‘Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom’ star Bryce Dallas Howard has no apology for those heels. It was one of the biggest, most successful action movies of all time, yet much of the conversation swirled around –not the plot- but the shoes; the character she portrayed sprinted through the jungle in… stilettos. This is just one of the many examples of how our relationship with heels is a treacherous one. Whether you are running from Dinosaurs off the coast of Costa Rica, or chasing your toddlers in the supermarket, there’s nothing worse than being sidelined in an hour because your feet are throbbing in pain.
It’s Complicated
If you were to ask women to describe their relationship with high heels, many would say “it’s complicated.” We all like looking and feeling our best, and heels are essential to (most) wardrobes. However, it becomes frustrating when after putting together an amazing outfit for a night out to quickly find yourself experiencing foot pain. We all know that some heels are not comfortable in any way, and we wear them only because they look amazing. In the season finale of the TV sitcom ’30 Rock’, Jack Donaghy said that his girlfriend Avery Jessup always wears high heels because according to her, “flats are for quitters”. Pain for the sake of beauty sucks. So we come to the age-old question asked by every shoe-loving woman at one point or another: “How in the world do I wear high heels without the pain? Is it even possible?” If you are determined to keep your heels on, here are 7 hacks, tips, and tricks to make heels comfier – and no, going barefoot in public is not an option.
1. Taping Toes
This tried and true trick of the catwalk that reduces pain while wearing heels is so good, you’re going to want to share it. Try taping your third and fourth toes together with medical tape (your big toe is #1), to alleviate pain from wearing high heels. Sound crazy? The proof is in the science: there’s a nerve that splits between those two toes, which causes pain when pressure is put on it (like when you wear heels). The tape helps to remove strain on the nerve. Obviously, this trick only works with closed-toed shoes where your third and fourth toes aren’t exposed. According to podiatrist Dr. Megan Leahy, “Taping toes together is not a treatment we employ in podiatry, but I was pretty impressed by the anecdotes I’ve heard about this,” Leahy said. She also weighed in on how the tape may shift how women walk and distribute weight on their feet, which could help relieve pressure, too.
2. Cannabis Oil
Cannabis has become a lot more sophisticated recently, and the beauty business is not about to miss out. Cannabis-derived ingredients are trendy and may offer a raft of possible benefits, which beauty brands are quick to tout. CBD oil, specifically, is non-psychoactive (it won’t get you high) and is said to offer relief from pain, anxiety, depression, stimulate appetite, and have anti-inflammatory and anti-acne properties. There are already devout fans who are drawn to CBD topical products largely for their pain-relieving properties. Olivia Wilde recently told this reporter that she used it to relieve physical aches during a Broadway run. In an interview with Coveteur, Mandy Moore revealed that she uses cannabis oil on her feet for a comfortable, pain-free night of wearing high heels. Karla Welch, the fashion stylist who works with Wilde, Ruth Negga, Katy Perry, and Sarah Paulson, uses Lord Jones CBD lotion on her clients’ feet when they walk the red carpet. Moore & Wilde’s CBD of choice is Lord Jones’s CBD Oil.
3. Cooling Menthol
Margot Robbie has a secret that will make all of your high-heel dreams come true. Before hitting the red carpet, the actress’ feet were sprayed with Still Standing. Think of it as a magic ice bath that keeps your toes feeling cool and comfortable for hours. It’s a combination of cooling menthol and herbal remedies—like aloe and arnica (a key ingredient in several drugstore pain relievers). This is a greaseless, colorless, and stain-free spray that keeps feet feeling great when standing and walking in heels. This spray can be misted all over feet to soothe swelling and prevent blisters. Simply apply a layer all over your foot, wait 1 to 2 minutes for it to dry, then slide back into your heels.
4. Customize and Cushion Your Shoes
When you buy a new pair of shoes, you need to customize them for your feet, says Meghan Cleary, a shoe expert and the author of The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoe Says About You. Anyone who is well-versed in British royal style rules will know that sensible heels and tights are absolute non-negotiables when it comes to dressing for public appearances. It turns out that the Duchess of Cambridge has a few handy hacks to make high heel wear look and feel effortless during long public engagements, one of which is Alice Bow leather insoles made by British designer, Rachel Bowditch. Alice Bow insoles are made of slim-but-effective padding topped with gorgeous soft leather in a stunning range of colors.
5. Scuff Those Soles
A slippery surface plus sky-high heels spells inevitable disaster. Go outside with your slippery shoes on and rub your feet on the driveway or sidewalk to wear down some of that slippery sole material. You can also buff the soles directly using sandpaper, or even a metal nail file. By scuffing the bottom or sole of your shoe, you can give it traction, which is a huge help in making it slip-resistant.
6. Wear Hosiery
Hosiery is the affordable and royal-approved way to make high-heel wearing effortless. Kate Middelton is known for her nude hosiery, so it should come as no surprise that the Duchess of Cambridge has another brilliant hack for keeping her high heels from slipping off when she is wearing tights. The sticky ribbed pads on this John Lewis style enhance comfort, and the grips help to remain stable while wearing pumps. As a bonus, the finish creates the illusion of a flawless skin complexion around the legs.
7. Blister Stickers
You’re kidding yourself if you think you don’t need some of these hero bandages in your bag. There will always be someone who is in desperate need of them, even if it’s not you. Spenco 2nd Skin Blister Kit helps prevent and manage blisters. It is ideal for prevention of skin pressure, rubbing, chafing, and blisters. This skin blister kit provides instant relief as well as reduces pain. It is a favorite of dancers because it’s like an extra layer of skin, and you can’t even see it, which is perfect if you’re wearing sandals. Think of these as a cushiony pillow protecting your blister from your very pretty, but very evil shoes.
For some comfortable high-heel options, check out Not Your Mamas Shoes.
Sources: Olivia Wilde Doesn’t Do a Painted-On Face, Mandy Moore’s Secret to Making Heels More Comfortable, The 1 Simple Trick to Make Your High Heels Stop Hurting
Picture Credit: Unsplash
