Comfortable High Heel Shoes-Are these Heels Made for Walking?

I love high heels.  Whether they’re Louboutins or Jimmy Choo or Stuart Weitzman, or even a pair of vintage lovelies I find thrifting, I love the way they make my feet look, the way they make me walk, and the way they complete an outfit.

The downside?  They can be lethal to your feet. From blisters to back pain, an ill-fitting pair of heels can really ruin your day.  There are a couple of tricks, though, that will help you enjoy your beautiful heels and stay out of shoe purgatory! Comfortable high heel shoes do exist with a little help. They will keep your feet comfortable, dry, fresh and allow you to wear all of your high heel collection.

1. Be prepared! Particularly when you’re wearing a new pair of shoes, be sure to have a few things in your purse so that if you have any unforeseen rubbing, you can fix it right away.  I like to keep some Foot Petals Pressure Pointz in my purse. They’re small and easy to carry with you for those unexpected foot pains. They can even help prevent blisters from forming in the first place. The best part is, they are reusable from shoe to shoe.   Of course you should also include a few band-aids and some antiseptic ointment just in case!

2. Don’t forget to pack flats. I always keep a pair of flats in my purse so that if I’m walking 20 blocks, I don’t have to hoof it in heels.  That prevents my feet from hurting as well as my shoes from falling victim the dangers of sidewalks and the street.  The problem with flats? They can get a little… funky. I put some Flatliners in my favorite flats to keep them fresh.  I like these because they’re really thin– they’re made for the cute flats that are so in fashion (and comfortable!) right now.

3. Make your heels more comfortable. When you’re wearing your sky-high shoes, the weight of your body is balanced on the balls of your feet.  That’s a ton of pressure to a sensitive area.  You can mitigate that pressure with Tip-Toes by Foot Petals. These gel-based ball of foot cushions  absorb shock and cushion the ball of your foot with every step and again are reusable from shoe to shoe.  Insolia Heels  change the shape of the inside of your shoe with a firm, flexible insole that fits in the back of the shoe. It keeps the pressure off your toes and stops your foot from sliding forward. That way, the rest of your foot can carry your weight like it’s supposed to. The weight shifts, your foot stops hurting, and because you no longer have to overcompensate with your walk, it even improves your posture. Since you can stand straighter and walk better, it makes you taller. Let’s be honest that is the look we are going for right?

When wearing high heel sandals I cannot be without Dr. Rosenberg’s Instant Arches . I have super high arches and these spongy and durable foam arches provide instant relief and support.

4. Be ready for repairs.  How many times have you stepped into a crack or grate and ended up skinning your high heels?  Be prepared.  For black, brown or even silver shoes, you can use shoe touch-up markers such as  pedpens to touch up scuffs.  Another way to protect your heels are with Talk to the Heel protector strips. These invisible plastic sheets prevent unsightly looking heels caused by mud stains, dents, nicks, scrapes & scratches.

5. Switch your shoes daily. The best way to make sure that your feet don’t hurt is to vary your shoes.  Even if you have a favorite pair of heels, change them up so your feet won’t ache.  Many of the shoe cushions listed above can be moved from shoe to shoe, and others come in packs so you can make sure each pair of your heels is ready to be comfortable.

How do you balance fashion, function and comfort?

All of the products mentioned in this post can be purchased at Manhattan Wardrobe Supply