How to Choose the Perfect Footwear for an Elegant Night Out

After you've searched the globe (or maybe just your closet) for that perfect party outfit, you'll be faced with the dilemma of what to wear on your feet. Sure, those five-inch stiletto crystal-studded heels you saw at shoe pavilion will make you look like a supermodel, but can you walk in them? Taking a dozen successful steps around the shoe store doesn't qualify a pair of shoes as party-worthy. If you can't walk around in them for at least an hour without sitting down or begging for mercy, then these are not the shoes to wear to a party.

An easy test is to wear your intended party shoes on your next trip to the mall. You'll know fairly quickly whether these shoes are going to give you problems at your party! Just remember to pack a pair of flip flops in your handbag that day, just in case things simply don't work out.

Maybe your party is tonight and you have nothing suitable to wear besides an adorable but extremely uncomfortable pair of strappy stilettos that have been hiding in the back of your closet since junior prom. Don't panic! If you have a pair of shoes that fit you but that get uncomfortable if worn too long, there is still a way to make them work for your fancy event. Simply run down to the drugstore and buy some gel insoles with arch support. Read all of the packages - there is very likely to be a type of insole designed specifically for your style of shoe. Just stick the insole into your shoe and walk around a bit to make sure it's situated in the right place. In my experience this can make even the most treacherous pair of shoes insanely comfortable, and is the perfect idea if you plan to dance the night away!

Are you ready to shop for that practical pair of party shoes, but unsure what to look for? Here are three key ingredients to search for in a shoe to insure a successful night out:

Look for something with an ankle strap:

An ankle strap increases your leg's stability when walking, and can make even a very high pair of heels very wearable. Look for an ankle strap that is attached to the body of the shoe, instead of just floating around the top. The first will be much more stable, where as the second is mostly an aesthetic addition. Pay attention to the closure on the strap: some shoes have complicated contraptions and clasps, so you need to find one that's practical for you. Once you've tried the shoe on, take a look at your ankle in the mirror. An ankle strap can be unflattering if it pinches or constricts your ankle at all, so find one that fits snugly without creating bulges. Remember: if you're on your feet all night your ankles will likely swell a bit during the evening, so keep that in mind while picking out a pair of shoes.

Go for a thicker heel:

Yes, those sliver-thin stilettos are calling your name, but if you're looking to be stable on the dance floor and want to minimize pain, looking for a thicker heel will be a very rewarding experience. Your body will me much more stable on a wider foundation, so finding a heel that's an inch wide or wider is much better than a tiny stiletto if you're going to do a lot of standing at your party.

Find a shoe with full sides:

Many of the shoes you'll see have the middle part cut away, so that the arch of the foot is left exposed. If you're looking for a more comfortable shoe, I would recommend finding one with full sides and a full back. Whether or not you want a peep-toe is up to you, but finding a shoe that's full-coverage in all other areas will really keep you stable and keep your feet feeling good throughout the night. As an additional bonus, this kind of shoe is easier to hide an arch-supporting insole in than other varieties, so if you need a little extra support, this is definitely the shoe for you!