Even the most beautifully designed heels can become instruments of torture if worn for too long without proper preparation. The good news is that seasoned heel wearers have developed an arsenal of tricks to extend comfortable wear time significantly. From products that cushion and protect to techniques that reduce strain, these comfort hacks can transform your heel-wearing experience.
This guide shares the insider knowledge that flight attendants, event planners, and fashion professionals rely on to stay comfortable in heels all day long.
Essential Comfort Products
The right products can make a dramatic difference in heel comfort. Invest in quality items and keep them stocked for whenever you need them.
Ball-of-Foot Cushions
The ball of the foot bears the brunt of pressure in heels, making cushioning in this area essential. Gel or foam pads placed under the ball of the foot absorb shock and reduce the burning sensation that develops during extended wear. Look for thin, clear gel pads that won't affect the fit of your shoes or be visible in open-toed styles.
Heel Grips
If your heel slips in your shoes, the constant rubbing causes blisters and forces your toes to grip, creating additional strain. Heel grips—adhesive pads that stick to the inside back of your shoe—prevent slipping and improve fit. They're particularly useful when shoes are slightly loose or when you're between sizes.
Full Insoles
For maximum comfort, consider full insoles designed specifically for heels. These provide arch support, heel cushioning, and ball-of-foot padding in one product. Look for slim versions that won't make your shoes too tight. Memory foam or gel insoles contour to your foot over time.
Anti-Blister Products
Prevention is key with blisters. Anti-blister balms and sticks create a protective barrier on friction-prone areas. Apply to your feet before putting on heels, focusing on the backs of heels, sides of toes, and anywhere you typically develop hot spots. Some people swear by roll-on deodorant for this purpose as well.
Keep moleskin in your bag for emergency blister prevention. At the first sign of rubbing, apply moleskin to either the shoe or your foot. It provides cushioning and reduces friction before a blister can form.
Strategic Techniques
Beyond products, certain techniques can significantly improve comfort. These cost nothing but make a real difference.
The Toe Taping Trick
This technique has circulated in fashion circles for years: tape your third and fourth toes together (the two next to your little toe) before putting on heels. The theory is that this reduces strain on a nerve that runs between these toes, decreasing pain in the ball of the foot. Use medical tape or fashion tape, and don't tape too tightly.
Strategic Sitting
Whenever possible, take the weight off your feet. Plan your day to include seated intervals. At events, scout out seating options in advance. Even brief sitting breaks—five minutes every hour—can significantly extend your comfortable wear time.
Weight Distribution
When standing, avoid putting all your weight on one foot. Shift your weight regularly between feet, and when possible, find something to discreetly lean against. This reduces the continuous strain on any single point.
The Frozen Bottle Trick
At the end of a long heel-wearing day, roll each foot over a frozen water bottle for 10-15 minutes. This provides a massage while reducing inflammation. The combination of cold and massage can prevent next-day soreness.
- Apply anti-blister product to friction-prone areas
- Insert ball-of-foot cushions and heel grips as needed
- Tape third and fourth toes if you find this helpful
- Stretch your calves and feet
- Pack emergency supplies (blister bandages, foldable flats)
Foot Preparation
How you prepare your feet before wearing heels affects your comfort throughout the day.
Moisturise the Night Before
Apply a rich foot cream the night before you plan to wear heels, focusing on heels and any callused areas. Well-moisturised skin is more supple and less prone to cracking or blistering. Avoid moisturising immediately before wearing heels, as this can make feet slippery.
Pre-Heel Stretching
Stretch your calves and feet before putting on heels. Calf stretches prepare the muscles for the extended position they'll be in, while toe stretches and ankle circles improve flexibility. Just a few minutes of stretching can noticeably improve comfort.
Foot Exercises
Regular foot exercises strengthen the muscles that support you in heels. Try these:
- Toe curls: Pick up small objects with your toes
- Marble pickups: Use your toes to pick up marbles and drop them in a cup
- Towel scrunches: Scrunch a towel toward you using only your toes
- Calf raises: Rise onto the balls of your feet and lower slowly
Shoe Selection and Modification
Sometimes the most effective comfort hack is choosing the right shoes in the first place, or modifying existing ones.
Platform Preference
When you want height with better comfort, choose platforms. A 10cm heel with a 3cm platform puts your foot at the same angle as a 7cm heel without a platform, but you get the visual effect of the full 10cm. Platforms reduce the severity of the foot's angle, distributing pressure more evenly.
Block Over Stiletto
At any given height, a block heel is typically more comfortable than a stiletto. The larger surface area distributes weight better and provides more stability, reducing the effort required to balance. If an event will require extended standing or walking, opt for a chunky heel.
Professional Modifications
A skilled cobbler can make modifications that improve comfort:
- Adding rubber sole covers for better grip and shock absorption
- Stretching tight areas to improve fit
- Adding custom padding inside the shoe
- Replacing worn heel tips that may be affecting balance
No comfort hack can overcome fundamentally ill-fitting shoes. If heels consistently cause pain despite proper inserts and techniques, the shoes may simply not be right for your feet. Persistent pain is a signal to reconsider, not to add more padding.
During the Event
Even with preparation, how you manage yourself during an event matters.
Take Breaks
Don't be a hero. If there's an opportunity to sit, take it. Remove your heels under the table at dinner if you can do so discreetly. These brief respites make a significant difference in how you feel at the end of the night.
Dance Smart
Dancing is one of the most demanding activities for heel wearers. Stay on the balls of your feet, avoid moves that require sudden direction changes, and don't be afraid to take off your heels if the dancing gets intense. Most dance floors have seen shoeless feet before.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can increase muscle cramping and fatigue. Stay well-hydrated throughout the event—your feet will thank you along with the rest of your body.
After-Care
What you do after wearing heels affects recovery and readiness for next time.
Immediate Relief
Upon removing heels, stretch your calves immediately—the muscles have been shortened for hours. Roll your ankles, flex and point your feet, and massage the balls of your feet. A tennis ball or golf ball rolled under the sole provides excellent self-massage.
Elevation and Cold
If your feet are swollen or sore, elevate them and apply cold (the frozen bottle trick works well here). This reduces inflammation and speeds recovery.
Give Feet Recovery Time
Avoid wearing heels the next day if possible. Give your feet time in supportive flat shoes or barefoot to recover fully. This is especially important if you wear heels frequently.
The most important comfort hack is attitude: accept that some discomfort is inevitable in very high heels, be prepared with products and backup plans, and give yourself permission to prioritise comfort when needed. The best-dressed woman in the room is often the one who looks relaxed and confident—and that's hard to achieve when you're in pain.