November 16, 2023
With the party season well and truly upon us it's time to dig out those glamorous heels hiding at the back of your wardrobe and get your glad rags on. If however the thought of wearing high heels fills you with dread then fear not, we are here to help with our top tips on making your occasion footwear super comfortable. Gone are the days of sore feet, crushed toes and blisters and with a few handy tricks you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort anymore.
Party shoes have been given a modern revamp with chunkier, safer heels, a wider fit and different shaped toes and heel heights to suit any shape. Whether you're a heels novice or a lifelong lover of heels we have put together the ultimate guide to ensure that the day after the night before is not ruined by sore achy feet. So sit back, relax and let us talk you through how to make your party heels more comfortable...
Heels are one style all us women should have in our wardrobe, they are a classic piece that instantly adds an elegant touch to your look and once the party season gets underway there is nothing more glamorous than throwing on a pair with your favourite LBD. Now you might be thinking back to last year when you had kicked them off on the dance floor in frustration or the aches and pains you suffered with the following day but there are some comfortable styles out there, you just have to know what you are looking for.
If you are not usually a heels wearer you need to get a bit of practice in before the big night out, try wearing them around the house for an hour or two every day to get yourself used to them, when wearing such an high heel you have to walk and hold yourself differently so practice is key to help avoid any accidents.
Secondly, the shape of the toe and the size of the heel will determine just how comfy your feet are, a bang on trend block heel can add a bit of added security and comfort while a round toe will accommodate toes more easily than a pointed toe. When choosing a style, think about what you are going to wear them with, tights will give you a bit more protection against your shoes rubbing and always take into account that your feet swell during the day so heels that are a little bigger will be more comfortable when heading from the office to the bar.
If you need a wider fit, then you are in luck, here at shoezone we have a fantastic Comfort Plus range that showcases a collection of party ready footwear with that extra added bit of room, which means you can party the night away without the obligatory kicking them off and dancing round them on the dance floor.
Thirdly, the type of heel you choose will make a huge difference to how much pain you put your feet through. We have picked out some of our favourites, so which will you choose?
Platforms - are a style that offer you nothing but comfort, they help relieve stress on the arch of your foot by bringing the heel of your foot higher. They might look like they could be painful on your feet but they are in fact one of the most comfortable styles out there. For added protection on your heels, slip in a couple of gel pads and get ready to paint the town red.
Wedges - here at shoezone this is one style that us ladies love! They might look uncomfortable but they are in fact one of the easiest styles to wear, distributing your weight over a larger area and not just concentrated on a slim heel, as with a platform heel, they also help relieve pressure of the arch of your foot by bringing your heel higher. They are perfect for recreating a cool, seventies vibe that is bang on trend for the party season.
Open Toe - now these are one style that we know will make a lot of you wince when you look at them, we grant you they might look like they would be painful on your toes but they are in fact anything but.
To solve the issue of where do I put my toes, simply tape together the second and third toe to make room for them and keep any pain away. It really is an elegant style that is perfect for the fun, party season. If you're' not a fan of the open toe shoe, try the open toe sandal instead, with these the whole of the front is open giving all your toes room to breathe, just be sure to take into account the cold temperatures.
Round Toe - is probably one of the most famous and easiest heels to wear. The round toe gives your toes plenty of room and you can go as low or high with the heel as you want. It is a classic style that adds a timeless touch to your look. Don't forget to go for glitter and diamante's for the party season!
Block Heels - this bang on trend heel is one of the styles of the season that looks as if it is set to stay, with a good chunky heel that gives you a bit of added security you can be sure your feet will be super comfortable. They range from a low heel to a high heel, just be sure to choose a height you are confident wearing. They are one of the party shoes of the season, so why not give them a go.
When it comes to finding a comfortable pair of party heels, we can't stress enough how important it is to try them on, if you shop online you are not really going to know how comfortable and easy they are to walk in without trying them on, when you do get them home, practice walking around the house in them, if they are too painful, take them back and go for a different size or keep up the practice until your glamorous night out.
Ideally for a less painful experience when wearing heels, measure the distance between the heel and ball of your foot when in a relaxed seated position, this should give you an idea of the perfect heel height for you, always remember that the steeper the incline the less comfortable the shoes will be.
Another thing to remember is to try different types of heeled shoes, think about wedges, block heels and round toe styles, these tend to be easier to wear and still look incredibly stylish.
If you know you are going to be hitting the dance floor all night, then it's important to have a pair of shoes that will keep your feet comfy and take the pressure off, so think about the thickness of the heel, a stiletto heel could cause you major discomfort after a night on your feet whilst a block heel can take a bit more pressure and keep your feet from feeling too bruised the following day.
Now before you despair completely and think heels are not for you, think again. Simply following a few of our handy hints and tips can ensure you enjoy your festive evening out without the worry of painful feet.
Rubbing a bit of lip balm on the back of your heel and around your toes will help keep the dreaded blisters at bay.
Sprinkle a bit of dry shampoo into your heels to keep sock free feet from sweating too much, this will also help eliminate any rubbing of the shoes, got no dry shampoo? A gel deodorant will work just as well.
Before the party do a few leg stretches, you have to hold yourself and walk differently when wearing heels so warming up slightly before a night of dancing will be beneficial. When you come home or the following day, stretch again, ice achy feet then soothe them in a salt bath or warm tea. Once this is done, give them a much needed massage with a rich moisturiser and slip on a pair of soft, cosy socks.
For maximum comfort when wearing heels, tape the 2nd and 3rd toes together.
Got tired feet from dancing all night? Simply use a tennis ball under the arch of your foot to give your feet a simple and cheap massage.
For all you ladies that have flat feet, remember to follow all of the above tips but also most importantly limit the amount of time you wear heels for, always pop a pair of flats in your bag to give your feet a rest later on in the night.
So there we have it, our guide to making your heeled party shoes more comfortable. Whether you're heading out for a festive dinner or hitting the dance floor there is no reason why you can't wear heels and achieve a glamorous look. Follow our simple tips to keep feet comfy and pain free! Want to read more useful tips and tricks? Check out our Shoe Hacks here.
Looking for sparkly shoes for your little one? Shop our girls' party shoes range.
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.