There’s no doubt that we all suffer a bit when it comes to strutting around in our favorite shoes. Some of the most gorgeous pairs hurt the most – but we still wear them – again and again! From bunions to blisters, aches and pains, there’s nothing worse than feeling that burn. And, after many wears of your highest heels or favorite wedges, your poor feet can take a beating that it’s tough to bounce back from. Whether you’re preparing for a night out in your newest favorite pair or you have a big day at the office and you need to look your best, here are some tips and tricks to make your heels more comfortable.
6 Tips to Make Wearing High Heels More Bearable
1. It’s all about the fit. When you’re purchasing a new pair of heels, it’s essential that you’re honest with yourself about size, comfort and fit. If the shoes hurt your feet before you even leave the store – you’re destined for pain. Be sure you can wiggle your toes and that you have enough room to move your foot just a bit.
2. Break them in. You’ve probably heard this one a million times – but you know what? It actually works. New shoes, straight out of the box will hurt more than shoes that have been broken in and loosened up. Wear the shoes around the house, out for a walk – whatever you have to do to get them ready for your big night out.
3. Stretch the shoes. Invest in a shoe stretcher or drop the pair off at your local shoe repair and have them stretched. That extra bit of room goes a long way when it comes to added comfort of the shoe. Don’t have a shoe stretcher? Throw on a couple of pairs of socks, stuff your feet into the pair of shoes that need stretching and aim the blow dryer at your shoes. Walk around while they cool off and then try them without the socks. Repeat until they feel great!
4. Add some gel insoles. Believe it or not – these can be silent lifesaver for even your most uncomfortable heels. Adding that slight bit of cushion can change the whole way your foot sits in the shoe – giving you a much better and much more comfortable experience.
5. Go for styles with a lower heel or have it shaved down. Yes! You can actually do this. Take the shoes to a shoe repair person and ask to have the heel shaved down. Lower heel height results in significantly less pain – and you still get the look of those gorgeous shoes.
6. The Golden Rule: Don’t leave home without a spare pair of backup flats. There’s always the chance that your highest, most stunning heels are going to leave you limping home. Have your own back by throwing a spare pair of flats like Flat Out Heels by Loren Ridinger in your bag. When the pain becomes unbearable – just switch out for your comfy flats.
Most of us just aren’t willing to give up our favorite heels – and that’s OK. With some smart shopping and great tricks, you can make even the worst culprits a bit more comfy. Do you have trouble with painful shoes?
