As you feel the warmth of the sun shine on your shoulders and a gentle breeze through your hair, you know that spring has finally arrived. The colors of spring flowers, green grass and blue sky inspire you to head out for some new spring and summer outfits. This must mean that it's time for some springtime shoe shopping.

And this is when podiatrist offices start to open the doors for the rising tide of foot pain caused by spring and summer shoe styles. As long as you know what to look for, you won't have to let your fashion sense lead to foot problems.

Worse yet, don't be the one in that fabulous new spring outfit, but with ugly band-aids crisscrossing battered and blistered heels. You only need to know the pitfalls of summer shoe problems to stay in style, and injury free.

The first thing that you need to know is that for most women, spring attire means a radical shift in the types of shoes you will wear. All of the sudden, you switch from winter shoes with no pressure points to open sandals with skinny straps.

These skinny little straps can create huge pressure points and lead to irritation of feet that have been tenderized from a full season in winter shoes. That doesn't mean you can't wear them. This only means that you have to get used to them slowly and gently.

The best way to ease into the spring shoe season is by choosing three or four different summer shoe styles. Just make sure that each of the shoes has a slightly different heel height. They should also have straps that run over different parts of your feet. This will spread out the pressure and decrease the chance of any irritation.

If you have ever felt guilty about buying several pairs of shoes in one day, this is your lucky day. Consider this a doctor's prescription to buy a few pair of new shoes! Yes, you may even tell your husband it will be good for you.

When selecting summer shoes, you need to think about function. Obviously if you are going to the beach, you don't want four inch heels. It is only common sense that tells you not to wear gladiator sandals on a long walk. In those situations, think comfort. Think lower heels and more cushioned support.

Having said all that, it is okay for you to wear some platform shoes or wedge heels on occasion. In my opinion, you should feel free to wear the prettiest should you want anytime you are going to a function requiring evening wear, or when little wakling is required. You don't have to go ugly just to be healthy.

Keep in mind that the single most common problem foot doctors see related to summertime shoes is not from the super high-heeled shoes. But, it is in fact heel pain related to flimsy unsupportive flipflops. This type of heel pain is called plantar fasciits. It actually accounts for 40% of all visits to podiatrists annually.

When selecting flip flops they need two characteristics. First, they must have a slight heel. Flat is bad. Second, they should have a little bit of support. This can mean that they are slightly rigid and difficult to bend, or they should have some built-in arch support. Spend a few extra dollars on good sandals, and you will avoid the most common cause of foot pain.

Although colors and styles change with the seasons, you should look forward to spring and the fun warm-weather styles. By alternating your summer shoes, and not wearing any one pair two days in a row, you can be stylish while maintaining good foot health. After all, its hard to limp and look pretty!