The Perfect Pump | A Plea from Your Feet

Please continue reading if you have pranced around in heels (prance may or may not entail: dancing, walking up and down stairs, chasing incoherent friends, or running files from one office to another) and have survived with the following symptoms:

1. Intense pain in the arches of your feet
2. Blisters on the big and pinky toes
3. Blisters on the ball of your feet
4. Lack of blood circulating in your tootsies
5. Anger. Lots of raging anger.

I have a tiny feeling that I speak for quite a bit of women when I say that I've experienced numbers 1 through 5, typically in that order. Vicki know's what I'm talking about! ;)

So, what do we do? I know for a fact that most of us won't give up wearing heels - so, what's the solution?

Now, I bite my lip as I write this. I think it's time that I invest in some really good pumps. For me, what matters is that they look great, support the balls of my feet (cushion is a must), doesn't squeeze my toes (Toe cleavage? Unattractive.), and are flexible enough for good arch support (NO scooting. You all know what I mean - ever see that girl making her way past you in some heels by dragging her feet? I know you all cringe when you see that)

A weekend nursing a couple blisters and a bruised toe impelled me to do some research where I found 8 different pumps that women rave about.

From top to bottom and left to right:

Cole Haan's Air Marisa Buckle Pump & Mariela Air Pump | So, one day, Cole Haan and Nike mated, and had shoe babies of all colors, shapes and sizes. With concealed Nike Air technology, these 4+ inch heels are leather lined for maximum comfort. I love the buckle for extra stability- no heel slippage! GENIUS! (Marisa - $162.90 on sale at Nordstrom.com | Mariela - $219.95 at Colehaan.com)

Libby Edelman's Gabriel | Yep, this woman is the other half of the Sam Edelman brand, and her line is JUST as glam with a very sweet, feminine touch. I couldn't help but include both colors of the Gabriel pump because I'm a closet animal print enthusiast - I mean… they look like candy. Animal print candy. Look at that lining! It may be the superb construction or the fact that the eyes blind the pain, but most women review this pump as incredibly comfortable - despite the 4 inch heel. Who says you can't have beauty without pain?! ($49.99 on sale at Zappos.com)

Dolce Vita's Hayword | This unique pump no doubt catches the eye, and as most women have reviewed- has great arch support. As we've learned with the sky high pumps women are stomping around with nowadays, a hidden platform is key - you're getting height without eliminating all concern for your feet. ($127.49 on sale at Heels.com)

L.K. Bennet's Sledge Pump | Okay, let's hypothetically say you're a princess. Would you wear these pumps to all of your social outings, jousting competitions and royal balls? Oh wait, what is that you say? The Duchess of Cambridge wears them? All around the world? They've GOT to be comfortable. Alright Kate, now we just have to be able to afford them. ($325.00 at Nordstrom.com)

Kate Spade's Karolina | Another favorite among women, and realistic in heel height. With a rounded toe, there's no toe pinching, and the colors and materials this pump is available in is endless! (I'm talking leather, satin, suede, and patent to start off!) I mean really, can you deny the multi-color glitter or the mint green leather? ($298.00 at Kadespade.com)

Seychelles' Ampersand & Quotation Mark | Seychelles has this undeniable ability to create vintage yet modern shoes. Can you tell that I'm a true sucker for sweet and flirty things? I could probably stare at their website all day. Besides being ridiculously cute, these two pumps have a thicker wedge heel, that provides for better stability. The Ampersand has a hidden 1.5 inch platform, and with it's 5 inch heel, you're only feeling a 3.5 rise. The Quotation Mark has a more glamorous vibe with a 3/4 inch platform and 4 inch heel, but without discounting the thicker heel for wobble prevention. (Ampersand - $98 | Quotation Mark - $100 | both at Seychellesfootwear.com)

Well, that's a start right? Now, I just need to start a "non-painful pump" piggy bank.

Back to nursing my feet. Happy Heel Wearing everyone! :)