Excited for the races but not for sore feet? At TWH we not only have you covered with 2018’s top shoe trends for the racing season, but also what’s going to look good and be comfortable on the day. So giddy up with our top 5 tips for owning it at the races, and most importantly avoiding the unsightly ‘heels in hands’ look at the end of the day.
- Stay on trend with block colours
Block and bold colours are right on trend this season which we think is great. Bright red, orange and pinks are high on the list, but if you are after something a little more subtle a blue shoe also fits the bill. Block colour shoes are a safe investment if you are thinking of splurging a little this season as they can usually be matched with pretty much anything from jeans to a suit. How amazing are these Ferragamo F Wedge sandals in blue satin! We have these and more block coloured shoes available on The Shoe Equation to tempt you!
2. Get comfortable with block heels or wedges
Okay, this one should be obvious but there tends to be quite a lot of grass walking at the races and stiletto heels generally don’t work so well. Unless of course you are trying to aerate the grass for some pre-fertilizer treatment. So unless you want your feet to be stuck all day and not to mention a ruined heel, it’s best to stick to a block heel or wedge. Overall these heels are a lot more stable and have a wider surface area which is less likely to cause issues. These Beau Coops Empson heels would work perfectly for a day at the races. The white upper is perfect for Spring/Summer and the gold heel gives them a nice touch. We have these available on The Shoe Equation with lots of other block heels and wedges that will keep you comfortable and “unstuck” all day.
3. Opt for a mule
Mules are a fantastic option for a day at the races when you want to keep comfortable. Let’s face it, after many hours of standing and with heat in the equation most people find that their legs and feet swell a little… sometimes a lot! A mule is more likely to accommodate oedema or swelling in the feet than a closed in shoe. Try to stick to a midi heel for extra comfort and pay attention to the material on the upper. The fashionable PVC shoes probably aren’t a good choice on a hot day but a material upper such as this Tony Bianco Bacardi Black Osaka would work really well. We love this shoe!
4. Rest your feet
This one can be a little hard to maneuver at the races, but if you really want to be comfortable and stay in those shoes all day a little time out is usually necessary. Why not plan ahead and take a picnic blanket or make your way to the bar area which usually has chairs or stools. Another tip is to do some heel lifts (transfer weight up onto the toes and then relax down onto the foot) and some foot rotations to encourage better circulation in the legs and feet. Depending on how high the heel on the shoe is, it may also pay off to do some calf stretches when you duck to the ladies to release any calf contraction/shortening. The balls of your feet will thank you for it! We have a fantastic YouTube video showing you all of these stretches and exercises you could manage while you are actually out and about!
5. Be prepared
I’m not sure we subscribe to the idea of using a dish sponge to improve comfort in your shoes, however we are all about preparation! Avoid wearing shoes for the first time on a day at the races to avoid blisters and skin irritation. Try wearing them around the house with a thick sock to stretch any areas of stiff leather. If the heel is a little high it is definitely worthwhile investing in a forefoot cushion to offload the ball of the foot. We also recommend that you take regular breaks and have an emergency kit in your handbag to deal with any shoe problems. A silicone spot, strip or heel grip is priceless when you have painful feet. With these 3 items and a ball of foot cushion you can usually deal with any shoe emergency!
So have fun racing ladies and remember to follow these simple steps to avoid shoe disasters and painful feet on your day out!
Until next time,
E&E
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