When it comes to fashion, high heels are the most recognizable way to add class and elegance to any outfit. While some women love high heels and other women hate them, a good majority of women fall somewhere in the middle. The biggest complaint is, of course, the pain. While it ultimately all comes down to what you are used to, these tips can help you rock your fabulous heels without falling flat.
1. Wear the Correct Size
While this may seem obvious, if you are wearing a shoe that doesn’t fit you correctly, it is going to cause you pain. It also alters the way you walk, which just leads to strained legs and ankles. So be sure to really take time to find your correct size.
Things to remember:
- Make sure your toes are not being crushed
- Make sure the heel of the shoe fits snuggly; otherwise, you will just step out of the shoe.
2. Go for Straps
To avoid stepping out of your heels, go for heels with straps. These provide more support because it distributes your weight evenly over your whole foot, not just the ball of your foot.
3. Work Your Way Up
Please! If you are not used to wearing heels, don’t go straight for a six-inch pump! It’s important to be realistic about what kind of shoe has day-long potential. It is always best to work your way up to your preferred height. While this does take some patience it will greatly cut down on your amount of pain. Think of it as calf exercise. You wouldn’t try to run a marathon if you’ve never trained, right?
4. Choose a Platform
Some people shy away from platforms because they fear the added height will be too much. However, a platform will give you height without the pain on your ankles. A thin sole will cause more pain to the bottom of your feet. The platform reduces the harsh incline of your foot making things more comfortable all around.
5. Try a Wedge
Always remember: the narrower the heel, the greater the pain. So try a chunkier heel or a wedge. In this way, the heel has a wider base of stability.
6. Take Breaks
Being on your feet for an extend period of time is painful, whether you are wearing heels or not. So do yourself a favor and give yourself a break so you don’t strain yourself or give up on heels too soon.
7. Score More
Taking a tip from the ballerinas, scoring the bottoms of your shoes will create grooves to prevent you from slipping. All it takes is grabbing a pair of scissors and lightly carving crisscross lines on the soles of your shoes! Now you have instant grip!
8. Inserts
If you are only having a little pain, try adding an insert to the shoe. The best places are on the inner heel for better fit or the balls of the shoes for added cushion.
9. Buy Ahead of Time
High heels right out of the box aren’t going to be comfortable right off the bat. It’s important to take the time break in new shoes. Try simple things like taking a walk around your house or in the hallway of your dorm way before the big event. By doing this, you will also gain more confidence walking in them and you will be able to identify any problem areas.
And most important…
10. Practice Makes Perfect
As with anything, practice truly does make perfect when it comes to high heels. Remember not to get discouraged and to have reasonable expectations. Your body has to be given a chance to adjust to a new way of walking and balancing itself, so it’s going to take a little time, but believe me when I say that it is worth it! Most importantly, show off your confident walk and dazzling smile when you rock the most elegant shoes in the business.
Stay classy, ladies!