January February March April May June Pumps Ballet Slippers Sling Backs Kitten Heels Chunky Heels Flip-flops The perfect pump is always classy The ultra-feminine ballet slipper may Dynamic and sexy, sling backs exude Modest and practical, the kitten heel It’s no wonder fashion’s hottest new Even the most intuitive person may and never goes out of style. Ageless make you feel light on your feet, the confident energy of those who can stand out in a crowd without footwear staple is none other than have trouble deciding between the and refined, it comes in many styles, but in reality, its flat nature can be wear them. Find a sling back with a overdoing it. Kitten heels not only the friendly and inventive chunky heel. countless flip-flop color and style including the ever-fierce stiletto. Be punishing on the arch and heel. lower heel so they can be worn from give extra height but are also a great Known for its relative ease on the feet, choices. Select a pair that has some aware if pumps are too pointy, the Thin soles provide inadequate cush- day to night. Make sure straps aren’t alternative to reducing pressure on the chunky heel offers much more support and is unable to bend in half pressure placed on toes over time ioning and support, and can result in too tight, as that could lead to chafing the ball of the foot often caused by stability than its skinny friend. For best to minimize foot pain often caused can contribute to unsightly bony heel and arch pain. Never choose on the back of the heel, and conversely, a higher heel. Because a kitten heel fit, always buy shoes in the afternoon by flip-flops. Blisters are typically prominences called hammertoes a pair that can bend in half and make sure they aren’t too loose, so is typically not higher than one inch after feet have had time to swell from caused by poor-fitting straps, so or bumps at the base of the big toe don’t wear for long periods of time. that straps are not constantly being and is also a bit wider than the aver- the day’s activities. Buying shoes when choose a style made of natural called bunions. Search for deep toe Consider a cushioned insert like pulled up. Foot Petals’ Strappy Strips age heel, it offers more comfort and feet are at their largest will ensure the materials, such as soft leather, and boxes, which give more wiggle room. APMA-approved Spenco’s Q Factor ($6.95), approved by the APMA, can stability. Keep in mind, a heel that is best possible fit. make sure the foot doesn’t hang And, of course, see a podiatrist if pain ($19.95) for extra shock absorption. be placed on the inside of straps to three inches high creates seven times off the edge. Heel pain sufferers exists to determine necessary treat- prevent them from cutting into or more stress than a one-inch heel. should pass on flip-flops. ment options. sliding down the heel. APMA Shoe Pick: Rockport’s Chile* APMA Shoe Pick: Dansko’s Rue*

*Heels That Don’t Hurt: These featured styles all hold the APMA Seal of FOOTWEAR FASH ION CALENDAR Acceptance. For a full list of shoes that strike the perfect Make Stylish and Healthy Foot wear Choices Year Round balance between fashion and function visit www.apma.org.

July August September October November December Athletic Sandals Platforms And Wedges Clogs Loafers Peep Toes Fashion Sneakers When searching for the next adven- Towering platforms and wedges Look past the tough exterior to find Reliable and dependable, loafers are The adaptability and versatility of Fashion sneakers are a comfortable ture, be sure to have a great pair of combine all the things girls love in the softer side of clogs. Choose a just right for pounding the pavement peep toe flats and pumps make them choice, however, don’t wear them practical and supportive athletic footwear – a little bit of height, straps pair with ultra-soft soles that provide or relaxing with friends. The perfect appropriate for the office board meet- when exercising because they don’t sandals on hand. Just make sure to and lots of style options. Be careful cushioning, such as APMA-accepted loafer should not be too flexible nor ing or the office party. However, this offer the same support as an athletic have traction, like ridges or tread- up there, though, platforms and wedges Crocs, which are ideal for sufferers too stiff. The shoe should bend at the style may cause toes to slip forward shoe. Other common problems when ing, on the soles to avoid slips. Also, can be unsteady, causing instability and of plantar fasciitis, neuromas, bunions, ball of the foot, but shouldn’t fold in and make them overlap, pushing nail wearing this style include bromohi- choose sandals that have a built-in problems with balance. Also, exces- hammertoes or achy feet. The wide half. Leather shoes should be soft and edges into the skin which can form an drosis, aka foot odor. To avoid sweaty support so that the foot doesn’t sive height can lead to ankle rolls and toe box also affords the front of the supple. Also, look for a shoe with a ingrown toenail. Avoid this by staying and smelly feet, wear natural/synthetic twist. Straps and insoles should be falls. Try lower platforms and wedges foot lots of room to move around, toe box that is both round and deep away from peep toes that are too tight blended socks that wick away mois- made of natural materials. Avoid with secure ankle straps, cork material making it a very comfortable shoe with a firm heel counter. and be sure there are no seams near ture. If wearing socks is not a preferred straps that are too tight or foot bottoms for shock absorption and inside and out. APMA Shoe Pick: Rockport’s Hanau* the toe area that will place further option, sprinkle powder into the shoe circulation can become diminished. traction for slippery conditions. When APMA Shoe Pick: Croc’s Silver Cloud* pressure on toes. to absorb sweat or roll antiperspirant, APMA Shoe Pick: Chaco’s ZX/1* wearing this shoe type, always avoid like APMA-approved Certain-Dri uneven terrain. ($6.49), directly onto soles. APMA Shoe Pick: Dansko’s Courtney* Erin Wendel [email protected] 301.581.9227 www.apma.org