High heels can completely change how you look and that is why it is every woman’s dream to walk in them.
However, most people don’t realize the pain that may come with wearing high heels especially for starters. If you ask any high heels enthusiast, an elegant pair of high heels and feet without pain are not mutually exclusive. For such women, they would rather go through the pain and stand out as they gave up with the question, ”how to walk in high heels without pain.” If you have been experiencing pain while wearing heels, here are 5 tips from podiatry experts that will help you rock your high heels without feet pain.
(i) Take baby steps
Even though it sounds awkward, taking baby steps instead of long strides can help you walk more comfortably in high heels and most importantly, with no or minimal pain. Small slower steps give you confidence and a natural walking style. Most women find it difficult to walk in heels as they try to walk in the same way they walk in flats. Try baby steps today and in no time, you will master the art of walking in heels without pain.
(ii) Relax and walk
Walking under pressure and nervousness can be a nightmare when walking in high heels. When doing heels, try to relax and gain some confidence. Many women tend to stiffen their bodies and feel every inch of themselves giving them a hard time and excess pressure in their ankles, lower back and abdomen. However, it is necessary to stiffen up a little bit in case you feel you are off-balance.
(iii) Wear the right heels for your feet type
Heels come in different variations so it is necessary to get the one that works best for you. First, you need to wear the right size as wearing the wrong size will make it difficult for you to walk. Also, if you are not used to walking in high heels, it is advisable that you first go for heels with thicker heels as they prevent feet wobbling, a major cause of feet pain. In the same token, thin soles are also to be avoided. Instead, get heels with thicker soles as they can offset more pressure.
Many women also experience pain when doing high heels because they are wearing heels that don’t fit their feet type. There are two feet type in this context, the flat and high-arch foot. If you don’t know your foot type, wet you foot and step on a dry paper and you can know your foot flattening or your arch’s height. This will help you shop for the right type of high heels that are comfortable with your feet type.
(iv) Exercise your feet and take breaks often
According to podiatry experts, stretching your feet can really help relieve pain associated with wearing heels. It is recommended that you do stretches that target the front foot as well as the ankle. This ensures steady blood flow thus relieving pressure. A good way to do this is through targeting the Achilles’ tendons as well as calf muscles by pointing your toes down and pulling them up in repetitions. Make it a habit of doing this after removing your heels and even before wearing them on and you will notice some relief.
You can also get pain when doing heels because of spending too much time in them. With this in mind, it is necessary that you take breaks. For example, once you get to the office, you can remove them and wear much comfortable shoes like flats. Breaks help you relieve pressure and allows blood to flow with ease.
(v) Try inserts
Podiatrists recommend OTC inserts as a way of preventing and relieving pain associated with wearing shoes in general, high heels are no exception. Inserts, also known as foot pads or metatarsals are oval pads that are placed under the foot’s ball. Made from silicone gel, inserts relieve feet soreness and provide a more comfortable and steady foot grip preventing forward slides that cause blisters from friction.