Ask Elyse: Stiletto Strain

Dear Elyse,

I love to wear high heels but I wear them so frequently that my feet are starting to complain. Is there anything I can do to make it easier to wear heels more often?

Thanks much,

Molly

Dear Molly,

I agree that while high heels are probably one of the most gorgeous staples a girl can have in her wardrobe, they can do some serious damage on her poor peds. In order to alleviate, and even prevent the damage, one has to first discover the problem. It could be a single element or a combination of them that’s causing your discomfort.

If the back of your shoes slides off your heel with every step you’ve purchased a pair that’s a little too big for you, and this motion is known to cause a jarring sensation as well as the feeling of your toes being squished like grapes when the shoe fails to balance your weight. The solution? I absolutely swear by Foot Petals, which offers a high performance pad that sits inside the heel area of a shoe to help grip and prevent the heel from slipping off. This nifty little necessity will also prevent snags in hosiery.

If your toes find themselves in the cramped conditions pointy or open toe shoes provide, Tip Toes, also by Foot Petals, grip and cushion in order to give your little piggies the air room they need.

If your issue is that you’re always on the move and your feet can’t take the strain, try Killer Kushionz. When placed beneath your arch, the Kushionz will work tirelessly toward preventing fatigue on feet, legs, and the lower back by absorbing shock and cushioning your every step.

An alternative to these ingenious devices is to retire your heels, if only for a day or so, every once and a while. Flats and low-lying wedges have just as much potential to be sexy.

Hope this helps,

Elyse