Foot Notes

6 Tips for Perfect Wedding Day Shoes

Feb 22, 2019

We all know how uncomfortable shoes are the last thing you want at a wedding. After all the effort that goes into creating a gorgeous day, you don't want your shoes to let you down.

At Alice Bow, we know a think or two about combining beauty and comfort. Here are our tips to select the perfect bridal shoes.

1. Watch the Height

If you're a regular wearer of 4 inch heels then, by all means, go for it. For the rest of us, best to stay 3 inches (7.5cm) or below. For the taller ladies, don't feel you need to wear flat shoes. Your groom loves you enough to want to marry you and will have figured out how tall you are by now. ;-)

2. The Twirl Test

We LOVE a good boogie - preferably one where we're not worried about our shoes flying off mid-twirl. I've seen a flying shoe hit someone in the face before at a wedding - not a good look! (Though hilarious in the post-wedding video!) Best way to prevent this unfortunate moment is to have a little strap or two on your shoe to hold your foot in. (Note: If you do want to wear shoes higher than you normally wear, an ankle strap will help this be more comfortable.)

3. Beware of Decoration

If your wedding dress falls below your ankles, then you may be best with plainer shoes. Any crystals, beading, etc runs the risk of catching your dress.

If you’ve got our heart set on embellished shoes and a long dress, the best way to check if things will be OK is to take a piece of fabric similar to that of your wedding dress with you when trying on shoes. Run the piece of fabric over the shoe and see if it catches. If it doesn't, there's a good chance you'll be fine on your wedding day.

4. Choose the Right Size and Shape for Your Foot

Don't be afraid to ask to try a shoe on in a couple of different sizes to find the best fit. It’s your special day, not the shop assistants – so ignore any annoyed looks they may give you as you ask for another pair. I'd always recommend a round or open toe for comfort - much less likely to result in sore toes than pointy shoes.

Also, the time of year you are getting married can affect the fit of your shoe. If you're getting married on a hot summer day, there's a good chance your feet will swell with the heat. Best option is to go shoe shopping in the afternoon once you've been on your feet for a little bit so you will get a better feel for how the shoes will fit on the day.

5. Wear Your Shoes In Before the Big Day

We all know the feeling of new shoes pinching. Try to get your shoes in advance, so you can start wearing them in around home a few weeks before the big event. (Nothing like the glamour of a tracksuit and wedding shoes whilst doing the ironing!) This will allow you to see if any spots rub and give you a chance to make small amendments by using shoe stretching solution, etc.

Make sure the groom also buys his shoes well before the big day so he can wear them in. If the shoes are tight around his toes, send him to the shoe repairer to get some shoe stretching solution. (It's what bespoke shoemakers user to get the perfect fit!)

6. A Bit of Comfort

Check that your shoes have good padding or pop a pair of Alice Bow insoles in - they seriously makes a huge difference!

Hope this wedding shoe tips helps you on your big day. Oh and do share this post with any friends who are getting married.

Got any of your own tricks for happy wedding day feet? Drop us a note. We'd love to hear them!

At Alice Bow, we have a range of Bridal Insole Collection for all of your bridal girl gang. Our Bridal Blue Insoles come with a free sixpence - so almost cover all bases of the wedding poem......

"Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, ....

and a sixpence for her shoe."

Here’s to a fabulous wedding day!

x Rachel

5 Tips for Defeating Winter Feet

Oct 15, 2018

As we cosy in for winter, giving our feet a little TLC will keep them happy whatever the weather. Here are the top tips from Alice Bow and podiatrist Hiren Patel to see you through the cooler months.Read more

Alice Bow - How to keep feet cool under the heat this Wimbledon

Jul 02, 2018

Scorching summer days are best washed down with a ice cold bubbles - be it champagne or lemonade!

And – thanks to all the racket surrounding Wimbledon which is ramping the mercury to break point – it’s open season, with no “excuses” required, so let’s go play!

Whether you’re lucky enough to be hot-footing it to watch a game at centre court, or on the big screen at a boisterous sports pub or an outdoor screening, make sure to give some attention to your two besties who’ll be teaming up with you -- your FEET. After all, they’ve always supported you, so play nice!

So, with that said we have put together a few more footnotes for you below.

Let us know how it goes! x

Cool tips for happy feet in the heat:

Rotate your shoes every day to give them a chance to dry out.
Use a foot *scrub regularly (remembering to scrub between your toes) and antibacterial soap daily. (*Don’t use if you have broken skin or open sores.)
Have a black tea footbath. The tannic acid kills bacteria, closes pores and helps feet sweat less. Boil three to four tea bags in two cups of water for 15 minutes. Remove the bags and dilute the tea with eight cups of water. Soak feet for 20-30 minutes. Repeat twice a day until symptoms improve.
Add a cup of vinegar to a bowl of warm water. Soak for 15-20 minutes a day. You can also add a few drops of thyme oil which contains a strong antiseptic.
Apply a spray-on antiperspirant to the soles of your feet. Although antiperspirant is designed for your underarms (you’re only telling me now?!), it works just as well under feet to stop sweating and odour.
Put anti-fungal foot powder in your shoes. The cheaper and equally effective option is to use the miracle odour-absorbing powder, bicarbonate of soda. Liberally sprinkle in trainers, pumps or boots and leave on overnight, then shake out the excess powder. (Take care when using with leather shoes as frequent applications can dry them out.)
Place dry shoes into a Ziploc or other plastic bag between the crab sticks and ice cream and leave in the freezer over night to annihilate germs. Yes, you read right. It works brilliantly!
For tired, puffy and achy feet, pour 1/2 cup of Epsom salts into a bowl of warm water and soak for 15-20 minutes. Dry thoroughly. (Do this just before going to sleep.)

Consult your doctor before any type of foot bath if you have diabetes or a circulatory disorder – as it’s always good to get a heads up on such things.