11 Ways to make your High Heels more comfortable

APPLY DEODORANT Roll transparent deodorant beneath any area of the shoe (straps, in particular) to prevent chafing. "This will help it to gently glide instead of rub

CHOOSE STRAPS & BUCKLES Adjustable straps and buckles will make sure your heels fit snuggly to your feet, which helps avoid the unnecessary rubbing and irritation that cause blisters and discomfort.

CARE FOR YOU PAIR A good local butcher is hard to find, but a cobbler? If you're lucky enough to live close to one, make him your BFF now! "The rubber lifts and soles of high-heeled shoe styles get worn down with extended wear, making them uneven and uncomfortable," Barry said. "Take your shoes to your local cobbler when this starts to happen to prevent damage — to you and your shoe!"

STRETCH EM OUT & BREAK EM IN Once you've taken the plunge and purchased your new shoes, and depending on the material, it can be helpful to stretch them out a bit to give them some flexibility, Barry said. "You can buy your own shoe stretcher to use at home or take them to your local cobbler — either way you'll be glad you did."

If you know you have an upcoming event that requires a pair of new heels, give yourself time to purchase and wear them a few times before the big day. "Nothing works to make a shoe more comfortable than simply breaking it in," Barry said. "Wear your new shoes around your house a few times before venturing outside, just in case."

SHOP FOR SHOES AT NIGHT Live your life for a full day and then go shoe shopping. Why? Try to shop at the end of the day when your feet are swollen, "If shoes crush, pinch or smash your toes at the store, you can bet they'll do it at home." LEARN TO WALK PROPERLY There's a way to walk in flats and there's a way to strut in heels and never should the two be confused. "Heels are not sneakers — you have to carry yourself differently". "Use your core muscles and stand up straight. Pretend you're strutting your stuff on the catwalk and use your hips and legs to propel yourself forward. It should feel more like a bounce than a normal stride. Practice it at home until you’ve got it down pat — this can be one of the easiest ways to avoid pain in heels."

TAPE YOUR TOES Here's an interesting tip — one certainly worth trying if it means a painless shoe experience. "Taping your third and fourth toes together (counting from the big toe) will help with the pain," "Yes, it’s a little weird, but there's actually a nerve there that contributes to foot pain. Stress on the nerve is alleviated when supported by the other toe. Keep in mind this might not work for high-heeled sandals or deep peep-toes."

TRY THIS FROZEN WATER HACK "If your shoes are a little too tight, then I have a hack for that," said stylist and wardrobe consultant

Allie Brandwein. "Fill a zip lock bag halfway with water and place the bag inside the shoe. Put the shoe in the freezer overnight and voilà! Your shoe stretches. The water freezes and expands the shoe. Genius!"

BUY SHOES WITH LEATHER SOLES Before you throw down your plastic, turn that cute shoe over and check what material has been used on the bottom. "You are always better off with leather soles," said Robyn Vie Carpenter, author and founder of The Lesbian Socialite. "Even if your uppers are man-made, you need the pliability of leather to allow your feet to move."

USE GEL INSERTS So, you bought shoes that you thought were comfy and you were wrong. What now? If you have uncomfortable shoes, the best thing you can do is start gellin, "Use the silicone gel inserts designed specifically for heels. They go right under the balls of your feet to protect them from all of that standing."

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