February 22, 2012

What you don’t know about those shoes can wreck your feet!

Yes your new high heels are super sexy and they make your calves look amazing but are they healthy? Very few women equate the word “healthy” with what they put on their feet but it is an important question to ask. Are there any consequences to oh-so-high high heels?

Sexy calves that don’t work so well

High heels lack the support and structure feet need putting excess pressure on the balls of the feet. High heels also push the heel upwards for long periods of time which causes the muscles to lock and become stiff. Once high heels are removed the tendons are then stretched causing pain.

woman in high heels

Ugly Feet

Due to a tendancy for high heels to squeeze the toes together, bunions and hammertoes are some of the ugly consequences of  regular use.  It’s ironic that something designed to make feet look beautiful can actually cause unsightly damage over time.

Pain

It is said that “beauty is pain” but young women who live in high heels may regret putting their body through bottom of the foot (ball) and ankle pain, not to mention the damage to the Achilles tendon that can make the simplest task unbearable. 70% of older women visit a doctor due to foot pain undoubtedly caused by past poor choices in footwear.

Even though tennis shoes are the healthiest option for feet few women will throw away their stilettos. If you must wear high heels save them for special occasions and even then, limit the number of hours of wear. Inserting gel cushions and can help to offset pain, discomfort and future damage.

 

3 Shoe Styles You Must Have

highheels with a blue background 

Image via Wikipedia

Women across the world are always wondering what type of shoes they need to have. The choices are limitless, and the options within those choices make the decision even harder.

Finding shoes that are comfortable, multi-faceted and of course stylish are essential to every woman’s wardrobe.

Low Heeled Black Pump: A low heeled black pump is that versatile shoe that fits the bill for multiple occasions. It’s a no-brainer that black goes with just about everything, but these shoes will make you stand out for a night on the town, a school function, or even a casual dinner. Stay away from heels that are higher than 2 inches, as the strain higher heels put your feet can cause joint and back problems. You can find black pumps in various styles at sites like Offers.com.

A Semi-Casual Flat: One of the general rules for shoe choice each day is evaluating if you’re going to be standing for more than an hour. If so, the flat is the way to go. Flats can work with jeans or even slacks during a busy day at the office. Flats are also relatively inexpensive and come in a wide variety of colors and textures.

Neutral pump: Add a beige pump to your collection and your style choices will be complete. They won’t go out of style and you will have a shoe that can be worn with just about any outfit and at just about any occasion. Adding this versatile pump to your collection is a must in the ever-changing world of shoe fashion.

Happy, Healthy Feet

Most people wear shoes for 8 to 15 hours a day. Ask yourself: when was the last time I had my feet measured? Our feet change shape and size as we age, just like the rest of our body. Is your waist the same as it was five years ago? It is very likely that your feet have changed as well.

Improper fitting shoes can cause many problems like your heels constantly in pain, deformed toes from being squished together, bunions and nerve damage. The feet are excellent gages of your health. Congestive heart failure can have an early warning signal sent by your swollen ankles. Diabetes can be indicated by feet that are insensitive to pain and to changing temperatures. A chronic respiratory disease can be indicated if you have clubbed toe nails.

Often knee problems are related to problems with shoes that are improperly worn. Purchase shoes that are the right size. Often one foot is larger than the other. Buy for the larger foot as most stores will not allow you to buy two different sized shoes.

Go shoe shopping later in the day when your feet are likely to be more swollen. Allow 3/8” to 1/2” from the end of your toes to the tip of the shoe when you are standing up. Expecting a pair of shoes to stretch to fit your feet is asking for pain. Would you hit your feet with a hammer every day? Of course not, so don’t force your feet into a tight environment.

Purchasing the right shoes for your feet can help you to feel great in many ways. So kick up your heels and enjoy life in the right shoes for you.

How Your Outfit Can Get You a Second Date

Online dating is a great way for single women to meet their matches in terms of relationship compatibility. If you have been using an online site, you have probably already uploaded your favorite photograph to your profile as a way to show potential suitors how stylish you look.

Now that you have a date booked, you are likely in panic mode. You want to maintain a good impression without going overboard or looking sloppy. So what should you wear? A dress or skirt? A more casual outfit with jeans? The answer depends on a number of factors, from the setting to the style of your date.

The location of your date is the number one factor in terms of your outfit determination. A dinner date is the most common type of first date for people who have started a relationship through an online dating site. Even in this situation, you’ll have some variables. For example, if the setting is formal, you will want to have a polished look with either a dress or skirt outfit. If the restaurant is the local pub or pizzeria, consider wearing dressy jeans with a cute but comfortable top.

When choosing an outfit, make sure you find something that you’re comfortable wearing. The mini-dress might not be a wise choice if it rides up your body. Also, refrain from showing too much skin, and don’t forget to accessorize! Accessories can make our break your outfit. Shoes, handbags and necklaces are the most prominent pieces. Opt for pieces that tie your outfit together. Don’t rummage through your jewelry box and wear every single item in the hopes of impressing anyone. Chances are you’ll look undecided about or inept at accessorizing.

Looks aren’t always everything, but first impressions definitely determine whether you will get a second date or not. By following fashion common sense, you are half way to another date.