How to avoid foot pain from high heels
Ever since stacked shoes were first introduced in the 17th century, high heels have come with an unfortunate side effect – foot pain! From cramped toes, raw heels and aching arches, there are many ways that those cute heels can cause discomfort.
We know that doesn’t mean you want to leave your heels hidden away in the cupboard. That’s why we’ve put together some top tips for avoiding foot pain when you’re planning on wearing your party shoes.
Tips for tackling foot pain in high heels
Treat your feet right to help avoid pain when you’re wearing heels.
Make sure your high heels fit well
One good way to reduce the chances of foot pain is to make sure you’re choosing high heels that are the right size for your feet. Shoes that are too big or too small can pinch, rub or fail to offer the kind of support your feet need.
Podiatrists recommend making sure that your shoes fit and that when you’re trying on shoes, you wear the kind of socks or tights you’re likely to wear them with. It can also be a good idea to shop later in the afternoon or evening, as feet can expand as much as half a size during the day.
Use insoles to add extra support
Especially useful if you have flat feet or fallen arches, orthotics offer a way to support your foot’s natural shape. They can also cushion your feet and help absorb the shock caused by your feet hitting the ground. A good pair of insoles can also be useful if your high heels have very little in the way of their own cushioning or support.
For example, our GelActiv™ Insoles for Everyday Heels have an ultra-thin design that doesn't crowd toes while still cushioning the ball of the foot from pressure. They can be worn discreetly while absorbing shock and reducing the pressure felt on your feet – perfect when you’re looking for a way to make your heels more comfortable.
Pay attention to the size of the heel
It should come as no surprise that the lower the heel, the more likely you’ll be able to avoid some of the discomfort associated with high heels. As a general rule, heels of three inches or less will leave your feet feeling better.
Wearing heels naturally affects your posture, and the higher the heels are, the more likely you’ll switch from the typical walking pattern of heel-toe heel-toe to toe-heel toe-heel. This puts pressure on different parts of your feet and can lead to pain and discomfort.
Protect your feet with heel cushions and shields
Another good way to make wearing your heels more comfortable is to invest in the perfect padding, like our Party Feet Gel Heel Cushions. These ultra-thin, soft gel cushions are designed to protect the base of your heel from pressure. Likewise, we also have Ball of Foot Cushions which offer the same kind of relief but are designed to be placed under the ball of your foot. This lets you choose the cushion that best matches the pain you feel wearing your favourite pair of heels, as the pressure and weight distribution change depending on the style of the shoe.
We also offer Heel Shields, which can be attached to the heel to help protect against the rubbing and friction that you might sometimes experience when wearing high heels. These are especially helpful for shoes with stiff heels. Discover these and more in our Party Feet Collection.
Be sure to pack blister relief
If your high heels only come out for special occasions, or you’re wearing a brand new pair, then it’s a good idea to be prepared for blisters. Rubbing and friction against soft, untoughened skin is a recipe for blisters and if your feet aren’t used to the heels you’re wearing, you might want to be prepared.
Our Mixed Blister Plasters Pack comes with a selection of different plaster sizes, so you can protect the part of the foot affected, whether that’s your toe, heel or side of your foot. They’re designed to seal the affected area to offer protection from dirt and bacteria as well as cushion the affected area.
Why we’re unlikely to hang up our high heels
It's true that high heels can cause discomfort, but they also tend to make legs look longer and offer a big confidence boost, so it’s unlikely we’ll see them being retired anytime soon.
