Phillyist Framed Returns!
Playlist Rewind: AFI at the Factory
Whole Hog Is All Heart
Extra, Extra
Across the Ist-a-Verse
Spring has sprung in our fair city. And that means many of us have been stepping out in our open-toe and sandal type shoes. And why not? This is the perfect weather for it, and they haven’t been this in style since ancient Rome. However, as usual, Phillyist finds ourselves bothered by an old problem. It’s one that people don’t seem to understand in clothes OR in shoes: the fit.
Looking around the streets, it seems many of us seem to believe that since it’s a sandal, the fit is unimportant. After all, there are no confining walls to feel tight or loose! Well, kids, we hate to tell you that you are wrong, wrong, wrong. (Wait, who are we trying to kid? We LOVE telling you that you are wrong! However, that’s neither here nor there.)
There are few things as inelegant as a set of toes spilling out over a too-small base. Like any other kind of shoe, just being marked in your size doesn’t mean that they’re really the correct size or style for you. You’ve just gotta try them on.
Some things to look out for in the fit of a sandal or other open-toe. Most are common sense, but judging by the tortured feet we see on the street, perhaps they bear repeating:
- Do the shoes pinch or rub? They may be too small. Do they slip, or feel otherwise insecure? They are probably too large.
- At the store, try them on and walk the full length of the store/shoe department at least once. Do your feet slide forward until your toes are at or over the edge? They don’t fit. Go one size down.
- When standing in them, do your toes and/or heel go all the way to the edge or hang over? You need a size larger!
If you’re buying for a particular party or event, make sure you make your purchase far enough in advance to give you a chance to break them in. Phillyist likes to put on new shoes and wear them around the house for a few days to jump-start the process.
In addition, every new shoe has its “trouble spots;” maybe they rub at the heel or pinch at the joint at the big toe. Wearing them around for a while will give you a hint where potential problems may brew. Then – and here’s one of Phillyist’s most valuable secrets – you can place a strip or two of medical tape over the trouble spots next time you wear the shoes. This will help protect your feet until you finish breaking in your new footwear.
Happy Spring!
Image via Discount2Door
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medical tape comes off and is worn through. if you'll be wearing them for a while, or walking a good amount, use athletic tape. it's SO much sturdier.
You can't be 70007 serious?!?