When you can't decide between heels or flats for your summer events, there's the simplest solution: wedges. They're comfortable, chic, and go with just about anything. Although they are comfortable, they are actually very difficult to walk on. Like all the uncomfortable fashion issues we encounter in our daily lives, there are a few tricks to how to walk properly in wedges. Just because they're comfortable doesn't mean they're not dangerous (hello, broken ankles) so it's necessary to learn to walk the right way so you don't hurt yourself.
First and foremost, choose the right pair of shoes. When choosing wedges, your best bet for comfort is to choose a pair with the front (also called the "slope") slightly lower than the back (the "heel"...ugh). Because the height between the toes and heel is reduced, the shoe won't feel as high, which is bound to reduce pain. Basically, the straighter the platform, the easier the shoe will sit on your arch and the better it will fit your foot. Chunky heels tend to be easier to walk on than stilettos, so wedges have one leg up (pardon the pun) over a stiletto.
Once you've chosen the wedges you want, there are a few other things you can do to make walking in them easier .
1. Start with small things
Ancient Greek Alethea wedge sandals, $385, ShopBop
If you're not used to wearing heels, you're not going to make it to the big leagues right away. Start with something small—two inches, maybe two and a half inches—and work your way up as you get more accustomed to the feeling of being lifted off the ground.
2. Remember: size matters
Summer Wedges in Faux Suede, $42, Express Delivery
You are not the ugly stepsisters in Cinderella. Squeezing your feet into a wedge that is too small or swimming in a wedge that is too large is simply not acceptable. Plus, it’s dangerous—wearing the wrong size shoes can make you more susceptible to injury. To make sure you choose the right shoes, measure your feet once a year and buy shoes at night when your feet are swollen and at their largest.
3. The right cushion
Dr. Scholls Dream Walk Foot Mat, $3.49, Jet
Any type of high heels, including wedges, can really damage your feet, so it's important to provide the right support whenever you wear them. Try a pair of shock-absorbing pads, like these from Dr. Scholls, to keep your feet comfortable and protected throughout the day.
4. Learn to take the right path
Steve Madden Sailing Wedges in Multicolor, $70, Steve Madden
No, I don’t mean trying to perfect their runway pillars like the girls on Project Runway . When wearing thick-soled wedges, women tend to push their feet down at the same time because the heels and toes are so close together. However, this can lead to a twisted, sprained or broken ankle. To prevent injury while wearing wedges, push your hips forward and engage your core, stepping into a heel-toe motion. By the way, you can definitely count this as part of your exercise routine.
5. Choose a pair with straps
Aldo UNIDDA wedges, $45, Aldo Shoes
Considering how annoying it is to walk in flats without backrests (the annoying flipping sound the mules make when I walk makes me swear never to wear them again), wearing heels is very, very challenging. When wearing backless wedges, your toes will begin to curl to prevent the shoe from slipping, which can cause you to lose balance or cause foot cramps. Choose a pair of shoes with a full back or at least an ankle strap to ensure they stay securely on your feet.
6. Worn bottom
Alice and Olicia Janaya lemon/natural sandals, $325, Revolve
Whether you're on smooth wood floors or concrete sidewalks, slippery soles are more likely to fall out from under you. To solve this problem, rub sandpaper on the sole of the shoe to increase the friction of the sole. (I know, it's a pain. Especially if they're Louboutins.)
7. Practice, practice, practice
Women's BP Summer Wedges, $39, Nordstrom
You might think it's ridiculous to walk around your living room in your pajamas and a pair of five-inch wedges, but the only way to truly master the art of wedge walking is to practice.
Photo credit: Edward Berthelot/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images ; Courtesy of the brand
