We all have a pair of shoes (or multiple pairs) that we can barely walk in. We don’t know why we ever spent the money on them since they hurt when we tried them on in the store. We constantly put them on to stare at them in a mirror but rarely do they ever get to see the light of day.
I feel your pain…literally. Shoes that pinch or rub enough to give you blisters are the worst. But there is always a silver lining. Shoes can be broken in and made to be even the tiniest bit more comfortable. While I can’t promise that you’ll be able to pull off a Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show model walk, you’ll definitely be able to withstand taking ladylike steps all night.
Stretch them out
If you’re anything like me you’ll put on your heels, feel a pinch and discard them immediately. Resist the urge. Instead wear the shoes as long as you can while inside your house. Get them used to the shape of your foot while you brush your teeth, prepare dinner, sit at your desk or read. Win yourself some extra room by squeezing on a pair of socks while you wear your heels. The extra quarter of an inch you receive in comfort will be well worth it.
Keep them filled
While the stuffing that you find in a new pair of shoes is used to help them keep their shape, you can use it to your own advantage of stretching your shoes out. Keep all the stuffing that came in the box plus those plastic poles that hold the length of the shoe and keep it in whenever you’re not wearing your heels. This is a two-for-one deal; not only are you protecting the shape, you’re also helping stretch out the material.
Rough it up
Most heels have little to no traction which will entail you slipping and sliding at some point during your night. And depending on how many cocktails you’ve had, it might even end up with you becoming acquainted with the floor. Stop this before you even leave your house by using sandpaper to rough up the sole of the shoe.
Do the twist
It’s simple: shoes that have more movement are ultimately more comfortable. If shoes are too stiff you’re going to feel it. take the shoe in both hands and twist it slowly, each hand moving in opposite directions. Use both thumbs to bend the heel into the shoe and then bend it the opposite way. Do this repeatedly and for a few days before you actually need to wear them. You’ll get the worn in feeling without the look.
