Your Biggest Shoe Problems--Solved!

Your feet are yelling at you to quit it with all the abuse, but you don’t want to compromise on great style? Read on to have your shoe problems solved!

PROBLEM: The old cobblestone streets in the North End (or anywhere in New England really) can be pretty tricky, especially when in heels, so how can you continue to stomp the streets of Boston without getting stuck between them?

SOLUTION: The first thing that comes to mind is, but of course, to wear flats! While some may think flats are a bit boring, this season is all about the details, so try a pair with a bit of embellishment! The Pour La Victoire "Juliet" Pointy Stud Flats in Gray ($195, available at Bloomingdale’s) have gunmetal studs that add just enough flair, and the buckles on the Joie Coachella OTK Boot in Black Suede ($525, available at Neiman Marcus) are very flirty. As a pair of ultra sexy over-the-knee boots, they highlight this season’s sexiest spot… thighs! Pair with tights and a micro-mini for an optimal head-turning effect. Photo from Bloomingdales.com

Photo from NeimanMarcus.com

Now, let’s say you’re the kinda girl who says, “I don’t do flats.” Well, then these wedges are the perfect solution for you. Keep out of the cracks, with these ultra-hip Elizabeth and James Send D'Orsay Wedges ($360, available at Bloomingdale’s). The sleek suede pointy-toe wedges have an ultra-modern cutout detail at side which makes these booties practical and pretty. Photo from Bloomingdales.com

PROBLEM: By 3AM after an intense night of dancing, your feet feel as if they could fall right off! What shoes are comfortable enough to dance in all night, yet sexy enough for the hottest clubs?

SOLUTION: Have you been keeping up with your shoe trends, ladies? Then you must have noticed the excess of platforms this fall! Not only are they fabulously retro, but platforms adjust the pressure off your arch and ball of your foot to make the shoes feel more comfortable. Beauty and brains! Take note of these Vera Wang Lavender Label Ankle Booties in Black pebble leather ($425, available at Neiman Marcus) or these Elie Tahari Alana Peeptoe Pumps ($498, available at Bloomingdale’s) which combine suede and snakeskin for the sexiest of painful-looking but secretly comfortable shoes. Photo from NeimanMarcus.com

Photo from Bloomingdales.com

PROBLEM: You know that cute guy in your Intro to Psych class? Looking cute is the obvious course of action, but that’s your last class of the day and after six hours heels just seem like a punishment! You don't want blisters or your feet killing you as you run around campus, so what shoes are durable enough to run around in, comfortable enough to wear a full day, and cute enough for Her Campus?

SOLUTION: I did mention that very girl needs a good pair of flats, didn’t I? And with the death of the King of Pop himself, fashion this fall has seen a resurgence of his classic style, which brings us to the Repetto Zizi Femme Patent Oxford in Black ($270, available at Bergdorf Goodman). Perfect with jeans, leggings, tights, whatever, these babies are comfortable to walk in yet stylish enough for class. Photo from BergdorfGoodman.com


Though flats do seem practical, with technology improving at such rapid rates it comes as no surprise that innovations have been made in the lucrative department of women’s shoes, giving you even more options. I purchased my first pair of Cole Haan shoes last winter. They are these rich brown leather, knee-high boots with gold buckles. Pretty standard. But when I ran around campus in them all day and felt nothing, that was something special. The coveted comfort is concealed in the Nike Air technology for ultimate cushioning and maximum support. So when I saw these Cole Haan Nancy Air Sandals in Zinfandel ($328, available at Cole Haan) I knew I had to recommend them to my Her Campus readers. The color of the suede is perfect for fall, and tassels just seem so stereotypically academic. How can you go wrong when there is exceptional style and comfort in each and every step? Photo from ColeHaan.com


Stuart Weitzman is the undeniable master of shoes with his comfortable, yet attractive designs. He often hides a platform inside the shoe’s outer design which is easier on the arch, and just to be nice he puts a little extra cushion in the sole. Stylish shoes that look great and can be worn longer than the walk from your apartment to hail a taxi! The Stuart Weitzman Bucknell Platform Pumps ($355, available at Bloomingdale’s) are preppy chic, while the Stuart Weitzman Yugo Bootie’s ($395, available at Nordstrom) have a front zip with an alluring open heel that is sexy at the opposite end of the spectrum. Photo from Bloomingdales.com

Photo from Nordstrom.com


BUT WHAT IF YOU REFUSE TO SACRIFICE FASHION FOR COMFORT, NO MATTER WHAT?

Now you should know that I’m the kind of girl who doesn’t compromise on her shoes. Which is why instead of opting for the comfy kind of shoe, I go directly to the corner of my closet where all the shoes designed by men who must have hated feet reside. Before mentally preparing myself for the pain I am about to endure, I apply a few tricks that save me from myself. If I am wearing a sexy little pair that’s a bit too strappy, causing those unfortunate blisters, I swipe over Band-Aid Active Friction Block Stick ($7.50, available at most drug stores). Its lubricating formula glides on smoothly to reduce rubbing on skin and form an invisible barrier which protects my feet. And if I’m not worried about blisters, but rather the crippling post-effects of a night in gorgeous shoes, you know that 5-inch arch, or a sole with absolutely zero cushioning? Then I slip Dr. Scholl's for Her High Heel Insoles ($11, available at most drug stores) right inside and nobody has to know. The gel arch helps shift the pressure to prevent and reduce foot pain for all-day comfort. Perfection. Photo from Drugstore.com

Photo from DrScholls.com


Now, as I said before, if ya can’t bare to part with ‘em, make it work! Try Dr. Scholl's for Her 16 Hour Insoles, ($11, Available at most drugstores) which are specially designed for women who are on their feet all day to provide a full 16 hours of comfort.

Photo from DrScholls.com


Find some of these shoes a bit pricey? Use these styles as a guide when you hit up your fave college-budget-friendly stores, or save up all semester and splurge on a designer pair! Now one foot in front of the other ladies, pain-free, just like I taught you!