Prom Shoes: Find Ones You Can Wear All Night

We tell ourselves that sometimes looking good requires sacrifice. That we can grin and bear the pain. That those gorgeous vintage pumps that match our dress perfectly are worth it. On the big night, they’re the last thing that gets put on before we head out the door. We vow that we’ll save face, and wear them all night, through the dinner and the dancing. Sometimes we make it through most of the evening, sometimes only through the first two songs. But it’s practically inevitable that those beautiful leather stilettos will end up under your chair along with the place card the person next you knocked off the table during dessert.

It doesn’t have to be that way. We are not doomed to toss our shoes to the wayside halfway through the night. Here are some wearability aspects to think about when you’re out searching for the perfect prom shoe.

Height
We all want to look statuesque and Naomi-Campbell-leggy, but super-high isn’t always the best way to achieve the look we want. Especially if you’re not an expert heel-wearer– there is nothing sexy about waddling around, trying to keep your balance on your six-inch stilettos. Think about where your dress falls. If it’s floor-length, those elongated gams will go unseen anyways, and so will most of the shoe! If you’re wearing a shorter dress, heels may be worth it, but make sure you can walk– and dance!– comfortably in them.

Style of Heel
From stilettos to chunky heels to wedges, height can come in many different styles. If you’re set on the high road, but feel a bit wobbly in thinner heels, try something weightier. Picking a shoe that’s more open, or in paler tones, will help lighten up the clunky look that larger-heeled shoes can have.

Material
Nothing reminds us how much sweat our feet can produce than a night of dancing. It’s not just uncomfortable, but in the event that we do end up taking off our shoes, we start to wonder how many people can sniff out the five hours our feet have spent in them. Sandals and peep-toes offer the most airflow, and are ideal for keeping your feet as sweat-free as possible. If you’re going with a closed-toe shoe, consider the breathability of the fabric. Woven fabric blends are much more breezy than faux- or patent-leathers, which can turn your Mary Janes into saunas in no time.

Soles
We tend not to think about the soles of our party shoes. They literally exist to be stepped on. But certain plastics can make for not-so-friendly movement if they are too slippery, or make irritating clicking noises with every step. Heels usually don’t have much traction, but decent soles should feel a little bit sticky or rubbery, and have some sort of groove or pattern to provide a bit of grip.

Straps
Is there anything more annoying that the straps of your shoes digging into your poor swollen feet all night? Strappy heels add a little bit of spice to an outfit, and are especially great if the straps are adjustable. But watch that the straps are loose enough that your circulation (or a toe!) isn’t being cut off, and snug enough that they aren’t sliding against your skin and giving you blisters.

Size
Size does matter. Sizing with more formal footwear can be a little bit tricky, since the fit will change slightly with the style of the shoe. A size 7 in a boxy sandal may feel fine, but that same size in a pointed-toe pump could be a bit tight. Feel free to go up or down a full or a half size to get a good fit. And if the store doesn’t have the size you need, seriously consider another shoe. Your love for the style of it will be quickly overshadowed by the discomfort you’ll experience if it doesn’t fit you correctly.

Flats?
No one said you have to wear heels at prom. If you don’t feel the need to add any height, flats are usually much more comfortable than heels, and definitely easier to dance in! From sandals to dainty ballet flats to classic oxfords; flats are stylistically more versatile than heels, giving you many more options to chose from. You’ll look just as lovely, and will make everyone wish their feet were as happy as yours.

Inserts
Inserts can be life-savers when wearing shoes that have particularly painful areas. Sold at most shoe retailers, pharmacies, and department stores in a variety of designs, they’re great for adding extra padding at the back of the heel, the ball or arch of the foot, or underneath straps. Full insoles, which cover all or most of the inner sole, are also avaliable, though they tend to be more expensive. Inserts are great for troubleshooting problem spots, but it’s not a good idea to expect that a terribly uncomfortable shoe filled with inserts will give you a walking-on-air experience. It’s also important to note that inserts do take up extra space in your shoe, which usually means buying a larger pair than you’d usually wear.

There’s no need to choose between comfort and style when selecting your prom shoes; you can have both. There are an endless amount of options to chose from. Take your time, enjoy exploring your choices, and start working on your moves so you can dance all night in a pair of shoes that makes you look and feel flawless.