Choosing Your Figure Competition Shoes

You decided to contend in your first figure show and you are ready to pick out your figure heels. Before you run out to the closest shoe warehouse, stop and ask yourself a few key questions...

When should you get your figure shoes?

What color figure heel to buy?

Can they have a design?

How high of a heel do you need?

Can they contain a platform?

Be sure to buy your figure competition shoes 3-4 months ahead of your figure show to give bountiful time to learn how to walk in them and to practice turns and pivots.

Make sure your figure competition shoes are clear in color. They should not comprise any color such as black, gold, silver, etc. A show clear in color will provide the illusion of an elongated leg. When you wear a shoe with color, such as a black, your legs stop dramatically and it becomes evident that the heel is there. The clear shoe, however, doesn't draw the judges' attention away from your shape. You can have a rhinestone design on your shoes, yet keep it minute.

Your figure competition shoe should be a minimum of 5" high. You need a minimum of 5" to give your legs an elongated look and your calves proportion for balance, and tightness for the complete package. Regardless of your height, tall or short, you need a figure contest shoe that's at least 5".

You may choose to purchase a figure competition shoe that you simply slide your foot in or you may choose to buy a style with a strap across the top. Pick the type of shoe that is comfortable for you and that you can walk easily in.

Pick a figure show shoe a half size smaller. When your heel is 5" high it shoves your toes to the tip of your shoe, leaving a space at your heel. By sporting a shoe a half size smaller, it will do away with the hole at your heel.

Be sure not to select platforms, because they only make you look clumsy on stage.

Practice walking in your figure shoes. Before you even think about stepping on the figure stage, practice walking in your shoes about your house. Make sure you walk on solid areas when you practice so you can learn balance and control. Be sure to practice your walk in your figure competition heels in from of your trainer or coach.

Once you can control and balance your walk on hard areas, begin walking on carpet so you can practice your turns and pivots. Turning on carpet is difficult. Therefore, if you can learn how to turn and pivot on carpeted areas you will turn and pivot on stage like a pro.

Now that you can walk, turn, and pivot in your 5" heels, it's time to practice walking while swinging your arms. Hold your head high, keep your tummy in tight, and keep a natural rhythm in your walking. Continual practice of walking in your heels helps to break them in and prevent blisters on your contest day.


Copyright (c) 2010 Karen Sessions