No matter the occasion, the ideal pair of shoes are the ones that you forget about (until someone compliments you on them of course). You don’t want to be constantly thinking about how they’re slipping off the back of your heel, or how your toes are all crammed together in the front. The perfect pair of pumps keeps your mind off them, letting you stay fully invested in the important parts of your day. But how do you find that perfect pair? We’ll go through a few different things to consider when picking out a pump for the day, as well as a few tips on how to keep your feet pain-free for as long as possible.
Is There a Difference Between Heels and Pumps?
Many people use the terms “pump” and “high heel” interchangeably, but they are different things. While high heels are any style of shoe with a — you guessed it — high heel, pumps are closed toe, closed heel shoes. They typically have a simpler design, without any laces or buckles. Pumps, also called court shoes, basically are a type of heel designed to be worn in professional settings.
How to Choose the Right Pumps for Any Occasion
There are a few different variables to consider when picking the right women’s pumps for your day. By using this rubric, finding the right pair for any occasion can be done in just a moment!
Your High Heel Experience
If you’re new to wearing high heels, or only wear them for special occasions, you don’t want to jump immediately into wearing 3” stilettos for eight hours. Beginners should start with kitten heels, or heels with a height less than 2” high. These will provide the most stability and won’t wear out the muscles required to wear higher heels with ease.
Once you feel comfortable in your kitten heels, you can move on up to pumps that have a heel height of 2-3”. These will provide more lift without losing all the stability that you enjoyed in your kitten heels. We would recommend wearing these for short periods at first, and then working your way up to longer evening events or full days in the office. When you feel comfortable in these, feel free to try heels over 3” high, working your way up to long wears over time. Keep a pair of emergency flats in your bag to swap in just in case!
Wear Time
Even the most experienced pump wearers will start to feel some foot fatigue after too long, that’s why it’s so important to take wear time into account. If you’re picking out dress pumps for an all-day affair, a lower heel will be your best bet since it provides the most stability and doesn’t wear out your feet as quickly. Pumps that feature ankle straps are also a great choice for long days because they keep your foot secure inside the shoe. All those little instances of your heel slipping out or your toes ramming into the front of the shoe will add up to be mighty uncomfortable after a long time.
If your outing is on the shorter side, however, like a date night or an evening business to-do, pumps with higher heels are great for making a statement. These are also great for events when you know that you will be doing a lot of sitting, giving your feet a break from the balancing act.
Venue
Where you’re wearing your pumps is also something to think about when picking out the right pair. If your day mostly consists of being indoors or walking on pavement, this is less important, but you need to be careful when going off road. If you wear thin stiletto heels to an outdoor wedding or company picnic, you might find your heels poking into the dirt or catching on the edges of rocks or gravel, which can lead to a fall or rolled ankle.
For outings where you know you’ll be leaving the pavement, look for a block heel or wedge pump that has a wider, more stable base. Grooved traction outsoles are also a good thing to look out for if you think you might encounter wet or icy conditions during winter and spring months.
Toe Shape
The heel might be the boldest, most important part of your favorite pumps, but the toe box also deserves some attention. Pumps with wide or square toe boxes are best option because they provide plenty of room for your toes to spread out inside of the shoe. Cramped toes can become painful quickly, so it’s beyond worth it to invest in a little wiggle room.
If you’re finding it hard to let go of your pointed-toe pumps, might we suggest an almond-toe pump as a compromise? These provide a sleek look without forcing your toes to squeeze into a sharp point.
Bonus Features
It’s important to prioritize comfort just as much as style, if not more. Even the most gorgeous shoes will quickly become your worst enemy if they make your feet hurt! When shopping for pumps online or at your local shoe store, check the product description or box for any comfort features the shoe might include, like extra padding or arch support in the footbeds.
Adjustability around the ankle and over the top of the foot is also a great feature to look for. This lets you tighten or loosen the shoe to create a fit that, well, fits! Plus, if you realize that your shoes are too tight or too loose halfway through the night, you can easily adjust them!
How to Choose Pumps Shoes
If you know what to look for, picking the right ladies pumps for every occasion will quickly become second nature. Remember, the best pump for the job will differ depending on venue, event, and length of wear, so make sure your shoe collection is ready for everything with Masseys’ vast collection of women’s dress shoes! With tons of top brands to choose from, and extended sizes and widths that you often can’t find in stores, you’re sure to find your perfect fit.
What are your go-to tricks for picking out the perfect pair of pumps? Let us know in the comments below, and then tag us in your Masseys special occasion outfit pics on Facebook and Instagram.
