SHOES FOR LONGER FEET

I’ve always had big feet, these days we call them ‘longer feet’. When I was just twelve years old I was wearing my first bra and shoes in a womens size 9. Not such a big deal these days, but back in the early eighties it was almost impossible to find cute shoes for my clompy feet.

Hey, what happened to those ‘first bras’ that hooked in the front? I blame them for me having the co ordination of a newborn giraffe when putting on a bra!

Fast forward thirty odd years and these days I wear a size 42 shoe (11 in Australia) and love shoe shopping, am mad for shoe shopping….would sell a child for new shoes!! Nah not really but you get the picture.

These days we are spoiled for choice, longer feet are kinda the norm. Girls are not only taller and more developed but they also have longer feet…and mad strong brow games. On fleek!

Of course it’s not just when we hit puberty that our feet get longer, pregnancy, weight gain, climate and getting older all play their part too.

I don’t shy from my longer feet, I embrace them! I know of a few styling tips to help a gal put her most stylish foot forwarded and because I’m all about sharing you will want to read on…and maybe take some notes ?

FIT.

At no time should ANY of your toes hit the end of your shoe. I say any because I’m genetically blessed to have my second toe longer than my big toe, so the old fashioned press your thumb down hard way of measuring feet doesn’t cut it.

One foot will be longer and wider than the other. Figure it out and memorise it, when trying on shoes always ask for that side first. For me it’s the left.

You need wiggle room. Uh huh, a little room for those hazy hellish hot day when your feet take on fluid and swell like a sponge. If there’s no wiggle room then go up half a size or even a full size. Try shoes on towards the end of the day and if you will be wearing them with socks then try them on with socks.

You might have ‘inbetweenie’ feet. When the shoe is too tight in one size and too big in the next size up then try adding an innersole…you’re welcome ?

Your feet should never feel numb when wearing shoes. If they do then ditch the shoe immediately. Love yourself more than the need to wear torturous shoes.

Firmness across the bridge is ok. A little firmness across the bridge of your foot when wearing leather shoes is perfectly fine, your leather shoe will give and mould to your foot within the first couple of wears.

NARROW FEET.

If your feet are narrow and slip out of most styles there’s a few things you can look for to make life easier. Shoes with adjustable straps and buckles will be your best friend, they will give you more of a custom fit. A crossover strap and a heel strap will also keep your feet where they are meant to be…in your shoe.

If you feel your heel slip a little try one of those silicone heel grip strips…they really do work.

An innersole will also help pad out a shoe if there’s a bit too much room and you find your foot moving a bit too much.

WIDER FEET.

Wide feet need some TLC, look for soft leathers and steer clear of plastic crap that won’t allow your foot to expand. Laces will allow you to release pressure and Velcro and buckles give you options.

Ankle boots with a side gusset will make your wider feet very happy as will boots with a buckle that you can tighten…or release.

COMFORT.

Nothing sucks more than sore feet! We have all been there, tight shoes, blisters, pinched goes and aching heels are no fun. When I shop for shoes I never let a sales person sway me into buying with the line of ‘when you break them in they will be great’.

Good shoes don’t need to be ‘broken in’, sure the bridge of a shoe can be firm to start (until the leather softens) but shoes should not feel tortuous.

There are times in life when our feet ache, weight gain or pregnancy can put extra pressure on our feet and sometimes we need to add a little something extra into our shoes . This is when I reach for an innersole like the ones from Synxsole.

Synxsole are designed by Aussie podiatrist duo Marie and Rachael, these  ladies are passionate about providing quality over the counter innersoles/orthotics. Synxsole will support your feet, are slimline, lightweight and can be popped into any shoe other than an open sandal. An innersole/orthotic will keep your body in balance while supporting your feet, so very important for day to day activities.

Ladies if exercise is on your mind but you balk because of sore feet then try an innersole, the extra support will absolutely make exercise more comfortable and easier. Keep reading because I have an ace Synxsole giveaway for you!

TOE SHAPE.

Your shoes should suit your outfit, fit your style personality and complement your proportions. Toes can be open, closed or peep toe, an open toe typically is more casual.

The longer and more pointed the toe then the longer the leg will appear, however they can also make a foot appear longer so choose your colour and texture wisely.

A round toe will make your feet look wider and legs shorter, if this is not what you need then choose an almond shape.

Shoes that blend with your skin colour will make your legs appear longer, as will teaming shoes in the same colour as your longer pants. It gives a seamless, never ending appearance.

The higher or thicker the heel the longer your legs will look. Clumpy low heels will make you look frumpy.

WHAT SHOE WHEN?

I know plenty of ladies who get stuck in their comfort zone and struggle with ‘what shoe when, I know this because I’m asked often. Shoes are not to be feared, a collection of versatile styles and colours can take the same outfit from day to night or the office to after work drinks.

Metallic shoes will take you far, it’s pretty much a neutral!  If you are running around after a young family or live an outdoorsy life then invest in some metallic lace ups. If you find yourself at events and parties then some metallic heels will serve you well.

Team a longer boot over skinny leg jeans or with a knee length skirt or dress, ankle boots go with pretty much everything (which is why I love them).

Collect your shoes in colour, texture or print, it’s the easiest way to inject your style personality into your outfits.

I’m a fan of casual kicks, especially a white sneaker and will wear them with everything from jeans to tulle skirts, it’s about your attitude. What I’m not a fan of is rules, I prefer ‘guidelines’. If you love white kicks then wear them, if heels are your candy go for it!

WHERE TO BUY?

Lately I’ve been collaborating with ‘Willow Shoes’, specialists in longer feet. Oh yes, they only stock shoes for longer feet so they will always have your size in store and online.

Willow Shoes are based in New Zealand but ship to Australia, they’ve also been in business for more than a decade and are passionate about stylish longer feet and making their customers happy.

 After many queries from readers about where to find stylish shoes for longer feet I was keen as a bean to work with Willow shoes, I’ve been road testing several pairs and can really sing their praises. You can see more of willow shoes on their online store HERE and Facebook HERE

Now, here’s a few styles I’ve been sporting from Willow shoes lately…

BRESLEY LACEUP

GOLD BOOTS

GELATO IN NATURAL SNAKE

SYNXSOLE GIVEAWAY (GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED)

I have 3 pairs of Synxsole to giveaway, all you need to do is head to their website HERE and tell me what national TV show featured Synxsole.

Easy peasy hey. You can also find Synxsole on Facebook HERE and Instagram HERE.

If you have a favourite store where you like to purchase shoes for longer feet then please share in the comments.

Til next time

Jen x

Giveaway starts Wednesday 3/8/16 and ends Sun7/8/16. Giveaway open to Australian residents aged 18+. If you win you consent to me passing on your details to Synxsole so delivery of prize can be made. This is a game of skill and all entries are judged by me. Sorry guys but goods cannot be exchanged for cash.

Items in this post sent to me for my editorial consideration in line with my disclosure policy.