How to wear high heels without pain
Recently I was at a friend’s birthday where a few of us were debating the plausibility of walking home in heels after a night of standing around. Now I love heels, high high heels. In fact the higher the better. I love the line they give the leg, I love how elegant they make me look…..what I’m having trouble with is how they feel. After years of taking ballet and wearing pointe shoes you’d think I could handle heels but lately anything fancier than a sneaker is causing me foot pain.
I’ve spent hours at the drugstore looking through all the gel insoles, heel pads, ball of the foot pads and everything in between. Nothing seemed to work. Finally I decided to take a good long look at my feet. I try not to do that too often due to years of the aforementioned pointe shoes…. On top of it all I have bunions that aren’t very pretty even when at their best. I do, however, take good care of my feet regularly giving myself pedicures. Dancing did one great service to my feet though, due to so much intensive training my feet are strong and flexible therefore saving me from what might be very painful surgery.
I should add that I’m very particular about my shoes, they need to be good quality with a well balanced heel. Yes, I’ve actually spent time discussing this with my trusty shoe repair guy. After many blisters and much frustration I’ve discovered a few tricks that are making a world of difference. Basically, I stopped applying the solutions to my shoes but rather I apply them straight to my feet. So how to wear high heels without pain? It isn’t very glamorous but here goes:
(All of these products can be purchased at a drugstore or any store specializing in dance.) Often, when I’m wearing heels the pressure on the balls of my feet is too much to handle and I get a horrible burning sensation if I walk in them for too long. Well problem solved, I just take a piece of Gel Moleskin and stick it to the bottom of my foot completely eliminating the friction!
The pressure on my bunions can also be debilitating but now that I’ve found some gel covers they have eliminated the pain (the moleskin also works well for this).
After a big run I find my toes can be kind of sensitive but now I use gel ‘toe socks’ (just slip them over the problem toe) and they covers any irritations perfectly!
So for all of you out there who can run around on cobblestones in stilettos with no problems, hats off to you but look out because the rest of us might just be hot on your heels!
How do you manage foot pain when wearing heels?
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86 Comments
Being that I’m only 5’4 and always wished I was much taller, I have learned to perfect walking on any surface in heels!! Not to say it doesn’t kill my feet, but I just love the feel of height!! Love your shoes, so very cute!!
Oh, I so needed this today – I love shoes, and I love when you write about them and when I can absolutely envy your shoe closet. I love the snakeskin strappies in the top picture probably best.
I worry that some day my affinity for high heels won’t be as easy as it has been – I can wear them all day, walk a pretty good bit in them, and they can be sky-high. I swear that some day when I have a kid, I’m going to wear high heels all through pregnancy and right into the delivery room, and I will most definitely be the 50 year old still rocking the 20-something’s foot wear.
So I’m glad that if the shoes look good on, there might be a way to make the feet inside them bearably comfortable. Rock them however you have to!!!
Well I think you are just amazing. I used to be able to wear them and now…. but I just can’t help myself and will continue to do whatever I have to! Funny story, those snakeskin ones, I was out shopping with my dad and we both saw and them and then he just bought them for me!
Those shoes are stunning! Great post and great collection!!
I am obsessed with shoes as you may be able to tell. :p
love. x
x Kirsty
Thanks so much! I love shoes too… just can’t help it!
Such a timely post for me Caroline! I have a weekend of fun parties and events coming up and shoes are always a “pain”!!! Will definitely be using your tips! Love your shoe collection too! Major envy!
Oh good! Okay I’ll be thinking of you…I hope some of the tips work!
Nice shoes lady! We certainly do suffer for the things we cherish sometimes don’t we 🙂
I can’t help it… I just keep thinking that this time it will be different!
The eternal optimist!
Ah, the dancers foot!!
I danced and figure skated and my feet are just numb most of the time!! (I’ve rubbed the ball raw and bleeding before!!!)
Those gel things are awesome, they make heels like sneakers!!!
Gorgeous shoes, love the poses too
<3 Jules
Oh so you know!!! I try not to look at them very often.
Great shoes, and great looking legs! What do you do to keep them in shape like this?
Zhenya
http://beingzhenya.com
Awe, this is the best comment ever! I don’t have a good answer… I think it’s years of ballet.
That explains it then 🙂
ya, nice shoe collection!!!
http://jezzdallasmakeup.blogspot.com/
Thanks! I do love shoes….
Extreme cuteness
xx Domenic
Looking amazing,love!
xx
B.
http://www.beeswonderland.com/
Thanks so much!!
I love heels but my feet hurt so badly!! I have to try these products…maybe they’ll work for me too!!
Eirini
http://fashionreactor.blogspot.gr/
Oh I hope they do! Just make sure to apply the products to your feet and not the shoes. That’s the trick.
Great tips! And cute shoes!
Eileen
http://www.yesmissy.com
Great post! Thanks for all the tips!
You’ve got some awesome shoes!!
Caroline, your post has perfect timing with spring around the corner! Thanks for the great tips, I will definitely be using them all…especially the Gel Moleskin tip! Amazing!
Shoes are my weakness! And when it comes to heels the higher the better has always been my motto!lol
Btw, love your snakeskin heels!
xo,
Jackie
Oh yay! I’m really and truly hoping that this helps some people. I spent a lot of time trying to make my heels more comfortable, since I do love them! Let me know if any of the tips work! I found that the key is to apply the ‘remedy’ directly to the foot.
Great post! These tips are really helpful!
Not real sexy, but hey, it’s a health issue!
Try running around in heels all day, it’s a necessity!
Not real sexy, but hey…it’s a health issue!
I am now so jealous of your shoes….At only 5’2″ high heels (the higher the better) are a must for me, and I have become pretty good at executing the school run at speed in heels. That said, some of your remedies look worth a try.
Kate x
http://www.kateathome.com/
I just like being comfortable…. the way I see it why should we suffer when we really don’t have to!
Caroline,
I have some of the same issues. Since I’m a hairstylist, I’m on my feet 8-10 hours a day, and don’t want to give up my beloved heels. I will try some of the solutions you have tried. Since I have a Morton’s toe (second toe longer than the great toe), the balls of my feet burn terribly. Thanks for the great article. You look very elegant in your shoes!
My bunions do the same thing as the Morton’s toe, they change where the pressure goes. Try sticking that moleskin right on the burning spot (no friction). I’ll be curious to know if it helps!
lovely heels and post!
kisses
http://dianadmoda.blogspot.com.es/
oh i wana see more shoessssss! lol
im loving the turquoise and leopard and those ideas are amazing for the feet!
thanks for sharing doll and keep rocking those shoes! they are amazing!
xx
nini
Awe thanks so much! I have a lot of heels that I’ve collected over the years….hmmm, maybe I should post about some of them again….
I love those snakeskin shoes! I’ve never thought about using insoles with my heels, thanks for the tip!
Nicole
http://www.younglovestyle.blogspot.com
Anything to make heels more comfortable!
You went to film school? More details please!!!
http://jezzdallasmakeup.blogspot.com/
Ha! Yes I did. I have a degree in Screenwriting. So I spent many years working on different films and then I did some work at the Canadian Film Center. Lots of time spent on sets.
Super cute shoes… And love the TLC for your feet, not only will your shoes look good but they will feel just as good….
Wow!!! I love this idea!! Thanks!!!!!
http://greatstyling.blogspot.com.es
That sounds very good! I just tried the ones of primark, since they were more affordable. I have to say: I’m amazed by what gel soles can do! I could have never imagined that they left my feet with so much less pain. It’s just amazing! xx
Caroline thanks so much for your comment on my blog. I love your post, what a great idea to use moleskin~! ^-^
http://colorloud.blogspot.com/
What pretty shoes! I especially love the last pair, the leopard mary janes. Hack about 3″ off the heels and they could be mine. I gave up wearing anything over 2.5″ years ago due to horrible foot, knee and hip pain on my left side. I also exercise barefoot whenever possible (or wear Vibram Toe Shoes when walking outside or taking a class). Now I very rarely have the kind of pain or issues that I used to.
You have great legs, btw!
Thanks!!! I know I’m starting to have some knee problems and really scared that I’ll have to hire someone to carry me around… (ha! Can you imagine that?)
Where have these live savers been all my life?! my goodness.
I LOVE skyhigh heels also. I’m on the shorter side so they bring me up to average height lol but some shoes are just meant to walk from the car to the table.
Thank You for posting these suggestions.
xo
Maggie A
Love Scrapbook
I really hope the tips work for you! Just stick the gel to your foot and not the shoe.
Love all your shoes , they are amazing!!!
http://www.friendsarefasion.blogspot.com
xoxo
I’ll have to check these out! I don’t often wear heels, even though I should since I’m only 4’10”, but when I do they always hurt somewhere. They would be great to get.
~Sara
sarastrauss.blogspot.com
Those tips are really neat.
I usually only do the gel cushion things but I’m going to look into the other suggestions some time.
xx Karen
Neat. I’m not a heel wear-er, but I’ll keep this in mind and share for my MANY friends who do.
Thanks for “liking” my natural hair post. My daughter has interest in fashion design and merchandising and will attend college on next year to study in this area. I passed on your blog name to her, as she also writes. I’m sure your work would inspire her.
I love it when fashion, style and practicality collide…Sadly I can’t adhere to any of the above tips as ever since being lumbered with flat feet- shoes with heels are kryptonite pour moi….but I can look! And J’adore the leopard print shoes!
Okay, I officially want to kiss you on the lips! I dance and have quite a bit of trouble with my feet. I have never heard of a couple of these. I had no idea about the bunion guard or the tiny toe gels. AH! Could this be my saving grace?! Thank you!
-Jamie
ChatterBlossom
I seem to have the same issues that you do and these products look amazing! I can’t wait to look for them!
I really need to get me some of those!;) great post!
xx Kate
The Style Department
Thanks! Moleskin has become my lifesaver.
I know what you are saying, heels can be so painful sometimes. One the other hand you need to be carful with the higher heels, everything over 7 cm is dangerous to the spine.
LOVE the leopard pumps!
Thanks! They are from Betsey Johnson and about 1/2 size too big but I couldn’t resist!
ahh I love heels but yes pain is my problem!!!….i need to look into those!
I had a sneaking suspicion that I wasn’t the only one…..
Ooh this is a great post! I have issues with wearing heels these days myself! Thanks for sharing this! 😉
http://www.FashSinCity.blogspot.com
xoxo
Angela
I’m a shoe lover, high heels are my best friends since I’m only 4’11. Just like you I wear insoles in my shoes, not every pair of heels is comfortable…Btw, love your shoes!
http://hablemosfashion.blogspot.com
very very nice my dear!!
http://www.borsadimarypoppins.com
Great shoes!
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Best post ever. My feet are going to love you! Can’t wait to try some of these!
And that is the best comment ever, thanks!!! I’m totally going to want a report on it if you try some of the tips.
I definitely need those products!
http://adriennenguyenn.blogspot.com
fantastic blog:) have a nice weekend:)
Thank You!
I’m obsessed with your snakskin shoes!
http://ciaraloves.blogspot.ie/
Ha! Thanks, I really love them too.
This is so cool, all these things are really important and useful, unfortunately I have not seen these in stores
Great shoes! I hear you re: bunions. I had surgery roughly 20 years ago, and am happy to report my feet remain straight to this day. (Had a great doctor who really knew what she was doing!) Thanks for the tip about the moleskins.
I am so afraid of having that surgery so for now I actually spend time working out my feet!
I love this! Those are great ideas! I have to try some of this because I work in my 4-5 inch heels all day and my feet get sore!
Beautiful shoes!
Thanks so much!
Reblogged this on amusemeantforfashion and commented:
I too am a high heeled girl, so I understand that sometimes your feet don’t agree with your shoes. The Girl in the Yellow Dress shares these feelings and provided some solutions so we can still step out in style.
Thanks so much!
Love the shoes and the advice.
Great shoes! I want to try those moleskin things to avoid friction. I feel like that would be a lifesaver! Do they really absorb the pressure and friction?
Best,
icantaffordmylifestyle
They really do! I like them better than the regular moleskin ones.