6 Tips for Perfect Wedding Day Shoes 

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......

 

Here’s to a fabulous wedding day!

x Rachel

 

 

 

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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. Continue reading

The last year saw most of us swap our heels for flat shoes and trainers (even slippers!), whilst we worked at home and went for walks in the park. 

But wedding days call for gorgeous shoes and many of us want to wear heels.  The last thing you want is for your feet to start feeling tired and sore when you’re only part way through the day.

Here are our top 5 exercises to get your feet fit for your wedding day.  10mins day is all it takes.  Just pop a note on your bathroom mirror and do your exercises whilst brushing teeth/cleaning face.

Heel Rocks

Your whole body is impacted by your feet and how you stand.  When moving back to high heels and more enclosed shoes after the summer break, some Heel Rocks will help strengthen and stretch. 

1. Stand with your feet flat on ground, hip-width apart. 
2. Lift your heels of the ground, so that you are on your toes.  Hold for 3 seconds.  
3. Rock back onto your heels, so that your toes and most of your feet are now off the ground.  Hold for three seconds.  
4. Repeat 10 times.

Zoom away for Tension Release

Many foot pains and niggles come from tension held in your feet.  Why not make good use of time and roll a massage ball whilst on your next Zoom call to gently ease tension.  Work along the length of the foot, as well as paying specific attention to the balls of the feet.  (These carry a lot of the pressure when wearing heels.)  Our Rose Quartz Massage Balls are perfect for this!

Towel Grabs

This rather clever yet simple exercise strengthens numerous foot muscles.  Swiftly and with care, drop a towel on the floor, then pick it up with your toes and hold for a second or two. Repeat 10 times, then swap to the other foot. 

Work it out and Walk It Out

During lockdown, many of us have been moving a lot less than usual and, just like the rest of our body, this can make our feet unfit.  Get out for a daily walk or run.  Doesn’t matter what it is, the key is to get moving on your feet. 

Walking on Clouds – Getting used to the Height 

Wearing your wedding shoes in whilst at home provides several benefits (other than feeling fab whilst packing the dishes away and doing DIY facial in between screen time.) Not only does it help gently shape the shoes and soften the leather, it also helps your calves and feet get used to the height of the heel.  If you’re feeling any tension in an area, this gives you an idea of where you need to focus on.

 

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We all know that after a long day out shopping or running around, the first thing we want is something nice to drink and to put out feet up. 

With many of us working from home, our legs and feet aren’t getting the work out they often would.   But that doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t benefit from some legs up time. 

So, what are the top scientific reasons to put your feet up?

Relieves muscle tension

Sitting down all day puts pressure on our hips and thighs.  Putting your feet up helps relieve the tension here.  (I swear everything feels less “flat” after I do this!)

Pressure relief

If you’re standing or sitting in the same position for an extended period, this can create pressure on your veins.  Elevating your legs reduces pressure on the veins and gives them a break.

Better blood flow

Raising your legs above your heart is recommended daily, not just for times when you’re feeling faint.  It’s a more relaxing position for the body and assists with blood circulation.

Reduces swelling

As the day goes on, many of us will have experienced the feeling (let alone the look!) of our ankles seeming to put on weight.  Luckily it’s just swelling and can be easily reduced with some simple leg elevation.

Now, there is a right way to do this if you want to get all the benefits…

Feet should be raised above the heart for 15-30 minutes, ideally daily – or at least 3 times a week.

To improve general circulation, elevating your feet above heart level is all you need. 

For the maximum benefit, the best rejuvenation is achieved if you pop your legs up against a wall at a 90 degree angle.  This allows the sacroiliac joints in your hip to relax.  It also soothes tense lower backs - perfect if you’ve been sitting at your desk all day. 

If possible, avoid putting anything under your head for support as this will move the spine from its neutral relaxed position. 

So pop your feet up and leave the video off on your next Zoom call.  And if anyone asks, just say you’re doing it for the scientific benefits!

 

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After a long lazy summer, it's time to start thinking about "proper" shoes.  Here are some of our best tips to ease you back into your favourite shoes. Continue reading

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