THE BEST TIPS FOR WEARING HEELS ALL NIGHT LONG
Most women know that wearing heels is a serious commitment. Sure, they lengthen your legs and make your muscles look amazing. But they can also be a serious pain.
Celebrities always appear to have no trouble wearing extremely high stilettos. Anyone who has ever tried to do so themselves, however, knows it’s anything but.
If you have a big event on the horizon and want to step out in some fierce heels, don’t think you can’t avoid the pain. There are lots of products and tips that can make high heels more comfortable.
You’ll be able to wear your heels all night if you find the right ones.
INSERT SOME INSOLES
I know what you’re thinking. Insoles are something that old people wear, right?
Wrong!
Throw your preconceived notions about insoles out the window. These awesome accessories actually make wearing high heels much more bearable.
There are plenty of products currently on the market that are designed specifically for high heels. A full gel insole will cushion your foot and take pressure off of your pain points.
Or, opt for a smaller gel insole that goes under the ball of your foot or at your arch. If you still feel a little embarrassed about wearing an insole, don’t worry! Absolutely no one will be able to tell that you have them on.
SACRIFICE YOUR STILETTO
While super-high Louboutins are simply stunning, let’s face it – they’re kind of a pain.
If you want to make a pair of super-high heels a little more comfortable, consider shaving a few inches of the heel. It may seem like a sacrilege for footwear mavens, but it’s actually a pretty common practice.
Just find an experienced cobbler in your area. They might be able to shave some height off of your highest heels without anyone knowing the difference.
If you are okay with foregoing super-high stilettos, there are plenty of other styles that are much more comfortable. Stacked heels have more surface area and offer more support.
Wedges also take the pressure off and are more comfortable in general.
PRACTICE YOUR RUNWAY WALK
If you’re walking in high heels the wrong way, you’re going to have a really hard time. Heels change the shape of your foot, meaning you need to re-adjust your body’s center of gravity.
If you are trying to walk the same way that you do in sneakers, you’re simply doing it wrong.
When it comes to walking in heels, posture is key. Keep your shoulders back and your spine straight the entire time. While walking, lift your legs slightly and use your hips to shift your weight.
The result is a bouncier walk that keeps your weight toward the balls of your feet.
For extra help, check out some online tutorials. This video from Tyra’s ANTM glory days is slightly over-the-top but still features plenty of useful tips.
ADD SOME SUPPORT
Wearing heels at outdoor events has always been a safety hazard. Sometimes, however, it’s unavoidable. If you have a wedding coming up that requires you to walk in the grass and also sport high heels, don’t fret.
There are some surprising products available that can lend you a hand and add some support.
Special caps can widen the base of your heel. This makes them easier to walk in and prevents you from sinking into the ground with every step you take.
I’ll admit – these aren’t the most attractive option, but they are surprisingly subtle. Plus, you can slip them on for the ceremony and pop them off when the party heads indoors.
Don’t forget to bring extras – the other bridesmaids will surely want to get their hands on them, too.
TAKE A TIP FROM THE PROS
If there is one type of athlete on earth that knows a thing or two about uncomfortable shoes, it’s professional ballerinas. There are tons of products for dancers that keep their pointe shoes from rubbing and chafing.
What most people don’t know is that they work just as well inside of high heels.
Moleskin is a soft, textured material that dancers have been using for decades. It usually includes an adhesive backing so that you can stick it right inside your stiletto.
Padded toe tape is incredibly affordable and meant to take the pressure off your foot’s pain points.
Or, opt for tiny gel cushions that serve a similar purpose. If a professional ballerina uses them, chances are they’ll work for you on a standard night out.
STRETCH THEM OUT
There is nothing more uncomfortable than a brand-new pair of heels. Anyone who has ever worn a shiny new pair on a long night out knows there are serious consequences.
Shoes – especially ones made of leather – stretch slightly after being worn. Wearing a pair of heels around your house for a few hours may be all you need to make them more comfortable.
If that doesn’t work, there are products available specifically designed to stretch out your shoes. Find a shoe stretcher made just for high heels and you’ll be good to go in no time so you can wear heels without pain!
There are also special sprays that some people swear by. They are specially formulated to soften the leather and make it more pliable. Pair it with a shoe stretcher to maximize your results.
STOP THE SLIP
Sometimes the problem with high heels is that they are just too slippery. Remember that episode of “Friends” where Chandler is sliding around the dance floor?
If you don’t want that to be you, invest in some products that are designed to help you get a grip.
If you find your foot sliding around inside the shoe, look for special adhesive pads. They have a textured surface that is incredibly comfortable but will keep your foot in place.
Some are placed at the ball of your foot, while others are inserted by the heel. If the bottom of your shoes is dangerously slippery, there are also products that will help you out.
Simply stick them to the bottom and you’ll be instantly more stable and supported.
BANISH BLISTERS
The worst part about wearing high heels is the blisters that they cause. If you are like me, usually the same places on your foot get blisters every time.
If you have spots that are susceptible to chafing, there are blister pads designed to take the pressure off.
Small padded inserts are perfect for pain points that consistently bother you. Padded blister bandages can protect as well.
For some reason, my pinky toes always end up in pain after wearing stilettos. That’s why I was especially excited to find a solution that keeps this area covered as well.
GET A GRIP
Speaking of blisters, runners are another type of athlete that knows a thing or two about uncomfortable footwear. When athletes want to reduce chafing, they often turn to a special adhesive.
Now, a similar product is available that works on your high heels or strappy sandals.
This blister stick might seem silly, but don’t knock it until you try it. It feels almost like deodorant and glides on in a similar manner.
It prevents unwanted friction and makes everything a little smoother. Plus, it’s a great alternative to inserts or sticky pads. It’s a great tip if you want to wear heels all night.
KEEP YOUR TOES IN LINE
Pointy-toe stilettos pose a very specific problem. They crunch your toes and make them overlap, which can be incredibly uncomfortable.
Actually, any type of shoe can do this.
A heel with a round toe can still feel like torture if your toes are in the wrong place.
If this seems to be your problem, there is an easy and discreet solution. Some of these toe-straightener products look like torture devices.
The truth is, they’re anything but. They just might be the key to making your high heels bearable all night long.
FIND THE PERFECT FIT
Sometimes the easiest solutions are the ones that are overlooked. If you find that you continually get blisters on your feet when wearing heels, consider the size.
Going up a half size has the potential to take the pressure off certain pain points. Going down half a size also can prevent your foot from slipping and blisters from forming.
It’s entirely possible that you might wear a different size in heels than you do in flats. If you have an especially wide or narrow foot, don’t just accept standard sizes.
There are plenty of retailers that offer Wide and Narrow widths, which will give you a better fit overall.
Final Thoughts on How to Wear Heels All Night
If your high heels still get the best of you after a night on the dance floor, don’t push through the pain.
Sometimes the best thing you can do is rest your feet. Uncomfortable footwear isn’t fun.
Some studies even show that frequently wearing high heels can cause serious damage down the road (study).
I’m definitely not suggesting you never wear stilettos.
But if you know you’ll be walking long distances, opt for something else. Or, stash a pair of packable flats in your purse.
That way, at the end of the night you can give your feet a break even if you aren’t ready to say your goodbyes.
