My feet are killing
me! Any woman who has ever fallen in love with a gorgeous pair of six inch
heels will probably recognize this cry of pain. Wearing high heels is a lot
like dishing that extra slice of chocolate cake- you must have it, but just cannot
seem to manage it. To help you stay stylish and healthy, I give you some tips
on how to walk in high heels (trust me; your feet will thank me later).
KNOW YOUR SHOE
THE BODY: If a stiff shoe causes blisters, spritz this area of
the shoe with water and use your fingers to mold the softened leather to the
shape of your foot or try special inserts to reduce friction. Genuine
leather shoes will reduce blisters and fit your foot more comfortably.
THE BREAST: The inner arch of the heel, which affects stability. The farther
forward the arch, the less you will feel off-balance.
THE SOLE: Slipping on slick floors? Pick up a pair of sole protectors or
score the soles of your heels with a key to create extra traction.
THE TOE BOX: If your toes feel pinched, have this area stretched out at your
local shoe repair shop.
THE INTERIOR: If you suffer from low arches, slip in supports to relieve pressure
on the balls of your feet; this will also help you stay on your feet longer.
TAKE IT STEP-BY-STEP
1. POSTURE: Heels pitch weight forward, so for balance, keep
your head up and shoulders back. Hit the gym and tighten your core, this will
offset some of the pressure on your feet.
2. STEPS: Striding in a normal heel-to-toe motion can snap a stiletto or twist
an ankle. Instead, think ballroom dancing and take short steps, going down
evenly on the ball of the foot and heel.
3. WEIGHT: As your weight shifts fully onto a foot, spread your toes in the
shoe slightly; this will help to distribute the weight onto the ball of the
foot.
4. HIPS: When you're feeling off-balance, you tend to stiffen up. For an easy,
attractive momentum, let your hips swing in small, sideways, figure-eight
motions. This will not only make you look more comfortable, but will help you
achieve the ‘gliding walk’ demonstrated to Sandra Bullock in Miss Congeniality.
GET THE RIGHT SUPPORT
1. WHOLE-SOLE CUSHIONS: A comfort insole that's
tapered at the front so your toes won't feel crowded.
2. WEIGHT SHIFTERS: This sized insert sits in the breast of the shoe,
shifting weight off the ball of the foot and back onto the heel.
3.TOE GELS: Provides cushioning under the ball of the foot to
protect the area where most of your weight is centered.
4.OPEN-TOE STOPPERS: A shorter insole that provides the same shock
absorption without being seen through your peep-toes.
5. ARCH SUPPORTS: If your arches are low or need a boost, these supports will
help relieve pressure on the balls of your feet.
6. HEEL PADS: Liners that help keep feet from slipping around inside
shoes.
TAKE TIME TO SOOTHE AND REPAIR
Leonardo da Vinci once said, “The human foot is a
masterpiece of engineering and a work of art”. Looking after your ‘masterpiece’
is the key ingredient to walking beautifully in high heels.
Set time aside to refresh tired feet with a tingly foot
treatment. Also try kneading away sore spots and stimulate blood flow to help
your feet
recover from a day in uncomfortable shoes. Grab your mom’s old
bathroom staple, the callus stone, to keep calluses and rough spots at bay.
Happy strutting!
