Holiday parties are in full swing…. along with the added stress of looking your absolute best.  Those beautiful heels in your closet are the perfect compliment to your outfit, but you dread the thought of squeezing your feet into them.  There are a few must-know secrets when it comes to wearing high heels. If you’re going to wear shoes that are bad for your feet, you might as work with what you have-every little bit helps!

1. Have your heels stretched by a professional. The toe box of most heels can be gently stretch to allow more wiggle room for your toes, reducing the stress and pain on your feet. (This is especially handy if you love those pointy stilettos)

2. Arch Cookies! They aren’t edible, but they sure do make your feet happy. Arch cookies fill in the gap between your shoe and  the arch of your foot to help relieve pressure from the forefoot (ball of foot).

3. Save up for the occasion. If you know you’ll be in heels all night, take a break from any shoe with a heel during the day. Wear comfortable shoes  up until party time- you need every minute you can get!

4. Met Pads. Goes proximal/slightly behind the ball of the foot- it helps take pressure off the metatarsal heads (ball of foot).  You’ll be able to tolerate your heels a little longer because your weight is more evenly distributed.

You’ve learned the secrets to surviving holiday parties with a little less pain- there is hope!

Vanity tells us otherwise, but our feet are simply not designed to squeeze in certain high heels.  So why do we choose to endure the pain day after day?  Those pretty pumps may convey a social status, but more and more women are trading in their heels for a much more comfortable (but still glamorous) option.  Not only can you still look fabulous, but your feet will thank you immediately.

Follow these tips next time you’re out shopping for more comfortable, reasonable dress shoes.

• Do they have a wide toe box? You want enough room for your toes to wiggle freely.
• Do they have a removable insert?  If you ever need custom orthotics, you can remove the insert and replace it with yours.
• More is more. The thicker the heel, the more support your feet will get while walking.  Try opting for a wedge over a thin pencil-like heel.
  

Top pain-saving tip? Cut back the time you wear stilettos- invest in a pair of comfortable heels for work.  You will have more energy at the end of the day, and your feet will feel better!