How to Wear Heels All Day and Night
Whether you're required to wear high heels at your job or you just like how heels lengthen your silhouette, wearing high heels all day and night can be tough on your feet, back and legs. High heels not only cause aching feet, but over time also shorten your calf muscles, stiffen the Achilles tendon, put stress on your knees and back, and lead to bunions and hammertoe. There are however, steps you can take to reduce the pain and damage caused from wearing high heels.
Choose Heels Carefully
The higher your heel, the more damage it will cause. If you can, choose a kitten heel or a heel under 2 inches. In addition, try to wear shoes that have a thick heel, which provide more support than a stiletto, and make sure your toes have enough room in the toe box. Pointy heels look great, but they're more likely to damage your toes and cause hammertoe. Finally, make sure shoes have adequate arch support. Adding inserts to your heels may make you more comfortable.
Shop for shoes in the late afternoon or evening, because your feet swell slightly during the day. Always walk around in shoes before you buy them to assess the fit and comfort. Don't buy uncomfortable shoes and assume you'll break them in; if it doesn't fit in the store, it won't fit later.
Take a Break
If you sit at a desk at work, slide off your shoes while you sit down. If you typically stand while working, make sure you slide off your shoes and stretch your legs while on break. Wear comfortable, supportive shoes during the commute or on your way to an event and change when you get there.
Switch It Up
Wearing high heels all day and night once won't destroy your feet, but if you wear heels on a daily basis, try to give yourself a few days off every week.
