The downside to great-looking shoes is that something as small as a strangely placed strap or a blister-inducing back can lead to days of aching feet, which will discourage you from wearing them again. Nobody wants their once-covetable kicks to turn into a waste of money and closet space, so we’re sharing tips to make every type of shoe more comfortable. From heels to flip flops and everything in between, these tips will finally teach you how to make shoes more comfortable for good. You’ll be walking a mile in any pair of your shoes before you know it.
How to make shoes more comfortable
If you want to make those high heels more bearable, try taping your toes together. Trust us, there’s science behind it. Whether you’re rocking stilettoes or a more modest pair, any pair of heels place a lot of pressure at the ball of the foot. According to Footwear News, there’s a string of nerves that end at the ball of your foot that become irritated when you place a lot of pressure on them (as you do when you wear heels). Since the most commonly irritated nerve lies between your third and fourth toes, taping the two together can release some tension. If you think those chafed legs are bad enough during a crisp, dry day, just wait until the humidity rises. Healthline reports that chafing can be significantly worse in humid or sweaty environments. While you can wear a pair of tall, moisture-wicking socks with your boots, rubbing petroleum jelly or powder on vulnerable areas can also prevent chafing from occurring in the first place. An old hack that has withstood the test of time, heat can reportedly loosen up those tighter parts of your shoes. Simply blast those snug areas with hot air, walk around in your shoes until they feel cool, and voilà! You’ll be ready to pound the pavement in a cozy pair of sneakers. Verily suggests filling two freezer bags with water, stuffing them inside your shoes, and placing your shoes in the freezer overnight. As the water freezes, the bag will expend and stretch out your flats, possibly making them your comfortable flats yet. While Verily says this trick only works for non-leather flats, Footwear News says it’s fine to freeze your leather shoes. Another tip? Keep your feet dry. According to the Cleveland Clinic, blisters are more common on sweaty feet. Sure, you might not be able to control how moist your feet are, but coating them in baby powder or aluminum chloride can keep sweat (and, yes, blisters) at bay. Before you embark on your summer getaway, throw another pair of shoes in your beach bag. Since flip flops are notorious for lacking support, they’re not built for long walks or dancing at your favorite seaside restaurant. Trust us, your feet will thank you later.
