Can Higher Heels Really Enhance Your Figure?
While many believe that higher heels, such as 9 or 10 cm, are more figure-flattering, they can actually put a lot of pressure on your feet, causing discomfort.
It is a common misconception that higher heels elongate the legs and make them appear longer due to the added height. As a result, some individuals opt for sky-high heels, despite feeling uncomfortable. However, wearing extremely high heels frequently can place greater strain on the calf muscles, making the legs appear thicker.
Additionally, if you don’t feel confident walking in extremely high heels, they are unlikely to enhance your figure. Therefore, it’s not always true that higher heels automatically enhance your figure.
Guide to Choosing Aesthetically Pleasing and Comfortable High Heels
1. Determine the Ideal Heel Height with the Golden Ratio
To choose the right pair of high heels for yourself, it’s crucial to first calculate the ideal heel height based on the following formula. Start by measuring the length of your legs, specifically from the belly button to the soles of your feet. Then, apply this formula: height x 0.618 – leg length. The resulting number is the ideal heel height for you.
Typically, a heel height of 4-6 cm is considered comfortable and suitable for most individuals.
2. Pay Attention to the Width of the Heels
When selecting high heels, the width of the heels is also an important consideration. Women with thicker ankles should avoid thin heels as they can make the legs appear thicker and the ankles look bigger. Instead, opt for thicker heels to create a more balanced silhouette.
The width of the heels can impact the perceived size of your feet, making them appear larger or smaller.
3. Choose High Heels Based on Your Foot Shape
First, compare your foot shape to the images below and select the appropriate high heels based on your foot type.
Egyptian Foot Shape
This foot shape is characterized by a big toe that is longer than the other four toes. It is the most common foot shape, and pointed-toe or narrow-toe shoes are the best choices.
Egyptian feet are well-suited for pointed-toe shoes.
Roman Foot Shape
The Roman foot shape is characterized by toes that are almost equal in length. When choosing high heels, opt for styles with larger toe boxes, such as round or square toes, and avoid narrow, pointed styles.
Roman feet look best with round or square-toed shoes.
Greek Foot Shape
The Greek foot shape is characterized by a second toe that is longer than the big toe. If you have this foot shape, you have a wide range of shoe options, just ensure that the heel doesn’t cause excessive friction.
Greek feet look great in any style, and pointed-toe high heels can further enhance the figure.
German Foot Shape
The German foot shape is characterized by four toes that are almost equal in length, excluding the big toe. This foot shape is best suited for shoes with slightly narrower toes, such as slightly pointed but not overly pointed styles. Additionally, ensure that the upper part of the shoe is spacious for comfort.
German feet look best with slightly narrowed toes but not overly pointed styles.
Celtic Foot Shape
The Celtic foot shape is less common and is characterized by a second toe that is the longest, with the big toe and third toe being almost equal in length. The recommended shoe styles for this foot shape are similar to those for German feet.
Celtic feet also suit the same styles as German feet.
Choosing High Heels for Wide or Meaty Ball of the Foot:
If you have a wide or meaty ball of the foot, pay attention to the width of the upper part of the shoe. If it’s too tight, it will squeeze the ball of your foot. As long as you keep this in mind, you can wear pointed-toe shoes even with a wider foot.
Consider the width of the shoe to prevent the ball of your foot from looking bigger.