We’ve all seen them – the fluff embellished slides and stilettos that dominated our Pinterest boards and Instagram pages this summer. Endorsed by the likes of McQueen, Ferragamo and Dolce in A/W ‘16, celebrities and style-influencers alike have been quick to embrace the trend. Whether you love this modern-day take on 70’s fashion or balk at the thought of wearing muff-like matter on your feet, the fact is this – the faux fur shoe is still going strong.
Instead of Rihanna x Fenty-esq slides, and Kim K in Max Mara, we’re now seeing the likes of Ellery, Miu Miu and Gucci bringing this style to winter shoes (with a particular highlight on loafers and mules). At TWH we’ve found the one thing that will make the difference between pulling off this trend like a pro or looking like Christina circa 2000…
Odour control. Yes, really. There is no point talking about which dress to pair which shoe with or which cut of boot might suit you better (we’ll leave that to the style influencers) if you’re going to walk around sporting ‘Musty-Foot Eau-De-Parfum’. Plus, no one wants to accessories their Guccis with a bacterial colony. The thing is this – fluffy shoes + sweaty feet = bad combination. And no, unfortunately your sockettes are not enough. Over our 30 years as foot care professionals, we’ve diagnosed and treated our fair share of hyperhydrosis (sweaty feet) and bromodrosis (odourous feet). So believe us when we say, if you’re going to embrace faux fur shoes (let’s admit they can look fabulous), you need to do these 5 things:
- Wear moisture-wicking socks (e.g. wool, bamboo fibre) rather than 100% cotton
100% cotton being best for your feet is a myth. In fact cotton socks retain heat and become moisture-saturated. Basic synthetic socks (e.g. nylon, polyester) are not much better either. Opt for a moisture wicking sock or liner which draw the perspiration away from your feet and prevent sweaty stains all over your brand new babies.
If you’re not keen on the sock + mule combo, the next 4 points are especially important…
- Airing, airing, airing
Regardless of how beautiful they can look , leather and faux-fur synthetic materials are both particularly good at soaking up the perspiration from your feet. Airing your shoes out and giving them a day or two’s rest will not only help with odour control, but extend the life of the shoe’s material and prevent warping their shape. Win-win.
- Invest in an odour control spray or insole
This is a must-have for all faux-fur shoe wearing ladies who wish to avoid smelly-foot syndrome. Most sprays/insoles on the market contain natural ingredients which absorb, trap and neutralise odour as well as prevent fungal infections such as tinea. At less than $10 a pop from your local chemist or supermarket there’s really no excuse (especially when we’ve probably just spent $300+ on the shoes, let’s be real)
- Wear for short-periods and low intensity activity
This one is pretty straight forward – You’re probably best saving your faux-fur boots and mules for a low-key catch up and coffee rather than to charge around between meetings all day. As tempting as it may be from a comfort perspective, excess activity in your fluffy shoes is only going to bring on more sweat and wear the shoe out quicker. Rookie error.
And finally…
- Don’t take them off in a public place or at your lover’s house
If you’re only going to take one piece of advice from us let it be this. It’s just common courtesy and will avoid you getting strange looks (or an awkward break-up text).
Until next time,
E & E.
Ps. At TWH use our 30 years of experience as foot doctors (podiatrists) and high heel experts to bring your similar tips, tricks and high heel hacks every week. Sign up to The TWH Report to get the weekly roundup sent straight to your inbox.
(Images credit – Gucci, Pinterest)
Editor’s note – The Gucci loafers are made with real fur. Check out Steve Madden for our favourite faux alternative.
