Finding the perfect shoe is not always easy. Because not all of us are lucky enough to have a Cinderella (with her custom-made shoe), this guide has been created to guide you in your quest, depending on your shape, size and type of foot.
How do you identify you type of foot?
Most of your sneakers are 39, but when it comes to ballet flats or pumps, do you skip 41? Do you have shoes in sizes 36, 37 and 35 in your drawers, but you don’t quite understand why they all fit you?
In reality, no two feet are the same! Rather than thinking in size, think in types of feet, this will save you from disappointment.
According to the shape of your toes
Never put a name on the shape of your toes? This can be very helpful in finding the right women’s flat shoe for you.
Egyptian foot
It is one of the most common forms of foot. It is called the “Egyptian” foot because it was recognized in ancient Egypt as an aesthetic model.
It can be recognized by the alignment of the tips of the toes: from the thumb to the little finger, the toes descend in a perfect diagonal.
The Greek Foot
This form of foot is a little less common. Your toes form a diagonal, but the second exceeds the thumb in length and breaks the alignment. This was the pattern established under ancient Greece.
As long as the gap between the second toe and the thumb is no more than 1cm in length, you should have no problem walking.
Roman or square foot
This type of foot was the aesthetic model established under ancient Rome. The toes do not form a diagonal from the highest to the lowest, but rather a nearly straight line.
You are generally a little wider than the other types. Knowing this is good for choosing the right shoe.
Depending on your sole
We don’t all have the same arches, either. This can help you navigate your shoe choices (especially for maximum comfort).
The “normal” foot
Experts speak of a “normal” foot when the weight is perfectly balanced between all the parts in contact with the ground. From the heel to the forefoot and to the sides, several surfaces touch the ground and this allows you to have a stable and balanced walk.
The hollow foot
The hollow foot has a pronounced arch, with reduced ground support, between the heel and the forefoot.
The flat foot
Conversely, the flat foot provides overall support. The entire surface of the foot is in contact with the ground. You have almost (if at all) an arch under the arch of the foot.
The classic tips to help you put on your shoes
Now that you’ve identified your foot type a bit better, here are some style tips that should make your life a bit easier.
For hollow feet
- You can also aim for women’s wedge sandals for greater support comfort. Some sneakers are designed specifically for this, or even “Birkenstock” type shoes.
- Be aware that these styles are very hot lately, so you can indulge yourself without feeling like you’re wearing an orthopaedic outfit that ruins your style.
For flat feet
- Choose shoes with a soft material on the top (thin leather, suede or soft fabric).
- Always make sure that the shoe conforms to the shape of your foot as well as possible: as in the glass slipper, there is no point in forcing it in!
- Focus your attention on the width of the shoe (especially at the front of the foot).
- Refuse shoes that are too pointed and crush your toes!
For wide feet
- Take the time to choose women’s flat shoes, it’s not about crushing your toes to make the foot appear thinner.
For very thin feet
- Play with volumes. Women’s wedge sandals, chunky shoes, flat sneakers, bright colours and massive patterns: the more you show, the more your foot stands out.
- Remember to keep the foot securely in place. A wide shoe only works if the foot is comfortable in it. If you float, you risk becoming unbalanced. Think about adjustable systems (hook-and-loop fasteners, laces, etc.).
