When party season approaches, the dreaded issue of heel rubbing is a top concern for many. Blisters can quickly ruin a night of dancing and fun, leaving you hobbling to find a plaster. But fear not! With the return of dressing up, there’s no need to sacrifice comfort for style.
After months of slippers and trainers, transitioning back into heels might cause some discomfort, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Luckily, there are plenty of products and hacks available to make wearing high heels a more comfortable experience.
Here are some top tips and tricks to prevent heels from rubbing and ensure you can strut your stuff pain-free all night long as shared by Ms. Shradha Wadhwa, CEO of Cindy Footwears, the leading shoe wholesaler for heeled slippers and wedge heel sandals in India.
What are the tips for wearing heels?
Lose some height – If you adore a pair of heels but dread the discomfort of a 5-inch stiletto, there’s a solution. Instead of panicking, consider visiting a shoe repair shop. They can often shorten the height of your heels by up to one inch, depending on the shoe type, making them much more comfortable to wear.
Pay attention to how you walk – Mastering the art of walking in heels requires a bit of science. Unlike the casual comfort of trainers, navigating the night in high heels demands extra attention to your body’s posture and movement.
The key? Engage your core muscles and adopt a heel-to-toe stride for a flawless, Elle Woods-worthy walk. But hey, if you’re feeling more like a Tyra Banks sashay, own it—just remember to stay true to yourself!
Wear your heels in – Before stepping out in your new heels, break them in by slipping on a pair of thick socks and strutting around your home for a few hours. This trick helps stretch out any tight spots that could otherwise cause discomfort, ensuring a more comfortable fit when you hit the town.
Choose the right shape heel for your foot – It might seem obvious, but if you’re aware that pointed heels pinch your wide toes or anything above a 3-inch heel leaves your flat feet aching, don’t torture yourself. Stick to heel styles that you’ve found comfortable in the past. Chances are, you’ll continue reaching for them in the future. Plus, lower heels are currently on-trend, so you’ll still be fashionable while staying comfortable.
Use moleskin – Moleskin isn’t just for lining shoes to prevent rubbing—it’s also a lifesaver for blister prevention. Cut and apply it directly over potential blister spots or areas where you feel discomfort coming on. This versatile material offers relief and protection, ensuring you can keep strutting in your favourite heels without care.
Fabric plasters – If you’re in a rush and don’t have moleskin inserts on hand, grab some fabric plasters instead. Apply them to areas prone to blisters, such as the back of the heel, to minimize friction and prevent discomfort as you dash out the door.
Shop heels have platforms – In general, platform heels tend to be more comfortable than stiletto heels because they offer the same height with less of an angle. If you have the choice, opt for platforms whenever possible for a more comfortable wearing experience.
Keep an anti-blister stick everywhere you go – Skip the plasters and opt for a transparent stick to lubricate areas prone to discomfort. Compeed’s Anti Blister Stick is a favourite for its convenience—you can easily carry it in your bag for any unexpected pain points that arise while you’re out and about.
Wear padded inserts – If you struggle with discomfort in the balls of your feet (trust me, I understand), consider using sticky gel inserts to cushion that area—they’re a game-changer. Opt for full inserts only if your shoes are slightly too big, as they may otherwise cramp your feet.
Safety is important – If your shoes constantly feel like they’re about to slip off, they’ll never be truly comfortable. Not to mention, you might find yourself tensing different muscles in your feet to keep them in place, leading to more discomfort. One solution is to opt for more secure heel styles. If you have narrow feet or struggle with slip-on heels, consider choosing pairs with ankle straps for added support and stability.
Take help of heel grips if your feet are narrow – Particularly crucial for court shoes or styles without straps (they’re even great for ballet flats or loafers), these grips will prevent your feet from slipping around inside your shoes.
Ms. Shradha Wadhwa is the dynamic and young entrepreneur of Cindy Footwears. Cindy Footwears is a top-notch Indian footwear wholesaler and supplier that facilitates footwear fashion and retail needs for every shoe retailer in India and abroad. Cindy holds all the expertise and experience needed to help footwear retailers create a niche for themselves in their respective markets. Cindy Footwear’s unique design and manufacturing capabilities enable the organization to offer tailored and seamless solutions to anyone looking to purchase shoes in large quantities.
