Is it that women have to beg around for shoes that look sexy and glamorous, without killing their toe joints?

We love our shoes and we aren’t about to give them up. But what are we doing to our feet? Is there any way we can avoid foot problems and still be walking pretty? Women have about four times as many foot problems as men do—mostly due to our shoes. But if we’re not giving up our heels, is there anything we could do?

Some women think that high heels are for certain occasions only, like going out to a ball or for a fancy dinner. Yes, heels are suitable then, but have a little imagination! You can wear heels whenever you please, & once you know how to wear them, will probably be very keen on teetering around on them.

The main thing to remember is that different situations call for a different sort of heel. Which shoe you wear will depend on where you are going & what you are doing.

How to buy a pair of heels:

• Have your feet measured.

• If you’re going out for a day of shopping, do the shoes at the end of the day, after hours of walking around. This is when your feet will be at their most swollen, & believe me, you want your shoes to fit at this crucial time.

• When you try the shoes on in-store, walk around on them for a good length of time. Your shoes will fit differently when you stand as opposed to when you are sitting. If they are uncomfortable, don’t buy them. They will not stretch much either, so if they feel like they’re pinching, try the next size up. Stiff shoes will soften, however.

• You get what you pay for. It is sad but true. Expensive shoes are expensive because, while they are extremely good-looking, they are also incredibly comfortable.

• If you don’t know how to wear heels, or have only recently become interested in making the transition from sneaker to stiletto, go easy on yourself. First of all, you are to be commended for trying something new.

How to walk in high heels:

• Take shorter steps & walk in a heel-toe motion. Try to distribute most of the weight across the ball of your foot. Stand up straight — you will initially feel unbalanced, but you’re not. The heel will support you. Keep your legs together as you walk & try not to bend them more than you normally would.

• If you wear heels one day, plan on wearing flats the next. Use the weekends as a day of rest for your feet, as well as the rest of you. Think comfort and wear comfortable shoes or no shoes at all. And here is the last tip, when you’re buying your next pair of shoes, buy them at the end of the day for the best fit. Shoes should feel good when you try them on. Remember, with a little bit of planning, you don’t have to give up your pretty shoes.

Finally, practice makes perfect! The more you work at it, the better you’ll be. Be glamorous with high heels!!