Tips & Trends | How To Make Heels More Comfortable

A good pair of high heels is an amazing accessory to any outfit. You can make jeans and a t-shirt look polished by just adding heels! However, we all seen those girls with bandages on their feet, walking in heels like a newborn calf. Heck, maybe we’ve been one of those girls before (I feel you!). Before banishing heels from your wardrobe completely, read our tips on how to make heels more comfortable!

Finding the right pair

Finding the right pair is important if you want to be walking around in your heels for any amount of time. Too many times before, I’ve fallen in love with a pair, bought my usual size, and then realize they are either extremely uncomfortable or not actually my size at all. To avoid this, try to limit your shoe shopping to brick and mortar stores, or shop online at companies that have great return/exchange policies. Another option is to visit stores that can give you a personalized shopping experience, such as Designer Swap. We can provide you with a pair of shoes you’re bound to love – and the best part? Because the heels are previously owned, they’re probably already broken in!

I encourage walking around the store in the new shoes before purchasing so you know what they feel like. If you’ve shopped online, walk around your house. This will eliminate any chances of being stuck with a pair of heels that you can’t wear, because you can immediately return them to the store for an exchange or return. If they’re too big, too small, too tall, or too stiff – you know what to do.

Breaking them in

The worst part of getting new shoes is breaking them in. It’s a love-hate relationship – it usually hurts to break them in, but if it’s not done, they’ll probably just collect dust in your closet. What a waste of some good-looking shoes! To make heels more comfortable, try to wear them in around the house (with socks to aid stretching!) or on days that you know you won’t be doing a lot of walking. It’s also a good idea to bring a pair of fold-up flats in your purse. In case your new heels get too uncomfortable, you can easily change into them. You can also make your heels more comfortable by stretching them out in the freezer. 

Wearing inserts and liners

Ok, let’s say you found heels that you really love but they’re just a little too big. You can try to remedy this by using inserts or insoles to pad the shoe so that your feet fit into them better. Insoles are meant to help prevent pain and distribute pressure from the ball of the foot. Find thick ones so they can act as extra padding. If it’s just an area of the shoe that doesn’t fit, like the toe or the heel, look into heel cups, gel cushions or heel grips. Any of these are great for relieving pain, but can also work to make the shoe just a little bit tighter.

Anti-friction sticks

I thought these were worth a mention because increasingly more brands are coming out with their version of an anti-friction stick. Google anti-friction sticks and you will find raving reviews of just about any brand. They create an invisible barrier (read: a waxy film) to prevent friction. Anti-friction sticks make your skin and your shoe slippery so even when they rub against each other, blisters don’t form. Hallelujah! Chuck the stick in your purse for reapplication as necessary (Tip: Try deodorant as a quick alternative). For areas that won’t be visible to the eye, try blister Band-Aids for a more long-lasting solution.

Now we realize this isn’t an exhaustive list of how to make your heels more comfortable…. So share with us your tips and tricks!

Designer Swap is Canada’s online luxury consignment shop and Toronto-based fashion blog. We sell authentic and pre-loved designer pieces and write about the newest fashion and beauty trends. Make sure to check us out on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest!

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