Heels Are a Girl's Best Friend—Here's How to Get the Most Out of Yours!
Heels may be a girl's best friend until you experience pain, and the relationship becomes a love-hate one. But there are ways to fix that issue when you know how to help yourself when wearing them.
Not everyone's lucky enough to find comfortable, stylish, versatile, and affordable heels on their first try. Some end up finding their favourites on their third or fourth venture.
Imagine the hours you've wasted getting hurt and treating blisters when you only needed a pair of Wildfire heels.
While Wildfire shoes are synonymous with comfort, knowing how to wear them properly would improve the experience.
Knowing how to avoid the pain and awkwardness of walking in them will make you wear them more often and get the most out of the pair you have; that's when they become your best friend.
Don't wait for a special occasion to rock a pair of heels from Wildfire. Instead, treat yourself to what will soon become a favourite pair and put your best foot forward daily. Whether you prefer platform shoes or open-toe heels, we have a style that will make you feel unstoppable.
So, let's call our helpful Wildfire team to share some tips to help remove the pain from wearing heels. Let's start!
1. Choose Styles with Straps and Buckles
Select heels with straps and buckles because they give you adjustability and security. When you can adjust the snugness and fit of your shoes, you can avoid unnecessary rubbing that leads to irritation and blisters.
2. Stretching and Breaking in Will Do Wonders
Loosen your heels upon purchase by walking them around the house. Break in the pair by wearing thick socks while you go about your regular day.
Do your chores and watch your shows in your new heels until they start stretching and moulding to your foot's shape. Doing this also helps you build muscle memory, so your body gets used to the change in height and added pressure.
You'll be a pro in no time.
Also, there's a trick you can do if you need to break in your heels faster. Wear thick socks with your shoes and blow dry them with hot air. The heels will expand and mould to the shape of your feet.
3. Opt for Chunkier Block Heels or Low Heels, Even
Choose block heels if you crave height without the strain that usually comes with them. If you've tried stilettos, you'll feel the massive difference once you've tried the chunkier ones.
These heels distribute the load and weight instead of reeling them into one area (the balls of your feet), causing pain. By spreading your weight, you avoid feeling pressure on your feet, legs, and lower back, improving your posture and overall health.
4. Know How to Walk (in High Heels!)
Walking in heels is far different from walking in flats or low heels. It would help to have finesse as you put your foot down in a heel-to-toe fashion. Also, never put your entire foot down at once when wearing heels.
It would help if you leant back a little. Because heels alter your balance, you will lean forwards. Resist that. Balance your weight and make formal attire pop.
5. Take It Slow
Avoid walking at the same pace you'd usually do when in flats. Please remember that the higher your heels go, the smaller your stride becomes, and that's okay.
Take each step slowly in that smooth heel-to-toe motion. We want to prevent unnecessary mishaps and twisted ankles.
6. Bring Reinforcements
Several kinds of heels exist, some more comfortable than others. But if you're not a frequent wearer, it can still get uncomfortable, even if they're chunky. So, it's best to arm yourself with products that make wearing heels more bearable.
Wildfire has some things you may want to keep handy, such as heel grips, stoppers, and gel cushions.
Gel cushions are a godsend because they absorb the pressure on the balls of your feet. The relief you'll get from cushions absorbing impact is the best.
Meanwhile, heel grips protect the back of your foot from rubbing on the heels to avoid blisters. Finally, heel stoppers are for stilettos to save you from getting stuck on soft surfaces.
7. Do Post-Heel Feet Care
While people say, "No pain, no gain," it's not a mantra you should blindly follow. With only two feet, you need to care for them, especially after putting them through the pressure and discomfort of wearing heels.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Once you get home, walk barefoot on a cold surface, like the tiles in your bathroom, to relieve the swelling.
- Soak your feet in a bowl or tub of warm water. It might sting, mainly if the constant rubbing with your heels causes blisters.
- Raise your legs on the wall or pillow to get the blood circulating.
- As mentioned, wearing heels puts too much pressure on the balls of your feet, so you need to relieve them.
Press both thumbs into the balls of the feet and massage them in a circular motion. Keep making the same motion to the instep and down towards the heels.
- Rest your feet. Avoid wearing heels the day or two after. Instead, walk barefoot or wear flats.
8. Clean and Maintain Your Shoes (From Block Heels, Mid-Heels to High Heels)
How can you put your best foot forward when your favourite pair of heels is gone?
Wipe your shoes every time you get home, ensuring you get the dirt attached to the crevices. Also, if your block heels, square-toe heels, platform heels, stiletto heels, court heels, kitten heels, heel mules or open-toe heels get wet from a rainy day, ensure you dry them naturally before wearing them again.
Use scrunched-up newspapers to speed up the process. Never dry your women's heels via direct heat sources, like the sun or radiators, for they will dry and crack the material.
Once you've done everything, ensure you keep them away from dust. It's wise to invest in a shoe closet or rack. However, if you don't have enough space, buy shoe bags instead and hang them behind the door.
Transform Your Heel-Wearing Experience!
Never venture out in pain again by practising the tips we shared. Head to the nearest Wildfire store or shop online and take advantage of the flexible payment systems, which allow you to buy now and pay later! Use our handy size guide to find your true shoe size!