Rapture Heels Frequently Asked Questions Important answers to general questions about high heels, wear, and our products. Can anyone wear high heel shoes and how do you walk in them? Will I wear the same size in heels as I would in sneakers? What is the size width of your shoes? Do you offer other width sizes? How can I convert shoe sizes from men's to women's and from European to American sizes? What materials are used to make the shoes you offer? Once I place my order, when will it be processed for shipment? What methods of payment do you accept? What is your exchange or return policy? How will my order be shipped and how much will it cost? How can I contact you? I see you have added lingerie to your site, I have never bought it online, help? Let's start with the first question. We think it's the most important one. Q: Can anyone wear high heel shoes? A: Yes and no. No - Although we are not doctors, typically you should walk as leveled as possible. The higher your heels, the less supportive they are for your for your skeleton. If you are uncertain whether you should be wearing high heels, consider talking to your doctor – no joke - if you have any back problems already without wearing heels, wearing them could make those problems worse. We want you happy, but we want you healthy, too. Yes - Anyone can enjoy a good pair of heels if they pay close attention to finding the best fit. When wearing high heels versus flats, your feet tend to be pushed forward in your shoes, making your toes feel squished and uncomfortable. The higher the heel, the more pushed forward your feet are. Instructions on how to walk in High Heels First practice just standing in high heels. In front of a full length mirror, stand for a while, then turn slightly to each side. Not only will you be able to check your posture and profile, but the act of merely standing in high heels will help remove some of your apprehension, and let you get accustomed to the added height of the heel. Take a few steps in your high heels. If possible, do this at first on a hard floor (not too slick), or in a room with low carpeting, as really thick or padded carpeting can throw off your balance. STEP 1: Step with your heel down first, then let the sole follow quickly and smoothly. STEP 2: Walk with your toes pointing straight ahead or as close to straight ahead as possible. STEP 3: Swing your arms as you walk for balance. STEP 4: Keep your legs straight, close and parallel. STEP 5: Take smooth, even steps; consider shortening your stride a bit. STEP 6: Avoid walking on ice, slush, mud, grass, sand, gravel and grated surfaces, on which you can slip or sink. When in doubt, take off your heels and carry them across such questionable surfaces in your bare feet. When it comes to actually walking comfortably, practice, practice, practice. If you haven't ever worn high heels, or you are already comfortable in high heels, this sounds silly. Wearing high heels is a totally different walking experience, and if you take it for granted, you'll not only end up with sore feet, but possibly an injury. And, if you have a bad experience first time out, you'll be doomed to flats forever. As you grow more confident in your abilities to walk, turn, and do all the other things you might need to do in high heels, you can move up to the height of shoe you'll be wearing on the day or night of your event - but remember to start slowly with each bit of added height. Jumping from two inch heels to four inch heels probably will not be quite as disorienting as your first step in any high heels, but it still will require patience and practice. The ‘G’ Factor: Glamour, Glide, Guide and Give Glamour – Let high heels give you that extra ‘sparkle’ and save wearing them only for glamorous, special occasions. Try limit wearing them to around three to eight hours, and the height of heels, even for the most ‘A-list’ of events, shouldn’t be so high you have trouble walking! For everyday wear, heel height shouldn’t be more than 4–5 cm’s. Glide – Don’t look like you’re rushing to catch a bus…. slow down, take smaller steps and shorten your stride when wearing high heels. Put the heel down first and glide! Not only will this minimise damage to your feet, but will give you that sexy high-heel wiggle! In fact, Lady Di wore low heels as her long legs and slender frame didn’t allow her to wear high-heels and glide elegantly. Guide – Let the experts guide you into buying the right size shoe. According to leading podiatrist, Trevor Prior, 90 % of his patients wear shoes that are too small. Sizes vary according to the brand and style, so, be sure to have shoes correctly fitted and check that there is up to ½ inch of space in the shoe beyond the longest toe and that the shoes are not too narrow. Also, nip any foot related problems in the bud to avoid them getting worse and before they impact on your lifestyle - use the guidance of experts such as your local podiatrist for advice. Give – Give your feet some extra special attention during, and after wearing high heels. Exercise the calf, heel and foot muscles by stretching them out to increase circulation and help them relax – you can even do it whilst standing at the bar waiting for a drink! Give your feet a moisturising massage when you get home (after bathing!) to again help your foot muscles relax and put back some of the essential moisture you lose wearing backless, or open-toe heels. Top Q: Will I wear the same size in heels as I would in sneakers? A: When wearing high heel shoes with a 1 - 2 inch height difference or greater, your feet tend to be pushed forward into your shoes. For a more comfortable fit, consider ordering one size above your regular shoe size. If you are unsure of your size, it is best to have your feet measured. Here is a good rule of thumb to follow: For heels 2 to 3 1/2-inches high, go with a 1/2 size larger. For heels 4 to 6-inches high, go with 1 full size larger. For heels 6 1/2-inches and above, go 1 1/2 sizes larger. Top Q: What is the size width of your shoes? A: Our shoes come in only one width size: Medium. Top Q: Do you offer other width sizes? A: Yes we are slowly starting to carry some wider widths. Please check out Dream-420 and Dream-431. We will be adding more styles with wider widths shortly. Top Q: How can I convert shoe sizes from men's to women's and from European to American sizes? A: We have a handy conversion chart which can be found by clicking HERE. Top Q: What materials are used to make the shoes you offer? A: The materials used will vary depend on the style of shoe. Materials specific to a particular style of shoe will be listed in the shoes product description. Some of the materials include genuine leather, metal, satin, various fabrics, ribbon, rhinestones, and polyurethane. Top Q: Once I place my order, when will it be processed for shipment? A: All orders will be processed once payment has been received. To ensure timely processing and shipment of your order, please be sure to use one of our approved methods of payment. Top Q: What methods of payment do you accept? A: To ensure timely processing and shipment of your order, please be sure to use one of the following methods of payment: Credit & Debit Cards ~ We gladly accept Visa and MasterCard only. Money Orders ~ Orders being paid via money order must be placed via mail form. Please mail money order payments to the following address: G's Creative Services C/o Rapture Heels 4132 Mill Stream Road Virginia Beach, VA 23452 Orders paid via money order will be processed to our warehouse once the money order has been received and has cleared; usually within 7-14 business days of arrival.  We prefer Money orders through USPS or Western Union, as they take the least amount of time to clear. Personal Checks ~ We will gladly accept personal checks drawn from United States banks only. Please make checks payable to: G's Creative Services After placing your order, please mail your check payment to the afore mentioned address. Your order will be processed and shipped once payment has cleared; usually within 5-10 business days after the check has been deposited. PayPal & Western Union ~ We glady accept PayPal, Western Union Money Order and Western Union Quick Collect payments. Please use email gabym@cox.net for an account email. Top Q: What is your exchange or return policy? A: Care should be taken to order the correct size and color to reduce the need for returning merchandise. Please examine your order when it arrives and make sure all the correct items are in the box. Email us immediately if you notice the packing slip or items are not what you ordered. Do not open and try on items unless they are the right size and color and you intend to keep them. Email us before you send back your items. If you wish to return merchandise, you must send us an email within 3 days of receiving your order. Your email should include: 1) Your first & last name 2) The date of your order 3) Whether you want to return or exchange, and a reason for doing so. 4) If exchanging, please be sure to include the name of the item, size and color of the item you would like to receive in exchange for your return. All returns must be received by Rapture Heels within 15 days of receiving the item. Items must be returned in the condition they were sent. Only unworn shoes with original boxes may be returned. All returns and exchanges are subject to a 15% restocking fee plus any additional shipping costs that will be incurred. Please note ~ if you exchange your order, the restocking fee will be waived. Shipping charges are non-refundable unless the item your received is damaged, or there was an error or Rapture's part in the processing of your order. Top Q: How will my order be shipped and how much will it cost? A: All shipping related information can be found on our "Shipping" page. Top Q: How can I contact you? A: All contact information can be found on our "Contact Us" page. Top Q: I see you have added lingerie to your site, I have never bought it online, help? A: There is a FAQ section available about lingerie that can be found by clicking HERE . Top