Yes, it’s that time of year again! When girls and guys alike are trawling the shops looking for the perfect formal/prom outfit for one of the biggest nights of their lives.
Finding the perfect frock is essential to how you are going to feel and present yourself on the night. But what about the shoes? We are often quick to buy a pair that matches the dress perfectly, however the wrong purchase can absolutely ruin your night!
Constant foot pain, walking awkwardly and giving yourself a foot injury are all very real possibilities with the wrong shoe. So here are TWH’s top 5 tips to nailing the perfect prom/formal shoe
1.Watch the heel height!
Our default thought when it comes to prom or formal is that a super high heel will finish off a formal outfit perfectly, but let’s face the facts girls – most of the time you’re in your school shoes and not used to hours in heels. To suddenly put on a pair of six inch stilettos and walk with finesse and without pain is often an impossible task! We suggest a midi heel or a small forefoot platform or wedge to aid in equalising pressures between the forefoot and rearfoot thereby aiding foot comfort. This will allow a more normal gait and more dancing time! (and less looking like a baby giraffe taking their first steps)
2. Choose a shoe with ankle and/or mid foot straps
By being a little more particular with stability features within a shoe, the foot will be more supported which will reduce forefoot friction and reduce the risk of an ankle sprain. We recommend a shoe with a closed in heel counter or a strap around the ankle. A zip up the back of the heel counter will also offer this or a wide strap that can be tied. The wider the strap the more stability. Softer leather straps are advisable to reduce friction and they can be tied tighter to lock the foot into place. Current fashion trends will determine what is available, but there are generally numerous styles that offer the above suggestions.
3. Cushioning, cushioning, cushioning
Choose a shoe that has cushioning in the insole. It’s not rocket science that when a high heel is worn the majority of the body’s weight is loaded through the forefoot. Most shoes have at least a little cushioning in them but some have more than others. If the shoe is relatively hard and has a leather sole, it may be necessary to use a forefoot cushioned pad within the shoe. Cushioning under the forefoot not only increases the comfort level of the shoe but can also reduce the risk of metatarsalgia or pain and inflammation around the metatarsal heads.
4. Test drive your shoes before the big night
We absolutely recommend wearing your shoes around the house at least a couple of times beforehand, to become aware of any areas of irritation which may potentially ruin your night. Wearing a thick sock under the shoe will aid in stretching the shoe slightly if it is a little firm. Rough stitching should be dealt with if you want to avoid blisters – A silicon spot, padded moleskin or even just rubbing a neutral coloured lip balm will aid in softening and/or offloading rough stitches or stiff leather. Most of these products are available at your local shoe repairer, a pharmacy or Kmart and they are a lot more effective than an ugly looking bandaid. The key is to choose a product that you can’t see in the shoe! Test driving the shoe also allows you to practice walking with a heel. Inexperienced high heel wearers have a tendency to walk on the forefoot which looks clumsy and will also lead to forefoot pain and poor posture. We recommend taking shorter steps but definitely still attain a heel to toe gait. Practice makes perfect girls!
5. Aftercare is crucial
So the night went off brilliantly but now your feet are stinging! This is often the case after many hours standing in heels and loading the balls of the feet for extended periods of time. If there is only one thing you can manage after a big night out, then stretching should be it. The calf muscle shortens after high heel use and should be stretched for a few minutes after removing your shoes. We recommend you stretch again in the morning and wear a shoe with a slight pitch and cushioned sole. If you have the energy, a warm foot soak with epsom salts also aids in aching feet. Acutely painful forefeet should have ice applied and in some cases if pain persists a professional assessment may be necessary.
Want to guess work out of your formal/prom shoe shopping? We’ve rounded up a bunch of options for you here!
We hope you have a fabulous time planning for your big night. Just remember to spare a little more thought to your feet and shoe selection which will allow you to keep up with the best of them. Happy shopping!
Until next time!
E & E
