Enjoy the Holidays in Style and Comfort

<p><p>The holiday season are finally here and you know of what that means: ample chances to get dressed up and celebrate in style! However, for lots holiday-celebrators, especially the women, this can mean putting on footwear that's as painful as it is pretty. But while high fashion comes at a price, you still don't have to look festive at the cost of your health. Wearing an narrow, crammed pair of shoes can exacerbate uncomfortable medical conditions such as hammertoe, Morton's neuroma and bunions. High heels can even lead to degenerative diseases and osteoarthritis. But the good news is that now you don't need to choose between comfort and style while picking a pair of shoes. If you think that you're one of countless ladies who would prefer to focus on social interaction than on foot pain this season, follow these pointers when adding new shoes to your holiday wardrobe. </p><p></p><p>Where and When to Shop:</p><p></p><p>In a recent article, podiatrist Dr. Elizabeth Kurtz warns against shopping for shoes in the morning. Feet can swell throughout the day, meaning your feet are usually at their largest at night. The podiatrist also suggests choosing a department store or extended-service footwear seller. �They tend to have an excellent selection of footwear in various sizes and widths,� Kurtz said. A bit of perusing online could even make your shopping trip even more profitable. </p><p></p><p>Purchase a pair of riding boots.</p><p></p><p>If you've got plans for a holiday event that�s been dubbed �dressy-casual,� then it's an excellent opportunity to sport one of the classiest looks of the season: riding boots. This style of boots don't have much of a heel, so they make for perfect comfort shoes. These boots pair perfectly with everything from a jeans/sweater ensemble to your fanciest dress and overcoat.</p><p></p><p>Narrow your search, not your shoes.</p><p></p><p>If you�ve ever worn heels with super-pointy toes, you certainly will not be surprised to hear that they can facilitate the development of disorders like hammertoes and bunions. The reason is that shoes with narrow toes (as well as many with oval and square toes) force the wearer's foot into an unorthodox position. Variations with round toes tend to be more comfortable and less harmful to the feet. For a fresh take on round toes, seek out some Oxfords or ballet flats (both styles are available with additional arch support). </p><p></p><p>More Modest Heels.</p><p></p><p>If you insist on wearing heels, see if you can find a pair that are with less than a three-inch heel. The reason? According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Heels of three or more inches put seven times more pressure on the balls of your feet than flats.. With over-wear, this type of footwear can cause you, Achilles tendinitis and even Morton's neuroma. To prevent these conditions, be sure to limit your heel wearing to just a few hours at special gatherings and be sure to stretch your calves and feet after you've removed your shoes.</p><p><hr></p><p>SOURCES:</p><p><ul></p><p><li>http://falstiegharaxa.site11.com/index.php?p=blogs/viewstory/2680</li></p><p><li>http://en.calameo.com/read/002716252d971fc90db6d</li></p><p></ul></p></p>