fourpoints Magazine

The #1 Resource for Everything Miss America & MAOTeen

These Heels Were Made for Walking

Monday, 05 August 2013 10:26

MAO contestants and titleholders walk the walk and talk the talk, but walking the walk can be difficult if the shoe doesn’t fit. Take advice from these pageant shoe outfitters and choose a shoe that will leave your toes singing for joy from daytime appearances to on stage.

 

For a contestant who wants to take her shoes the extra mile, how can she purchase a pair of shoes that will work for her during the day as well as on the stage? 
Benjamin Walk: I would definitely always suggest that they break a new pair of shoes in by wearing around house and get comfortable in them. A lot shoes we offer have a genuine suede foot bed, which is quite padded. Those shoes quite comfortable and are those that I’ve been told can wear for hours. Also always buy shoes that have a rubber sole or non-slipping sole. For styles that don’t, you can get a rough sticker made for sole of shoe that will take away any slipperiness on stage. 

The nude is really popular right now as always with pageant shoes especially pearlized and champagne colors. I think those can certainly translate from a nice daywear outfit to evening ware. I think anything with a platform is more wearable and our best pageant shoes typically have a clear bottom unit with a four-inch heel. One item that will be available in December and January will have a clear bottom unit with a two and a half-inch heel. We get requests for these for younger pageant girls for whom it’s almost dangerous to go on stage with a four-inch heel. 

Is there a trending color, height of the heel, or design that would best fit daytime as well as nighttime outfits? 
Diane & Company No woman can ever have just one pair of heels, but if you need to come to a happy medium, stick to a strappy, nude and maximum three-inch heel. This can take you from an interview to the stage.

When a girl is on her feet a lot from the morning to the night, how can she make sure to find shoes that will give her the proper support the whole day?
D&C An ankle strap or peep toe shoe provides perfect support, but allows your toes some freedom. Also, steer clear of steep incline heels, which are a bit tougher on the ankle.  

BW I do think that platforms are generally easy to wear and take off a lot pressure from the ball of the foot. Weight is more evening distributed in a shoe with a platform, and it’s a lot more comfortable. I would also suggest a footpad or supportive sole pads. Shoes with single strap across foot are probably going to be a little less comfortable than something with two straps because all the pressure is that one strap where as with more than one or a thicker strap, the pressure is distributed more evenly. 

What is the one shoe no pageant girl can live without?
D&C The perfect four or five inch nude heel! Sleek, Sexy and sophisticated all in one!

BW Probably a good vinyl clear shoe or taupe sandal, those are good swimsuit shoes.