Your Most Flattering Shoe Style
High heels are a guilty pleasure for most of us. Although they have been blamed for a range of health problems from bunions to back pain – flats are probably not your best friend either. So, let’s get straight to the point, pointed-toe heels favor every woman’s body, whether you have a petite figure or a curvier shape. In fact heels help give you that girly figure and even work well for a tall girl. Why? The sharp toe extends the line of your leg and gives the illusion of slimmer, longer gams.
It should not surprise you to hear that I regularly wear high heels (from my favorite pair of red pumps to gladiator sandals and boots) and would suggest that if the heel height is correct, you too can wear heels, from a few hours a day to all day.
Every woman has her own perfect heel height, depending on the structure of her feet. If you take this into account when buying shoes, you can improve overall foot comfort considerably. Indeed, if you are a naturally high-heeled woman who keeps wearing flat shoes such as trainers or ballet shoes, you will be going against your natural foot type and will cause your feet no end of stress
The height of your heels can make or break an outfit. Properly worn, high heels can make casual attire super-sexy in seconds and can make your legs appear to go on for miles. However, sometimes the middle ground is best, and 1 or 2″ heels can emphasize calves in a classy, professional manner when you are in the workplace. Finally, there are just some outfits that need flats, and knowing how to identify these outfits is one of the critical skills that you need to insure that your shoe selection does not make you appear silly or–worse — a bit “trampy.” Follow these guidelines to determine what height heel suits you and your attire best.
The highs and lows…
For some women the recess of the sinus tarsi is moderate and a 1″ or 2″ heel will do the trick but others need a 3″ heel to elevate the foot into an arched position. For them wearing heels will be more comfortable than wearing flats — but beware a heel that is too high
A heel of up to 4.5″ is fine; anything more than that is bad for your posture as it makes your bottom jut out and overloads the toes and balls of the feet. These heels can be worn for short periods only, and are made for limos, not for walking.
Heels not only have to be the right height but in the right position: not too far back, but under the center of the heel so they support your weight properly, following the natural line of your body.
The structure of the heel counter — the part of the shoe that holds your heel — is also very important. If it is too squashy and unsupportive, it will not give enough support, and that can cause heel pain. Cheaper ballet pumps are particularly prone to do this.
Emma’s guide to being well heeled
- To find your perfect heel height, take off your shoes, sit on a chair and extend one leg straight in front of you.
- Where would your heel touch the ground? With your leg stretched out in front of you and the knee supported, make an imaginary line from the heel to the ground.
- If your foot is at a right angle to your outstretched leg and does not dangle, you have a low ankle-joint axis and will be more comfortable in flat shoes than in high heels. Kate Moss is the standard-bearer for flats – they are obviously what suit her feet best.
- If your foot points down, you need to measure the distance between the top of your big toe and an imaginary line from the bottom of your heel. This is the right heel height for you. Measure it against your favourite shoes — the ones you swear you are most comfortable in, no matter how high or low. I can almost guarantee the heel will match it.
So here are some possibilities for you. Click on the circle for more information or see the Lookbook on Sister House Link for “Lookbook” is Outfit Ideas for the Transgender Woman.
Do you love the shoes? Who wouldn’t? But do you know how to put them together with an outfit? Here’s two examples taking that D’Orsay pump from casual to dressy. When you travel, pick your shoes first and build your outfits around them. The possibilities are endless.
Now lest you think that shoes don’t really have restorative powers, then read this story of a 90 year old lady who regained her life after shoe shopping.
Lastly, some helpful hints in the 10 min video on how to choose comfortable high heels.
Hugs……Tasi
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If you enjoyed this article, you might also want to read the following, also on TG Forum.
Are High Heels the Result of Evolution?
10 Shoes Can Become 100 Shoes at Very Little Cost
Category: Style, Transgender Fashion
About the Author (Author Profile)
Tasi was a transgender, married, lifelong crossdresser. She passed away in late 2018. She’s the founder of the Ladies of the Blue Ridge transgender group in Roanoke VA, a prolific writer, commentator and blogger including fashion articles for Tri-Ess, TG Reporter, Repartee, and Pretty T-Girls magazine. Tasi currently resides in Merida, (Yucatan) Mexico. Her new website, Sister House and her blog, the Fashionable TG Woman are dedicated to fashion and style for the transgendered woman. Tasi’s book, "Top Ten Fashion Mistakes By Crossdressers and How To Fix Them" is available on Amazon or on her site free to subscribers.Subscribe
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You are one of the fortunate women that high heels are a good fit for you.Lucky you. Hugs…Tasi
Realy Like Those Heels!
For as long as I can remember, I have been facinated by women’s high heeled shoes. The simple pumps with tapered heels, now called stilettos, have always been my favorite. I have many of them in assorted fabrics, toes, colors, and heel heights. For most men and women who do not like or choose to wear heels, pointed toes appear uncomfortable. But for many of us that wear them routinely, moderately pointed toes are often the most comfortable because your toes form to the shoe. Some open toes are often quite comfortable depending on where the opening has been positioned. While rounded or blunt toe boxes might be perceived as more comfortable, they can be abrupt and push back on your nails after a time if the heel configuration thrusts the toes forward or if the shoe is a bit snug.
Another thing I have long admired was the ability of some women to simply insert their toes into an overturned heel, straighten it up, and slide their foot gently into the shoe. After many years I have attained that skill and enjoy frequently doning my highest heels in just that fashion. It works best with very high quality leather shoes with a leather lining. Man made materials with fabric or other less expensive linings often bind up.
One of the timeless and exhilarating components of wearing high heels is the way they affect your walk. I just feel better all over after wearing heels for several minutes. I read years ago that it is falacy that high heels are bad for your legs, knees, or hips. They can be hard on your feet and toes if they force awkward contortions. But for other parts of your anatomy, the poise and balance required to negotiate well in heels can strengthen knees, legs, and hips, much in the same way that strenuous atheltic behaviors can strengthen the human skeleton and frame.
I guess you can tell that my heels are a very important part of my wardrobe choices!