There are so many decisions to make when preparing for a date. One of the most important questions many of us ask ourselves is what are we going to wear? With that comes the shoe conundrum. Comfy or stylish? Heels or flats? Will your date even notice? This guide offers dating advice on foot fashion for a hot date.

Location, location, location

The number one consideration is where you are going on your date. Stilettos will be no use whatsoever on a country walk. Similarly, trainers might make you feel out of place in a fancy restaurant.

Make sure you know where your date will take place, and also where you might be likely to move on to. Armed with this information, you can take practical steps to dress appropriately. If you fit your surroundings, you’ll feel more relaxed.

Comfort comes first

Feeling relaxed is one of the major ingredients for a successful date. If you’re hobbling around in agony in shoes that are too tight or too high, it will make it all the more difficult to focus on getting to know your date.

Yes, those six inch heels might make your legs look fantastic, but only wear them if you’re confident you can last the whole date in them. Being comfortable in what you’re wearing will give you more confidence, and we all need that on a date.

Heels versus flats

The age old question has no easy answer, but there are useful pointers to help you make the decision between flats and heels. Do you feel more confident when you’re a few inches taller? Many of us get a boost in more that just height when we wear heels and any way to gain extra self-assurance is a good thing.

Flats are a good option for a daytime date or any scenario where a lot of walking or standing is involved. Activity dates or an evening at a gig can involve a lot of movement and having sore feet will only inhibit the fun factor. Flat doesn’t mean unattractive either, with so many gorgeous ballet pumps and fashionable brogues on the market.

Co-ordination is the key

Take your shoes into consideration when you’re at the early planning stages of your outfit. There might be a specific dress/top/piece of jewellery you’ve set your heart on wearing, so you’ll need to ensure your shoes go with it.

That doesn’t mean you have to go all matchy matchy with your accessories. Embrace your own sense of style and wear shoes that reflect your personality. Your date might not notice the shoes, but they will notice you’re at ease.

Be you

The number one rule for choosing shoes for a date is to wear a pair that represents who you are. Your clothes are a reflection of your personality, and in a date scenario we’re all looking for extra clues about each other. You want your date to get a true idea of the real you, so use every opportunity to reflect that in your shoes, clothes and conversation.

So that’s the shoes sorted, what about the partner? You can find compatible matches by using a dating agency. It’s easy to start dating professionals at eHarmony UK.