We’ve all experienced it: we leave the house feeling like a fashionista in our new heels only to end up wobbling back home within an hour. Many women try to ignore the pain and maintain poise throughout the night, but is this the only option we have? Turns out, gorgeous high heels and pain-free feet are not mutually exclusive. The following are 10 tips on how to make heels not hurt and be as comfortable as you can with your stylish shoes.
1. Wear the right size
The biggest mistake women make when buying high heels is not picking the right size. Keep in mind that the size of your feet may change over the years, especially after giving birth. Also, the size of your sneakers may not be the same as the size of your fancy heels. Experts recommend having your feet sized once a year. Your shoes must fit properly; if they’re rubbing, just don’t buy it, even if you love it so much. Don’t make the excuse of breaking in the shoes—conversely, they will break you.
2. Determine your foot type
Other than the size of your feet, you should also determine your foot type. This plays an important role in picking the right kind of shoes for you. A podiatrist is your best friend when it comes to this matter. If that isn’t an option, then here’s a DIY tip: wet your feet and step onto a piece of construction paper. You should be able to tell whether you have a flat foot or a high arch based on the impression left on the paper. There are manufacturers who create certain shoes for a specific foot type, so make sure you choose what’s appropriate for you.
3. Go for thicker heels
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In general, the thicker the heel, the better. Thin heels or stilettos cause your foot to wobble around. The thing is, there are occasions in which the dress calls for stilettos. This shouldn’t be a problem as long as you do not wear stilettos every day. It is also important to note that contrary to popular belief, wedges are not necessarily better than pointy heels. The position of the heels is a more important consideration when trying to make heels not hurt, which brings us to the next point.
4. Ensure the heels are in the right position
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Not all heels are created equal. The positioning of the heels may be what’s causing all that pain you have to endure. For this matter, the style and thickness of the heel doesn’t matter as much as its position. The heels must be right under the heel bone. Many shoes have the heels at the back of the foot, which may throw you off balance.
5. Avoid thin soles
The heels aren’t the only ones to blame; in some cases, the soles of your shoes are the culprit. Avoid shoes with thin soles. They offer little support for the bottom of your foot. You want a thicker sole, preferably one with a rubbery platform. This kind of material helps absorb pressure while you’re walking, alleviating pain from your feet.
6. Go for more coverage on top
Have you noticed that shoes with more coverage up top are easier on your feet? It seems you can even wear them all day. The reason for this is simple: more coverage on top means more support for your feet. Things like ankle straps or wide straps across the top of the foot provide stability, essentially making your shoes an extension of your feet. These kinds of shoes also help prevent blisters and callouses.
7. Give your feet a break
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This may sound like an advice coming from Captain Obvious, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded once in a while. Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t wear high heels every day, because you certainly can. After all, these tips are meant to help make heels not hurt for those who simply cannot stop wearing their favorite stilettos. But it’s important that you give your feet a break. Whenever possible, kick off your shoes and stretch your ankles and toes. A quick trip to the restroom for some toe wiggling action can do the trick.
8. Stretch and ice
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What do you do after a long night of enduring your high heels? Do you simply take off your shoes and go straight to sleep? If so, then you shouldn’t be surprised if your feet still hurt once you wake up the following morning. Your feet get swollen after wearing high heels for a long time. To combat this, you should put your feet on ice for about 15 minutes to reduce the swelling. As mentioned earlier, you can also take this time to stretch your ankles and toes.
9. Try over-the-counter shoe inserts
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There are people who love their high heels so much that they have fillers injected into the balls of their feet to help reduce pain. If that seems too extreme for you, then here’s a less invasive alternative. Those over-the-counter shoe inserts really work. Usually called metatarsal pads, these oval-shaped lifesavers are usually made from silicone gel. You place them directly under the ball of your feet so they don’t slide forward too much.
10. Keep a supply of foot petals
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Foot petals are a longtime go-to secret that all women should be aware of. These are tiny shoe cushions which come in a wide array of shapes to target different problem areas of the feet. You can place them pretty much anywhere they are needed. They are extremely helpful in preventing blisters and callouses.
Keep in mind that you can enjoy your favorite high heels without paying the price in comfort. Try these 10 tips on how to make heels not hurt and wear your shoes with more confidence than ever before. Remember that if you experience pain, then there’s definitely something that needs to be changed. Let this be your guide in choosing the right shoes and making high heels more comfortable to wear. Enjoy and stay update with bmodish.com
