The Best Nude Lace-Up Heels

Buying Guide

There are two types of fashionistas: those who match their shoes to their outfits and those who pick out outfits to go with their shoes. No matter which group describes you, you’ll likely find you need a few pairs of shoes to cover multiple occasions and looks.

A good nude pair of high heels can give you more versatility than you’d find in other pairs. Nude can go with almost every type of clothing, from sundresses to jeans, with few limitations on the colors you choose to match. You can wear nude shoes with patterns and solids in all colors, which is why nude heels are a great addition to any shoe collection.

Heels have an advantage in that they can improve posture and create a longer, leaner look for your legs. However, you can experience foot issues if you put them on a lot, particularly with higher heels. When pressure is applied to the forefront of the shoe instead of distributed across the entire foot, it can lead to overuse of the metatarsal and toes. The more you stand and walk in high heels, the more strain that area will experience.

One way to reduce those risks is to choose a lower, chunkier heel that better distributes the weight across the entire footbed. You’ll find plenty of 3-inch or lower heels that will create the lift you need while also reducing foot injury and wear. Stilettos can be attractive, but they’re best left for situations where you’ll be seated the majority of the time.

It’s also important to look at comfort when you’re choosing a nude lace-up heel. Some have padded footbeds that cushion your foot and keep it comfortable. This can also reduce the stress on your joints and spine and provide more endurance for longer walks.

• Shoes can be uncomfortable until they’re broken in. If you’re limited on time, one way to quickly loosen them up is to heat the back of each shoe with hot air from a hairdryer. Stop intermittently and test the comfort until you’ve weakened the shoes enough that they don’t rub.
• Deodorant can be a handy tool for making new shoes more comfortable. It reduces the friction, cutting down on blisters and general discomfort on the bottoms of your feet. Since it’s designed to reduce odor, it also will keep your shoes from smelling.
• The lacing design of most lace-up heels can vary dramatically. Some have simple strings that tie around the ankle, while others go farther up the leg. Take a look at how they’ll tie before you buy.
• One issue with lace-up heels is that the tie isn’t strong enough to hold the foot in place while you’re walking. So, it’s especially important to choose the right size when you’re looking at a lace-up shoe. Your heel will need to fit snugly against the back to keep the shoes on your feet while you walk.
• You can choose from closed- or open-toe shoes when you’re looking at heels. For summertime wear, open-toe shoes are a great way to keep your feet cool. However, some places (like certain offices) prohibit open-toe shoes, so you’ll need a good closed-toe pair for those occasions.
• Size ranges can vary dramatically from one shoe to the next. If you wear a smaller or larger size than average, you might find your options limited. The same applies if you’re looking for narrow or wide sizing.
• The material of your shoe is important, particularly if you’re going with a closed-toe option. You’ll want to look for a shoe that has breathable material while also giving you the coverage and durability you need.