There’s no doubt that we all love putting on our sassiest high heels from time to time. But how can you strut with confidence when you’re stumbling over aching feet? For years, women everywhere have suffered through the pain of wearing high heels in the name of fashion. After all, beauty is pain, right?!
Not anymore! We’ve done the research and found the 5 best ways to make your favorite high heels feel more like a walk in the park than walking on hot coals. Try one or try them all—these cures will put an end to your high heel horrors.
1. Water and lotion
Though unconventional, shoe expert Meghan Cleary reported on Who What Wear that running feet under cold water and moisturizing them while they are still damp is an easy (and free!) way to prevent painful rubbing and blisters that often occur while wearing heels. Your feet should be damp when you put your shoes on—not wet!
2. Gel insoles
This simple trick can easily fix multiple high heel problems. They prevent toes from scrunching into the box to save you from painful blisters, while providing vital arch support to help even out the pressure across your foot. Try Dr. Scholl’s for Her High Heel Insoles ($17.89)!
3. Give your feet a break
This goes without saying, but give your feet a break during your commute before and after work! Or, if you are planning on wearing heels for a night out, opt for flats during the day, so your feet aren’t already in pain before you hit the town.
4. Wear heels with ties or straps
How annoying is it to have your heel slip out of the back of your shoe with every step you take? Heels with straps keep the shoe securely fastened to your feet, while preventing swelling with a good fit.
5. Pick the right shape
Lucky for us, platform sandals have come back in style, providing optimum comfort while keeping in line with the latest fashion trends. A rounder toe box also helps to assure comfort, although that doesn’t mean you have to discard your favorite pointed-toe heels just yet! As long as the point stretches out (instead of stopping right where your toes would rest), you should be good to go, pain-free.