When it comes to high heels, I figure women either love ’em or hate ’em. I’m in the love ’em camp, but sometimes love hurts!
Here are some of the things (click for the video) I do to make wearing high heels a little more comfortable — err, I mean a little less uncomfortable. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Karen – I totally LOVE watching your videos! =)
I used to rock the heels when I was living in the states b/c I didn’t have to walk everywhere, but man – in Japan I just can’t do it!! I sent all my heels home and now wear flats all day, everyday. You should see the Japanese girls here though. I really do not know how they WALK around ALL DAY in 4-5 inch heels!!! (most of the time they are stilettos!)
I love heels! I’m in the group that likes to wear 4 inches plus lol. I don’t do it often, because its not practical with working in fast food lol. I think when I go back to school I’ll wear them a lot more! I love the petals! I’ve put them in nearly every pair of heels I own, mostly stilettos. I’ve never heard for the moleskin before but I’m definitely going to be looking for that!
Speaking of school, how did your first few days go this week?
Great video! So funny you mention “cobbler” because my friend uses that term and first time she said it I was like “WHAT! Is this the 1800’s or something?” then she went to Scotland and took a picture of a shop front that said “Cobbler” LOL!
I too love heels however I am cursed with a foot issue that I can’t solve! When I wear anything over about an inch, the tendon that runs down the top of my ankle into my foot hurts SO bad it’s like it’s stretching past it capacity to stretch or something and I am practically incapacitated! I have gone to two Podiatrists about this but neither helped me much so I am stuck either never wearing them 🙁 or wearing them then DYING after about 2-3 hours. I have all these pretty heels that just sit untouched in my closet begging me to wear them and I can’t. Wah!
Vampy Varnish´s last blog post..Misa Nail Polish – Part II
Ahhh…I love heels and yes i do all the things you mention to make my heels less uncomofortable. I actually own my own shoe stretcher so i dont go to the cobbler, haha. I used to use foot petals but then i discovered doctor scholls gel inserts. I actually like them better since they are a little thicker and cushier. I have narrow feet so they fit well into my shoe but perhaps it might be a good idea to go up half a size for your shoe if you like these.
Also I’ve found that certain manufacturers just make shoes that fit me better in terms of toe length or arch placement. Knowing this helps with shopping 🙂
I say “cobbler” but that’s because I like using old timey terms! I never tried out that moleskin because I never knew what to do with it and it sounded kind of gross to me. Well I think I’ll holla at that moleskin when I’m at Walgreen’s next time!
Hi Jeannie,
Thank you! I still have a lot to learn when it comes to making videos, LOL. It’s still nice to get good feedback. 🙂
That’s amazing how the girls there can wear 4-5 inch stilettos all day long. I’d need to keep a masseuse on call to work out all the kinks in my back!
How long are you going to be in Japan? Will you be coming back to the US?
Hi Briana,
Gosh, yeah… I can’t imagine wearing high heels at a fast food job all day because I’m guessing you’re on *always* moving and on you’re feet! You’d be the most stylin’ girl there, though. 😉
My first day of class went great! The teacher seems to really know his stuff and my class has an interesting mix of people.
When are ya planning on going back to school?
Hi Vampy Varnish,
HA HA! I am glad to hear I’m not the only one stuck in the era of Great Expectations.
That’s a bummer about your foot. On the bright side, chances are in a few years you’ll probably end up being in better foot shape than the rest of us high-heel addicts.
If you have any size 7 heels that need a home I’d be happy to offer mine! j/k 🙂
Hi Tatiana,
You gotta get on the moleskin train, lady! If you have places on your feet that rub against the shoe, just cut the moleskin in a shape to cover the areas. After you stick the moleskin on your skin, it acts as a buffer between the skin and the shoe to prevent the rubbing.
The only thing is — if you think there’s a chance somebody’s gonna be looking at your feet you need to remember to take them off (and bring some extra pieces in your purse to replace them afterwards). The stickers start looking pretty gross after a few hours of wear.
Hi Invie,
Those gel inserts are great. I like ’em inserts for my Adidas shell toes! 🙂
Hmm, I’m thinking I need to by a shoe stretcher…
Ha, ha sorry I’m a 6 or 6 1/2 gal 😉
Vampy Varnish´s last blog post..Misa Nail Polish – Part II
Hi Vampy Varnish,
Ahhh! That is the best size… I know this because when I go to the big Nordie’s shoe sale all the cutest shoes are sizes 6 and 6 1/2. I’ll go looking for the same style in my size and they’re always gone!
I think we all know of Victora Beckham. I don’t know if you ever notice those heels she is wearing. They are like 7 inches high with spikes. They look ferocious. I always can’t help to think, “i know those shoes probably cost $5000, but they still look painful!”
Great video, I am also ‘vertically challenge’ so this definitely apply to me.
Cleopatra Daily´s last blog post..He Rejected Me….Now what?
I’ve been working the moleskin for years. For some unknown reason none of the women I mention it to have a clue what I’m talking about. Oddly enough, I was introduced to it by my dad (a former marathon runner) who used it when breaking in new running shoes…go dad.
It’s so ironic you start talking about shoes. I wore heels like 3 days in a row: I’m in Ugg boots all weekend! I really want to try moleskin b/c it’s not my back that hurts, it’s the balls of my feet and my toes rubbing against the shoe.
I find that chunky heels and boots are the comfiest–but I’m trying to work my way up to, like, sandals with heels and regular pumps and stuff…
Karen, maybe you should do something about how to walk in heels–I think I STOMP STOMP in them a little!
Lucky´s last blog post..Attention Seeker
Really cute video! I think EVERY woman can appreciate these tips. You might want to check out Band Aid’s Blister Block too – it’s a little gel stick that you can apply to feet, especially heels and it really works to prevent blisters. (not affiliated with Band Aid, just sharing!)
eye4style´s last blog post..Patricia Field Talks ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ Style
OMG Karen! Nice post!! Lovin’ the tips…you seriously made me want to bust out my heels tonight and go out. I’m so trying the moleskin…I like that you can sort of “customize” where you put it based on where the shoe bugs!
Haven’t tried the Foot Petals yet…maybe I should!
I’m still waiting for my acceptance letter *fingers crossed!* But so far the plan is to go back in September for a Bachelor of Communications in Information Design. I’m super excited! It basically involves everything I want in a career, writing, learning, and the ability to freelance from home!
Hi Becky,
I’ve noticed that, too. I’ll mention it in conversation and often I’ll just get blank stares.
I’m making it my mission to bring moleskin to the masses!
Hi Lucky,
Three days in a row is a good place to start. 🙂
What kind of heels are you wearing? A type of heel that might help you get your walk down is a platform with a chunky heel. I find those easiest and the most comfy to walk in. They are good really great “practice” shoes!
Hi Eye4style,
I’ve seen that in the store and I’m weirdly fascinated. Is it sticky? Does it take a long time to dry?
Hi Shefali,
The Foot Petals are awesome! They will take your heels to a whole new level. :
How tall are your heels? Are you one of those brave souls that rock the four-inch heels?
Hi Briana,
How exciting! I hope you get in. 🙂
One thing that helped me a ton when I was in school was doing internships in fields that interested me. It’s a good way to get experience and to network. Maybe your school (*fingers and toes crossed*) has a program like that. Might be a good way to meet people in the business!
Hey Karen! I used to rock the high heels until I got pregnant three years ago. I got so used to wearing flats and being comfortable, it’s been hard to go back. Before that though, all I wore was heels.
I may be getting a new job, and if I do, I’m gonna have to bust the heels again because I’ll be working with alot of upper management. I gotta look taller and increase my 5’2″ presence!
I second the motion for BAND•AID’s Blister Block! It’s a mini stick that you rub on your feet wherever they rub against your shoes–you could rub your whole foot if you like –and it prevents blisters. This has been a lifesaver for me, and the coolest thing about it is it goes on clear so no one would ever notice! (Karen, it is not sticky at all and I usually just wait a second before putting on my heels) I am never without it in my purse!
I love wearing heels but the problem is that I usually walk around a LOT every day. I haven’t found heels that are comfortable to walk around all day yet… But I have some pretty high ones that I love 🙂
Karen B´s last blog post..a thought
I’m gonna need some of those foot petals, I bought some shoes online the other day but I didn’t realize they were 6 inches (!!!) until I got them.
I’m so jealous of you being 5’1. My lifelong dream is to be 5ft exactly, haha.
i want to wear high heels but i got cave man feet. this is a great video, so informative. thanks so much. never heard of moleskin so i’m going to check them out cause i DO get those calluses.
Hi Shefali,
Ahh! We are both shorties! 🙂
Random heels and pregnancy story: I met a photographer at an event few months ago who was pregnant out to *here*. She was wearing four inch Manolos and toting around a heavy/huge Canon camera and I couldn’t help but marvel at her stamina! I know I’d probably be in some flats or slippers, fo’ sho.
What’s the word on the new job? Are you interviewing right now?
Hi Licee,
I will have to try this! It sounds like the coolest thing since moleskin. I love that it’s clear, because moleskin starts looking NASTY after a few hours. Thanks for the tip!
Band Aid Blister Block, here I come…
Hi Karen B.,
Girl, there are some out there! If you ever need to wear heels all day platforms with chunky heels are really comfy.
How’s it going out in there in Sweden?
Hi Ellery,
Holy crap! Those are some HIGH heels! I can’t even begin to imagine how to walk in those… you are officially my hero.
LOL, I guess being short has its perks. For the longest time I was able to pass as a teenager at the movies and that kinda cool. But not so much these days, ha!
Hi Victoria,
I did too when I was livin’ the moleskin-less life! 🙂
Wish I could wear heels. if I wear them for 10 minutes, my feet goes into spasms and cramps … never happened when I was younger but the pain is excruciating so I have avoided them for a year now. 🙁
Oh God, whoever mentioned the band-aid blister gel insert thingies, don’t get them! I tried those on my kitten heel sandals and I got blisters on top of my popped blisters!
I do like Band-aids blister band-aids that stick on your the blister and block the friction so your blister heals, but NOT the Band-Aid blister foot pads. DON’T GET THE FOOT PADS!!!!!!!
I have cerebral palsy in my legs (and wrists) so heels are a once-in-a-while thing. I have the problem where the toe box is too small in regulars. I usually can find an 8 wide. I went up a size with my heeled boots and that didn’t help at all! Darn shoes not coming in a wide!
May have to try the Moleskin. I love the little mole image you used. It’s darling! I’m going to think of that image everytime I pass them now!
It’s going well 🙂 Not as cold as I feared it was going to be so that’s good. And I found this pair of really cute grey ankle boots… Not really high heels but they’re so so cute…
Karen B´s last blog post..a thought
It’s funny my younger sister called me yesterday asking me questions about how to wear heels (she’s 21). I did tell her about the foot petals and the platforms but I have never heard of moleskin, very interesting. I’m going to send her a link to this video, thanks Karen!
Hi Renee,
Aww, I’m sorry to hear that. Well, at least these days there are lots of really cute flats available. And you can always rock the cute tennies (I can’t live without my Adidas Shell Toes).
Hi Kate,
Moleskin is great — I dunno if you live by a Walgreens, but they make the best moleskin. I like it better than Dr. Scholls.
Hi Karen B.,
That’s so good to hear (both the weather and your cute grey ankle boots). 🙂 How is your mom doing? Does she miss you?
Hi Michelle,
Oh, I’m glad to help! Will she be wearing them to a special occasion?
You probably already told her this, but here it is just in case: it’s also helpful to wear a new pair of heels around the house before taking them out on the town. That way you can break them in and get used to walking in them. 🙂
Yes, I did tell her that actually. No, no special occasion. I think she was inspired by a pair of BCBGirls shoes I wore on Christmas Eve. They’re 4 1/2 inch heels though so I think she should start with a 2-3 inch, that’s what I first started out in anyway 😉
LOL that smiley face looks too smug 🙂 I still wobble a bit in my heels.
Hi Michelle,
LOL, me too… especially if they are very spiky and go above 4 inches. That’s my max!
That’s good advice to tell her to start with the 2-inch heels. It’s funny… now 2-inch heels are like my “comfort” shoes. 🙂
Great ideas! Perhaps I can wear heels, now! I am loving the new videos.
I am Team Tennis Shoes (especially Converse & Pumas). I guess because i am 5’9 (don’t hate me) I don’t feel like being any taller. I hate heels!
Marisol´s last blog post..Full of Hope
I agree, sometimes beauty is pain. But I walk 10 blocks to work and stand for most of the day, so it was important for me to find comfortable high heels. There is a company called Clickless based out of SLC that creates a little heel and toe cap for your shoes that makes them more comfortable to walk in, at least it makes them comfortable for longer, and fits most heels of any size. Thanks for hte advice!