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How to make heels more comfortable

High heels are a staple in many women’s wardrobes, pulling together any outfit in a way that’s elegant and stylish. But, they can also be incredibly uncomfortable. Wearing heels for extended periods of time can cause a number of foot problems, including blisters, calluses, and even nerve damage. However, don’t give up on your favourite pair – here’s a handful of ways to make high heels more comfortable.

6 ways you can ease pain wearing high heels

Choose the right size

It’s always good practice to do your research before making a new addition to your heels collection. Some might be roomier, like open toed or strapped sandal-style heels, and some might be more restricted, like boot or court styles. The best thing to do here is to quickly measure your feet and compare it to the sizing chart. You might be one size in most shoes, but with a certain brand you’re better off sizing up or down for comfort.

The key thing to remember is that choosing the wrong size can harm your feet, even your legs or back, in the long run. So, do yourself a favour and double check they’re a perfect match before adding to cart.

Practice walking in heels

It may be cliché, but walking in heels is a bit of an art form and can take practice – especially in pencil-thin stilettos or platform heels. Here are a couple of tips to get you started:

Walk correctly
We’ve all seen one or two ‘glow up’ films where the clumsy girl puts a book on her head and has to walk around the living room until she gets it. While not a million miles away, there are a couple of core takeaways to consider. When starting out, take small, careful steps. Going too fast too soon might result in a rolled ankle or worse, so – as they say – slow and steady wins the race. Another thing to keep in mind is to properly distribute your weight across your foot, walking from heel to toe.

- Improve posture
Like most aspects of our overall health, a good posture is a must – especially when it comes to wearing heels. Since they change the position of your feet for walking, it also affects the position of your legs, your hips, and in some instances your spine. It might even turn out that you’re more aware of the way you walk and hold your body. A good posture means good balance and less tumbling.

Opt for a thicker heel

One of the best things you can do, whether you’re starting out or a heel-wearing expert, is to choose a thicker heel. Like wedges, thicker heels provide more stability and support by spreading weight across a larger surface area, keeping much more comfortable for longer days of wear. Another couple of excellent thick heel choices include:

Block heels – Either open or closed toe, block heels come in a range of colours and styles from decorated ballerina to versatile black ankle strap heels. See more.

Platform heels – Platform heels might be a little intimidating, but they’re some of the most comfortable styles to wear. Since the ball of your foot is lifted higher off the ground and the sole is a lot thicker than normal heels, your feet are nice and stable. Especially if you find a platform with a block heel. See more.

Protective measures

We’ve all experienced the frustration of blisters, rubbing or general foot pain when you’ve pushed a pair of your favourite heels too far, but fixes are easy and relatively cheap. To stop chafing or rubbing, opt for moleskin or gel inserts. For general foot pain or fatigue, grab some insoles or padded inserts to give your feet more support and cushion.

Take breaks

There’s no point in pushing your shoes (or feet) to breaking point when it comes to wearing heels. Instead, avoid pain, discomfort and injury by taking regular breaks, either saving heels for a special occasion or being sure to take the weight off them at regular intervals. This way, you reduce pressure and prevent sore, irritating blisters.

Stretch your feet after wearing heels

When you exercise or do any kind of strenuous movement, the final thing you do is stretch your body. Whether you’ve been wearing heels for a few hours or all day long, be sure to give your feet the same treatment with these four basic stretches:

1) Toe stretches
● Prop your toes up against a wall whilst keeping the flat of your foot against the floor. Push forward gently and hold for 30 seconds, then repeat with the other foot.

2) Tendon stretches
● Sitting in a chair with your heel against the floor, grab your toe and pull it away from the floor and towards your leg gently. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the other foot.

3) Calf stretches
● Starting with your legs shoulder-width apart, step forward with your right leg and bend your knee towards the frame. You should feel the stretch in your left calf, but not so much that it hurts. Hold for 30 seconds and switch to the other leg

4) Ankle circles
● Such a simple fix for sore ankles – just rotate your foot through all of its motions slowly, and flex your toes while you go.

Remember: though we love the feeling of a deep stretch, your feet, ankles or calves should never hurt when doing them, so do be careful.

Summary

High heels are beautiful, stylish finishers to any outfit that not only look great, but they can make you feel great, too. And the best way to make heels more comfortable is to ensure you look after your feet. Come rain or shine, they’re the parts holding you up. So, whether you pad out your favourite pair with inserts, change things up with a different style, or end your day with some light stretching, there are plenty of ways to achieve your outfit goals without hurting your feet.