In case you missed it, GIRLS star Lena Dunham practically hobbled her way to the stage last night at the 2013 Golden Globes. The culprit: too-high heels.
Here’s the thing, though: As long as you know how to walk normally in them, high heels make people think you look more attractive, according to a new study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior.
“If you put high heels on, it makes your pelvis rotate more and it makes it go forward and back and up and down more,” says Paul Morris, PhD, lead study researcher. “It also shortens the stride, and both of these things make the gait biomechanically, physically much more female.” And looking more feminine (moving in a more feminine way), in turn, might make the high-heel wearer more attractive, according to a suggestion in the study.
The only downside to wearing high heels? Whether they’re sky-high or a more conservative height, heels can put women at risk for stumbles, tumbles, or just some really strange-looking strides, à la Dunham’s stage shuffle. Here, your guide for scoring sexy, easy-to-walk-in shoes (yes, it’s totally possible!) from Women’s Health senior fashion editor Thea Palad.
Shop at the right time
When it comes to shoe-shopping, the time of day is key, according to Palad. “If you’re shopping early in the day, and your feet haven’t sufficiently swollen, there’s a chance that you’ll buy shoes that are too small for your feet.” Stick to afternoon or evening shoe shopping to avoid buying the wrong size.
Don’t get stuck on a size
One thing to remember: “Don’t get too attached to number,” says Palad. “If you’ve always been a 7, don’t assume you always have to buy a 7.” Higher-end designers tend to run smaller, as can European shoes, she says. Also, age, weight gain, and life changes like pregnancy will make your feet get somewhat fatter, so the size of your feet might fluctuate, she warns. That said, Palad suggests getting fitted once a year to be completely realistic about what size shoe you might be.
Pay attention to the design of the heel itself
“Be cognizant of the heel,” says Palad. “If you have a stacked heel or something chunky, that’s going to be a lot more comfortable than a little spindly stiletto because it’s going to distribute your weight more evenly.”
Also, the heel itself should be positioned in the center of your heel (as opposed to the very back of the shoe) so that the heel doesn’t pitch you forward. Palad’s rule of thumb: If it looks like it’s going to pitch you forward, it is going to pitch you forward. One style to try: A platform shoe. “A platform can relieve some of the pressure on your feet.” Another go-to option: wedges, which allow you to distribute your weight along the length of the shoe.
Inspect the soles
No matter the style of shoe you choose, look for something with a substantial sole—something thick and made out of rubber or cork—both of which are shock-absorbing. “The problem with really thin soles is there’s nothing to absorb the shock,” says Palad. “When you wear them you’re literally pounding the pavement. It’s jarring for your bones, your hips, and your knees.” Her insider tip: If you already own shoes with a paper-thin sole, take them to the cobbler and have them put a rubber sole on the bottom, which ups the comfort factor and will extend the life of the shoe.
Invest in gel pads
“Gel pads render the most uncomfortable shoe completely wearable,” says Palad. Her suggestion: Place a gel insert exactly where the ball of your foot will be when you’re standing in your shoes.
Change up your shoes
If you think that wearing the same shoe over and over again will make it easier on your feet, think again. “You shouldn’t wear shoes consecutively,” says Palad. “You should change them up. Otherwise, you’re exerting the same pressure on the same points and rubbing against the same areas, and that’s just going to cause irritation.”
More from WH:
Fix Ugly Feet at Home
Relief Tips for Any Foot Pain
How to Work a Pair of High Heels
Discover surprising walking tips, tricks, and techniques to melt fat fast and get a tighter, firmer butt with Walk Your Butt Off! Buy it now!