Princess Poochie says...

Here is the latest challenge that has been put forth before me:

How do you walk in low heels? I've just recently purchased a vintage Chanel peep toe heel, but I don't know how to walk in low heels. I feel like I pull my feet up too high and my heel hits the ground at an awkward angle! Imagine that! I can prance around in 5 inch Louboutins (with or without the platform) but I can't wear low heels. They don't hurt, I just can't walk in them. Flats are fine, but add that kitten heel or up to 2.5 inches and I can't do anything in them.

- Anelle

Anelle,

Hmmm, low heels. One thing you, and everyone, should do is make sure you are wearing a range of heel heights all of the time. If you wear higher heels one day you should switch to a flat or low heel the next, ideally. This way your foot and ankle are not trained into one position.

That said, what problem are you having with the low heel, and are they slingbacks? A kitten heel is slender and since, in the lower height, you are placing more of your weight on the back of your foot it can get wobbly. You don't have the problem with a skinny heel in a higher height because you are on the balls of your feet and your balance is probably good.

I would try standing (in bare feet) and walking around your house on the backs of your feet - lifting the front of your foot off the floor. This can help stretch your ankles out and get you used to balancing with the weight in the back.

Of course walk around in your new shoes to get used to them. I'd also make sure the back of your heel is snug in the shoes and they fit well there. Add a heel cushion if they are not.

When I walk in low heels, I tend to glide my foot forward sort of ballet-style - not balance on my toes and not striking with my heels. Your foot doesn't raise off the ground as much and stays flatter which should give you better balance.

I hope this helps. If not, let me know!

Luv
Poochie

P.S. I'd love to see a picture of your vintage find! They sound great.

Princess Poochie says:

Here is the latest shopping challenge that has been put forth before me:

My foot is a size 5 to 5.5 E (D sometimes)! Yes, E . It's not my fault I was born with Neanderthal feet, but I love shoes. After 40 years of cramming them into size B shoes, I've been searching for sensible, simple shoes that are at a good price. The only ones I have been able to find even on Zappos are orthopedic or ugly beyond description. Do you have any advice or tips on finding shoes for a very stylish fashionista cursed with wide feet? - Anonymous

Anon,

I'm always happy to help and like a challenge. And you have a double challenge - small size, wider foot - that I can empathize with. So, I racked my brain and rummaged the Net. Here are some options I found:

Viva La Diva has a lot of nice styles and many of them in wider sizes. However, they are in the UK and don't seem to ship to the US. If you are in the US, they may help you find some brands and styles. They have a search for wider sizes available here.

I did a quick search on Zappos by width and some nice options came up. The brands that had wider widths that didn't look orthopedic were:

• Annie
• Naturalizer (check out Naturalizer.com too - their styles are much improved)
• Sudini
• Fitzwell (cute styles)
• Gabriella Rocha (very stylish heels)
• rsvp
• Type Z
• Stuart Weitzman (some sexy styles like "Fever")

There were a lot of clunkers, but these had styles I would wear.

Womens Shoes Plus has some options, but you'll have to sift through them - some seem to have a chunky heel that I feel may be a bit too chunky.

I would also look at some of the flats for kids at Target. I've bought a few pairs. They're really cute and inexpensive and, because they're for kids, they are usually not pinch-y.

And last but not least - Duo Shoes and Boots! You get to customize heights and widths and, for boots, even calf widths. www.duoshoes.co.uk and www.duoboots.com.





This is the Duo Holly



This is Duo's Cadiz in black suede

And they ship to the US!

Hope this helps. Let me know how you do.
Luv
Poochie