Because there’s nothing chic about aching feet
Love the way heels instantly elevate an ensemble? How they make you feel taller and more powerful? The polish they bring to both conference and cocktail-hour looks? Us too. Contrary to French-Girl style rules, you don’t have to suffer to be beautiful. Discover our 15 heel hacks and tricks to feel amazing in heels.
1. Buy Quality Shoes
2. Choose Shoes That Fit
Use our custom sizing tool to determine your shoe size. And recheck your size periodically. Your feet may change due to weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy and other factors.
3. Try Shoes On at the End of the Day
Your feet are the largest at the end of the day. Heat, pressure from standing and walking, and poor circulation from sitting can make feet swell. To accurately assess sizing, wait until evening before trying on new shoes.
4. Have a Good Head for Heights
Score the slender, sultry vibe of a stiletto and the comfort of a walkable height with a kitten heel. Pumps and sandals with kitten heels are easier on your feet than skyscraper styles. This 90s-vibe kitten-heel thong sandal is a stellar choice for off-duty events.
5. Select a Stylish Silhouette With Comfort Benefits
• Rock a block
A wider heel provides stability. While standing on a pin-thin stiletto can be a balancing act, wearing a thick wedge, bold block or chunky architectural heel gives you the support you need.
• Pick a platform style
Want the leg-lengthening allure of a five-inch heel without torturing your feet? On-trend platforms are perfect for events where you’ll dance all night. One of our favorites is this retro-chic sandal
• Opt for an open-toe or square-toe style
Say no to pinched toes! Wide and roomy toe boxes offer your feet more breathing room. This season, try a boxy, square-toe mule or an open-toe sandal.
6. Plan An At-Home Heel Rehearsal
You finally found the perfect special occasion heels. Don’t let them sit in the box until the event! A high-heel dress rehearsal can help identify problems before it’s too late. Does your pair feel tight in the toe box? Is your heel swimming in the back of the shoe? Are straps digging into your skin? Read on for quick fixes.
7. Stretch Your Shoes
Why stretch rather than size up? Shoes can be tight in a single area—the toe box, across the arch, at the counter, around bunions, etc. Take otherwise well-fitting shoes to a cobbler for adjustments.
8. Keep Leather Conditioned
Soft, well-kept leather offers a good, flexible fit. Check out our Expert Guides with DIY instructions on conditioning your shoes.
9. Maintain Your Heels
Replace soles, refresh heel taps, restore heel grips and repair loose hardware to avoid unexpected discomfort. Maintenance options offered by shoe-care professionals can make heels more pleasant to wear and can extend the life of your shoes.
10. Rely On Heel-Counter Grips
Reduce the size of too-large heel counters to prevent sore points and blisters. Comfortable, plush grips can fill in gaps and help eliminate chafing.
11. Add Traction Stickers
Our favorite place to wear high heels? On the dance floor, of course. Prevent accidental slips on slick surfaces by adding textured, stick-on grips to soles.
12. Apply Moleskin
If there are small areas causing pain, like a rough topline or a peep toe, you’ll benefit from easy-to-use, adhesive-backed moleskin. Cut it in the size and shape you need and apply the cushioning directly to the shoe’s interior for a protective layer between the shoe and your skin.
13. Wear Padded Silicone Inserts
These soft inserts cushion the toe pad and ball of the foot—spots that experience extra pressure when wearing heels.
14. Use Blister Prevention Spray
Determine where your foot pain points are and spray them with a specialized, clear mist that eliminates friction.
15. Switch Up Your Footwear
While we love heels, we also enjoy keeping other styles in rotation. Take a break from heels to relieve your feet of any pressure or pain. Find gorgeous heels in every color and silhouette—plus loads of fabulous flats, sandals, sneakers, mules and much more—at vincecamuto.com. Shop your favorites today!
