories we fall in love with too many boots. Here are some of my favorites that didn’t make the cut for our boot story in our November issue — we love them equally as much as the ones that did!

---

My crazy shoes

June 15, 2011 at 9:21 am , by Sue Erneta

My boss thinks I’m crazy. No, really. You should have seen her face when she saw the shoes I was wearing yesterday. Actually, a lot of people think I’m crazy for the heels I wear. But to me, they make perfect sense.

You see, I’m 5’1″. (Well, really 5′ 3/4″ but don’t tell anyone.) And in this glamorous fashion industry filled with statuesque beauties, I can often feel a little intimidated if I choose flats on a day when everyone else is wearing heels. (And believe me, most people working in fashion wear heels everyday.) But I promise – I’m not crazy enough to wear uncomfortable shoes. Anything that pinches my toes, causes major blisters or makes the balls of my feet throb, gets left in the back of the closet (or the shoe graveyard under my desk). And lucky for me, I consider sky-high heels to be comfortable with one caveat – there’s got to be a platform in the front. I don’t know what I’ll do when this platform trend is over because it really saves me everyday.

So, other than my need for a little extra height (with a 4-5 inch heel, I can actually be…not tall but…average!), there’s one other reason why I wear these crazy shoes. I like them. And isn’t that what fashion is all about?

So, tell me…what crazy trend do you follow just because you like it?

Photo of the Pawla shoe from Boutique 9 courtesy of Nine West.com.

---

Go Ask Gab: Heels That Don’t Sink

May 24, 2011 at 2:28 pm , by Gabrielle Porcaro

Gab, I am going to be in a wedding that the ceremony is outside on grass. Our dresses are long, so I can’t wear flats and while I need a stable base to stand on during the nuptials, I also need to keep those puppies on the whole night. Can you suggest a pair of classy, stable shoes that are also inexpensive? - Cara

Last weekend I attended an outdoor wedding in a pair of black strappy skinny heeled sandals. My friend told me I was making her nervous because I kept fidgeting during the cocktail hour, but I couldn’t stand still because my heels just kept sinking! At least I aerated the grass right?

This is definitely something ladies should consider before attending an outdoor event, whether you’re throwing it, a guest or even the a bride yourself. You basically need a shoe that’s a wedge because it will give you the height and the comfort.

Here are some styles that are sturdy + inexpensive + dressy (ie. no cork or wood bottoms). All of these options are especially great because they are neutral-colored and fairly inexpensive. If you don’t love the wedges, you could also wear something with a thicker heel. And if you choose to just ignore the fact that you will be standing on grass (like I did last weekend) just make sure you wear shoes that won’t get stained. Let photos be the memory of that day not dirty heels!

---

Go Ask Gab: Chic Travel Shoes

May 10, 2011 at 11:22 am , by Gabrielle Porcaro

Gab, I’m going to Italy on my honeymoon and there will be a lot of walking. I just can’t roll up in a pair of mom/granny shoes or huge sneakers. Do stylish walking shoes exist? Any other kinds of shoes that won’t kill my feet? — Amanda

I went through the same dilemma when I traveled to Italy 4 years ago. I didn’t want pictures of me from my first trip to my family’s homeland sporting lame sneakers so I rocked Converse the whole trip. That’s me sporting them at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. I’m taking a rest from dazzling my friends with knowledge of Renaissance sculpture and getting in a fight with a nun (there was some confusion about the placement of a decimal point on a price… forgive me!).

It’s a tough one because you want to be supported and comfortable all day and that doesn’t always equal stylish. My trick is to bring a few different types of shoes and switch it up. Then your feet don’t get used to one shoe. It’s spring/summer time so shoes are light and easy to pack and you can certainly wear one pair on the plane to save space while packing. Here are some ideas:

Any low profile sneaker is a good option. I am currently obsessed with New Balance’s new Minimus sneakers which is their barefoot inspired line. They are all incredibly sleek and weigh a lot less than normal sneakers. My favorite is the fitness/walking shoe which are so light they inspire me to do ballet moves every time I wear them- true story. I also think PF-Flyers sneakers are very comfortable because they have a thick cushy sole. This gray canvas style is a good option that will go with everything.

As for non-sneakers, we are huge Toms fans at LHJ because of their Do Good aspect but they are also super comfy. Pick a fun print or a bold color like red and it will style-up a t-shirt and jeans. Any fun flat espadrille would work as well.  I would also recommend Sperry’s Top-Sider boat shoes. They are cute, preppy and classic so no regrets years later when you look back at your photos.

If you want to take a pair of sandals, pick a pair with support or comfort features like Cole Haan or Naturalizers. Get a cute pair that can also work for a nice casual dinner. You can also embrace the Boho trend or return to your hippie routes and rock some Birkenstocks. Just no flip flops — flip flops are only for the beach! I know this is a rule that I myself break, but they aren’t going to support your feet and will probably give you blisters.

Wear the shoes a bit before traveling to break them in and check that they won’t hurt. Make sure you pack some Band-Aids and have them on you each day. You don’t want to spread your DNA all over the Louvre from bleeding blisters like one of my friends did while we were in Paris — not fun! One last suggestion, pack some Baby Powder. I mean it’s your honeymoon and you might be wearing these shoes sans socks.  Stinky feet is definitely a mood spoiler!

---

Go Ask Gab: Making High Heels Comfortable

April 27, 2010 at 11:57 am , by Gabrielle Porcaro

I’ve gotten really lazy lately and worn flats almost exclusively. I’ve decided to try to reintroduce my heels into my wardrobe but OUCH, they hurt—even more than they used to. Do I just have to suck it up or is there anything I can do to help make them more comfy? The ouch-factor has me running back to my flats, big-time! – Amanda

Well there are several ways to attack this problem. Here are my suggestions:

* Don’t jump feet-first into 4-inch heels (in fact, you shouldn’t jump in 4-inch heels at all—ha!). Try to first ease into heel that’s around 2.5 to 3 inches. J.Crew always has some stylish sensible heels

* Pick a shoe with a thicker stacked heel. It’s studier, thus easier to walk in. These Banana Republic pumps will keep you from wobbling.

* Shoes with a platform are also more comfortable and give you added height. Love these Ann Taylor platform sandals.

* Wedges also tend to be more supportive and easier to walk in. LOFT’s cross strap wedges seem like a great option.

* Try a shoes with hidden support technology. Kenneth Cole and Cole Haan both offer shoes with extra comfort.

* Add an insert for more added comfort: My favorite brands are Dr. Scholl’s, Apara and Foot Petals.

If you STILL can’t take heels, check out my spring flat story for some great new options!

---