Home » Fashion »  Accessories »  Put Your Best Foot Forward Your choice of shoes can make or mar your outfit! Cheap shoes aren't always wrong just as expensive shoes aren't always right! There's more to shoes than you think!

What makes a shoe?

Heel Counter or the back of a shoe

Toe box covers the toes, and this is what makes a shoe comfortable

The upper is the top part of the shoe

The mid sole covers the arch of the foot, and it should be well cushioned, since the maximum pressure is on this area

Footprints in the sand

Every foot has a different arch. Your footprint tells you all you need to know about your arch.

If the footprint shows only the heel and the ball, you have a high arch and therefore need more cushioning when it comes to shoes.

If your entire foot is visible in your footprint, you have flat feet. These people may need less cushioning in shoes but they need a shoe with a better support and grip. People with flat feet usually have a problem running and balancing, and may be prone to falls.

If your footprint shows half an arch you are close to having a normal arch. Such feet can balance well and can wear almost all types of footwear.

Shoe Shine

Your wardrobe should ideally contain different types of shoes, such as

Party animals

- go for style and comfort. Buy pairs that are well co-ordinated with your western and Indian outfits. Wear party shoes before you walk into a party in them. That way you will be able to gauge their comfort level. Make sure you don't end up with shoe bites. Pick basic colours like beige, black, tan and white, to match almost all your outfits. Stillettos, metallic colors and shoes encrusted with diamantes make for eye-catching wear at parties!

Work Out footwear

- the accent should be on complete comfort. Make sure your exercise shoes are well cushioned and it is always wise to go for renowned brands, rather than suffering shoe bites and blisters!

Day wear

- Keep it simple, comfortable and elegant. With Indian wear, low heeled chappals, delicately embroidered juttis and flat kolhapuri chappals are perfect. With western wear open toed sandals and comfortable pumps look great.

Footwear@ Work

- the focus should be on comfort and sturdiness. Pick basic colours like beige, black, tan and white, to match almost all your outfits. Remember white sometimes makes your feet look darker! For office wear, go for low-heeled pumps, or open toed sandals, unless of course your office has a dress code

The perfect shoe can add to your comfort level, enhance your ensemble and make a personality statement. So it's worth investing a little time in picking the right shoe for the right occasion, in order to put your best foot forward!