The peak of autumn is just around the corner, and I’m very happy with the relief of the heat – while putting on a comfy sweater is my favorite autumn wardrobe pastime, shoes are taking over my heart (and wallet). When wearing heels or other statement shoes, I often hear amazing women in life say,”Count the days you wear these”, I can’t say if it’s working from home, it’s mainly wearing sneakers these days, age or all of that makes me start to look at my shoes differently. I love my stilettos, but now I can only wear them for a few hours at most – that’s why it’s a treat to see flats, wedges, mid heels, and even Mary Janes in this season’s fall footwear collection. The fashion-forward and comfortable footwear trend is one we can all follow, so we spoke to podiatrists for their advice. Read on for the five best fall shoe trends to keep your feet comfortable without sacrificing style.
How to Choose Comfortable Shoes
Before we all invest in subpar heels, podiatrist-turned-footwear designer Marion Parke says finding comfortable shoes isn’t just about heel height. “Shoes can also be ‘too flat,’ putting excessive pressure on the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon, leading to plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis,” she told Birdy. “I think many of us have been wearing unbearable flats and have managed to wear high heels for hours. ”
Other factors, such as the placement of ornaments and how often a certain pair of shoes are worn, are also important – more on that later. With this information in mind, we’ve put together a list of the five most comfortable shoe trends for this fall, complete with podiatrist-led guidance.
The Most Comfortable Fall Footwear Trend
Pointed-Toe Kitten Heels
This season, heels come in a variety of forms, from boots to slingbacks, and they’re often more comfortable than flats. “If someone suffers from what we call ‘flexible’ flat feet, overly flexible and soft shoes, while sounding good, can actually cause soreness and fatigue after a long period of weight bearing,” Parker shared. “A slightly higher heel than a flat, even a half-inch, reduces the tension in the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. I used to make fun of mid-heels, but this year, I bought my first pair – the embellished Prada mules I bought at Nordstrom. I wear them every chance I get because they’re stylish and I don’t scream on my feet when I take them off.
Before buying a pair of small pointed-toe heels, remember that fit is crucial. Mireille Blanchette, a triple board-certified podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, says ill-fitting shoes can cause forefoot problems, including corns, calluses, Morton’s neuroma and bunions, among others. “Corns and calluses are most common on the toes,” she said. “It can be between the toes or on the outside of the little toe and is caused by friction and pressure points. To avoid problems, make sure your front foot is comfortable and doesn’t experience any friction or additional pressure, as Blanchett tells us that Morton’s neuroma (inflammation of the nerves in the foot) can be exacerbated by too tight a shoe.
Bows
I still dream of my childhood bow because my mom wore it to my sister and me whenever she had the chance. While the idea of wearing anything with a bow may seem naïve to some, today’s bow-embellished shoes have some major versatility, many of which embody a coquettish or quiet luxury energy, and given their detailed nature, you can definitely find comfortable shoes with bows. Bow. When we look for the perfect bow shoe for our style, we all remember that one left a mark (or two) on the laces. Parke says to be mindful of the placement of trims such as straps, buckles and zippers, explaining that “the difference of 1-2mm in placement [of the ornaments] can really affect the wear resistance of the shoe.” ”
Mary Janes
Mary Janes are back, and better than ever, and we couldn’t be more excited about the nostalgic and foot-fit trend. When you’re shopping, be sure to consider the placement of the straps and buckles as well as the heel height so that you end up investing in fall shoes that leave you with regrets (and/or tired feet).
Over-the-Knee Boots
Over-the-knee boots (also known as over-the-knee boots) never go out of style, and I’m always happy to see them on the runway or elsewhere. When adding a new pair of boots to your collection, Parker recommends styles with zippers because they make the boots easier to put on and take off. She also recommends looking for adjustability at the top, as everyone’s thigh circumference is different.
Over-the-knee boots can quickly turn from flats to heels. I’ve dressed enough to know that even if you look great but your feet hurt, the discomfort is hard to shake off. If you choose high-heeled boots, Parker recommends that you keep some best practices in mind, including not wearing the same pair of boots for several days in a row, which goes against the information we often hear about broken shoes. Wearing high heels for a few days on a row can make the Achilles tendon shorter and tighter, which can lead to problems such as plantar fasciitis,” she explains. If you’re not familiar with plantar fasciitis, it means that your foot tissues are inflamed – and we’d better avoid it.
Wedges
Wedges never really go out of style, and wedges come in a variety of heights, typically between 2 and 5 inches, so you have a variety of options when looking for a pair of shoes that will balance your taste and be comfortable. If you plan to walk or stand for long periods of time, or know that you will be stepping on grass or uneven surfaces, Parker recommends that you opt for wedges.
How to Make Shoe Trends Easier to Wear on Your Feet
Heels are constantly trending in one form or another, and as our list of popular styles shows, you don’t have to give them up in order to prioritize comfort – you just need to approach it wisely. In addition to the above style-specific recommendations, here are some tips you can follow to help you rock the most popular shoe styles without pain or ill effects.
- Alternating with flats:”General high heels tend to put abnormal stress on the forefoot, which can cause pain and inflammation in the small structures of the foot in that area,” Parker says. She added that heels, while pretty, don’t keep our feet in their natural position,”because we usually like the look and feel of heels, so we need to find smart ways to wear them.” Therefore, her earlier advice not to wear heeled boots or other shoes for multiple days in a row is tenable, and it is also key to reducing pain and problems in the long run.
- Try to stretch your calves:”Whether we wear heels or not, stretching our calves is one of the most important things we can all do,” Parker told us, and Blanchett agrees with the advice. It’s easy to add to your routine, and I’ve found downward dogs or curved foot wall stretches work well.
- Bring spare flats: If you’re wearing high heels to a long event like a wedding or concert, Blanchett recommends that you opt for Plan B. If you opt for a bag that’s roomy enough, you can tuck a pair of foldable flat-bottomed bags next to your phone and other essentials. Yosi Samra’s foldable ballet flats ($98) are my go-to style because they provide instant comfort and really fit into a comfortable space.
At Last
Comfort is key when looking for footwear trends that you really want to wear for the long haul – and the good news is that you have more options than simply ditching heels in favor of your favorite sneakers. As our podiatrist emphasizes, simple details such as heels and well-placed straps can make all the difference, and many fashion trends, such as over-the-knee boots or bow shoes, have a wide range of options, so you can find one that fits your feet. Coupled with a smart dressing strategy, the above shoe trends are sure to help you avoid the aches and pains of this fall without sacrificing style.