Back when I was five I learn this nursery rhyme ‘Choosing Shoes’. Took me a while on the internet to remember who the poet was. Here it goes:

Choosing Shoes: Freda Wolfe

New shoes, new shoes,
Red and pink and blue shoes.
Tell me, what would you choose,
If they’d let us buy?

Buckle shoes, bow shoes,
Pretty pointy-toe shoes,
Strappy, cappy low shoes;
Let’s have some to try.

Bright shoes, white shoes,
Dandy-dance-by-night shoes,
Perhaps-a-little-tight shoes,
Like some? So would I.

BUT
Flat shoes, fat shoes,
Stump-along-like-that shoes,
Wipe-them-on-the-mat shoes,
That’s the sort they’ll buy.

Fortunately ‘they’ don’t buy shoes for us anymore, and now that we can afford our own shoes might as well stock up. There are just so many kinds in the market today and the trends change so fast that it can get anyone perplexed.

But, there are five essential pairs that every woman should have in her wardrobe:

Boots: Nothing spells out drama like boots. They look sexy and can make skirts and denims look and feel great. Want to look casual but look great? Go for boots.

Sandals: Sandals without heels are the most comfortable things you can buy for your feet (apart from a foot massage you gift yourself on your birthday). Strap them on for a walk in the grass, a nice casual picnic in the spring or when you want to simply travel without worries.

Nude pumps: Pumps are basically women’s shoes with kitten heels or higher. They are traditionally supposed to be without seams and laces, buckles, straps or ties. But like all other things they have evolved now including peep tows, with little bows, studded etc. But the one pair you must own is a plain nude pump shoe with kitten heels. These beauties go with practically anything. Be it formal or informal wear. Office shoes or for a semi casual party – pumps are the way to go. The same reason you must own them in the nude colour. They are not only in style but they match everything making your feet look as feminine as it can be.

Running shoes/sneakers: If you think they make you look boyish, think again. There are various colours and designs in which sneakers are now available. These little things not only keep you motivated to go for a run every day (or to the gym, or a leisurely walk… take your pick), but also give your feet the right kind of cushioning that it needs and prevents ankle and feet damage that your workout may cause.

Stilettos: …But sometimes comfort must be damned. There is not dearth of curses that one throws at the person who invented these feet killing machines (FYI French shoe designer Andre Perugia is the first documented designer to make them). Yet no one can deny that a woman is heel is glamourous. Team them up with a dress and heads shall surely turn. Stilettos not only add height but also a flattering gait to the wearer.

And before I end this – Here is Nancy Sinatra giving you more reasons to go shoe shopping: