Shopping for high heels online is fun. When well worn, with the right dress and accessories, that elegant look that turns heads is well within reach. Still, heels will almost always leave your feet hurting, especially when working for a long time, or during an eventful day. Here are a few tips on how to wear those heels without having to hurt your feet.

The inches

According to experts, most issue with high heels begin when they are too high. Five inch heels might be gaining popularity, but generally, anything above 2 or 3 inches in height has been known to shift the weight of the body forward. This then ends you putting extra weight on the toes and the balls of the feet. The best heels are not too high. Ideally, go for the slight wedge or heel which offers the balance of support and comfort while still retaining that elegant look. Furthermore, thicker wedges will offer much greater support than the skinnier ones.

Switch shoes

The practice of switching shoes is one that most people have perfected. Wear them only when out, meaning there is no need to have the heels on when going home or when on your way out. Instead, carry pair of flat, comfortable high heel sandals, saving the heels for when they need to be shown off. The flat, comfortable shoes can be worn while driving or during a commute. There are two advantages here; one spends less time with heels meaning less likelihood of strain. Secondly, heels last longer as they are protected from the wear and tear of the elements. Another clever tip is to alternate different shoe heights on different days. Different heights put strain on different areas of the foot, leaving it less injury prone to the kind of stress that comes from strain on just the one part.

Cushioning

When wearing the actual heels, there is a lot that can be done to reduce the shock. A common technique is to add cushioning. This reduces the strain and pain on the foot, as well as the subsequent strain on the knees. Most soles come already cushioned. If not, add foam or gel cushioning for additional comfort and protection. In fact, there are special cushions in the market specially engineered to prevent pain in the most vulnerable areas when wearing heels.

Exercise

Another way to reduce the likelihood of injuries is through exercise. Feet and body exercises can help prevent the pain that comes from strain from high heels . Common exercises include flexing or stretching of the feet, picking up objects with the toes in order to stretch the bottom of the feet, or writing the alphabet with the big toe in order to work the angles and improve motion range. Working out the core of the body will also improve the range of motion and balance.

Even though heels are so popular, nearly half of the people who wear them complain of foot pain. Research has also found that there are thousands of high heel related injuries every year. With these tips, looking good will no longer be at the expense of comfort!