It is difficult to resist the charm of a high-heeled shoe. We know how badly they can hurt if worn for a prolonged time but their ability to make us taller, leaner and more feminine is a temptation we rarely manage to give up. There are women who wear them every day, others only on certain occasions, still others who avoid them in order not to give up comfort or for fear of pain.
Whether you are a veteran or a newbie, however, at some point, the pain will be felt. Heels, especially high heels, are not designed to be worn for a whole day and it is a good idea to alternate them with other types of shoes to avoid chronic problems such as hallux valgus or back pain.
But when we want to wear them it is right to find a way to make them as comfortable as possible. “Such as?” Choosing the right shoe, of quality and suitable for our foot and adopting a series of small tricks that will never make you say: “I can’t wait to go home!”
So let’s find out 12 tricks to make high-heeled shoes more comfortable:
1) Choose the right height
We all would love to have the Victoria’s Secret model stride on a platform 15 heel but we have to be realistic. If we are not used to walking in heels it is better to opt for a low or medium heel: 5 cm is enough to make the ankle optically thinner and slender. In addition, a lower heel will make the walk more fluid and relaxed and will allow you to wear shoes even for longer periods.
2) Don’t ignore the heel size
In addition to height, a lot also depends on the thickness of the heel. Even if they are modest in height, a stiletto heel can still be difficult to manage if you’re not used to it. The ideal is to get used to the foot gradually and then start with low and wide heels and then, gradually, try increasingly high and thin heels, up to the stiletto. The larger surface guarantees a better balance by reducing discomfort and ensuring a smooth walk even on uneven floors.
3) Thin sole or plateau
There have been historical periods in which the thin sole was the master, others in which only plateaus were seen. In recent years, fortunately, fashion tends to diversify the offer that goes beyond the latest trends in order to guarantee a very varied choice of models. Shoes with thin leather soles are usually the most refined and elegant but, if the heel is very high, the sole of the foot will suffer causing you pain after a while. The rubber sole or a few centimeters of plateau guarantee greater comfort and therefore tolerability of the heel for a longer period.
4) Choose the most comfortable model
Sabot, slippers and decollete are undoubtedly the sexiest and most feminine models but also the most insidious. The risk of the shoe slipping off is high as is the danger of sprains. If you are not used to high heels or you know you have to walk a lot then it is better to prefer closed models or sandals with ankle laces. In this way the foot adheres perfectly to the sole and the ankle will be sufficiently locked.
5) Wedges as an alternative
Wedges are a great alternative to heels. They are comfortable, stable and allow you to add centimeters to the figure without sacrificing practicality. There are all types and, thanks to their shape, they can reach considerable heights without putting too much strain on the foot. They are perfect both in summer and in winter, perhaps under flared trousers to which you will not be forced to hem.
6) Choose the right number
It may seem trivial but in reality choosing the right number is not always easy. Depending on the model or brand you may have to opt for a number more or one less than the one usually worn. Heeled shoes must fit snugly to the foot. If they squeeze or if the foot moves, blisters and pain are inevitable. It is therefore better to always try them on before buying them or to rely on the e-commerce tables by carefully measuring the foot.
7) Spread narrow shoes
Despite all the precautions, it often happens to find ourselves with shoes that are too tight. This happens because we bought them at a time when our feet were deflated, perhaps in the morning or in winter, when usually the foot is leaner due to the cold. To enlarge them, however, there are 2 easy and effective methods. If the shoes are in leather or suede, the ideal is to wear them with a thick sock and heat them with the hairdryer so that the heat softens them. If, on the other hand, the material allows it, put a frost bag full of water inside the shoes and then leave them in the freezer for a few hours. The water will turn into ice by expanding and thus widening the shoes.
8) Insoles and gel pads
If you really can’t give up the elegance of the pointed decollete with the very thin sole, you can mitigate the discomfort of the foot with gel insoles able to cushion the bumps between the plant and the floor. If, on the other hand, the shoe is slightly wide, you can block and protect the foot by inserting a pad in the heel part so as to prevent the onset of annoying rubbing blisters.
9) The right shoe for every occasion
Even if we adopt a good amount of strategies, we cannot ignore our lifestyle, our commitments, the places we move. If we use heels at work we will have to evaluate how much time we spend standing and how we get to work. Same thing goes for all of our releases. Shoes must be our allies therefore the rule is this: never use new shoes outside the home! Before wearing them outside, shoes must be worn at home because we must first soften them, adapt them to our foot, understand how long we can wear them without suffering. In general, when you know you have to walk a lot, use used and reliable shoes.
10) Good habits for putting up with high heels
In addition to choosing the right shoes and using gel insoles and pads, it is essential to adopt some simple habits to tolerate high heels. First and foremost, do n’t stand still for too long. The position assumed with the heel tends to penalize the circulation therefore it is good to move (even on the spot) to avoid pain. For the same reason, try to keep your toes moving inside the shoe. If necessary, periodically remove your shoes (perhaps under the table or desk) and gently massage your calves for relief.
11) The catwalk tricks
During the fashion shows the models change a huge amount of new shoes and often they are not even of their size. To resist pain and prevent falls, these 2 tricks are usually used. The first is finger tying. Binding the 3rd and 4th fingers with surgical tape relieves the pressure of the nerves, making the discomfort more tolerable. The second, on the other hand, is to roughen the sole (especially if made of leather) to have more grip and avoid slipping. You can do this using sandpaper or by engraving a sort of checkerboard with pointed scissors.
12) Take care of your feet
Healthy and well-groomed feet are certainly less affected by the consequences of heels. If your skin is dry and cracked, it will most likely get damaged. It is therefore good to do periodic foot baths, use pumice stone and a moisturizing product. You can use the same cream that you apply on the feet inside the leather shoes , applying it with a cloth, to soften them. Finally, the nails must be taken care of and cut straight to prevent them from becoming ingrown.
