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Love the style of high heels, but not so fond of the discomfort that standing and walking in them can cause? We don\u2019t blame you! No fear\u2014support is here\u2014to help alleviate and minimize the pain, so you can feel as good in <\/span>high heeled shoes<\/span><\/a><\/span> as you look while wearing them!<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re wondering <\/span>how to reduce pain in heels, <\/span>the right combination of support, stretching, and smart shoe choices can make all the difference. Read on to learn how to <\/span>wear high heels without pain<\/span> and how to choose the right designs that prioritize both style and foot health.<\/span><\/p>\n There’s really nothing worse than <\/span>persistent heel pain<\/span> when wearing your favorite pair of shoes. So, what causes a <\/span>sore heel<\/span> exactly?<\/span> Design, simply put, is the culprit. The elevation of the heel shifts your body weight <\/span>forward <\/span><\/i>(which would otherwise be evenly distributed in a flat-style shoe) toward the balls of the foot, aka the \u201cmetatarsals.\u201d This forward shift in body weight creates a misalignment of the entire skeleton, causing your knees and hips to also go forward, which hyperextends your back in the opposite direction to keep you balanced.<\/span><\/p>\n Not surprisingly, this can cause a whole host of other issues:<\/span><\/p>\n Fun, right? Thankfully, if you\u2019re a true aficionado you don\u2019t have to abandon high heels totally, but perhaps consider making them the exception, not the rule, as your go-to shoes.<\/span> For real <\/span>heel pain relief,<\/span> it\u2019s worth choosing heels that come with built-in support to keep you comfortable from day to night.<\/span><\/p>\n Heels shouldn\u2019t be worn all day or everyday\u2014especially for long periods of standing and walking. Alternating shoe styles throughout the week, and even throughout the day, is great for long-term foot health, regardless of your<\/span> foot type<\/span><\/a><\/span>. Plus, doing so allows you to climb back into your high heeled shoes with fewer issues when you\u2019re ready to take it up a notch again. <\/span>And if you\u2019re a true high heel fan, try switching between different <\/span>types of heels<\/span><\/a><\/span>\u2014like block, kitten, or <\/span>women\u2019s wedges<\/span><\/a><\/span>\u2014to give your feet a chance to adjust while still enjoying the elevated look you love.<\/span><\/p>\n Choose supportive shoe styles that accommodate any heel spurs, hammertoes, bunions or wider-width feet. Wearing the correct right size and width will save your soles from experiencing unnecessary pressure and pain. <\/span>Be sure to <\/span>measure your foot size<\/span><\/a><\/span> correctly to prevent any <\/span>foot pain <\/span>and ensure the perfect fit.<\/span><\/p>\n Sure,<\/span> thin-heeled stilettos<\/span> are some of the <\/span>best shoe trends for spring<\/span><\/a><\/span>,<\/span> but also invest in alternatives that have built-in arch support and a thicker heel, such as wedges, espadrilles and<\/span> block heels<\/span><\/a><\/span>. <\/span>If you\u2019re looking for the perfect wedge that can be worn for both casual outings, try out our <\/span>Uptown Sunset Wedge Sandal<\/span><\/a><\/span>. Looking for something a bit more formal? Our <\/span>Maia Heeled Sandals<\/span><\/a><\/span> are sophisticated and feminine, adding a perfect touch of style to any ensemble. For an elegant option that offers both comfort and style, consider our <\/span>Chardonnay Heeled Sandal<\/span><\/a><\/span>, perfect for dressing up any outfit while maintaining all-day support.<\/span><\/p>\n When choosing <\/span>women\u2019s flats<\/span><\/a><\/span> for those off-heel days, remember that there is such a thing as too flat! Sensible shoes should have thicker sole, arch support, as well as cushioning\/shock absorption. <\/span>Our <\/span>Orinda Square Toe Ballet Flat<\/span><\/a><\/span> is the perfect shoe if you\u2019re looking for an everyday flat that\u2019s both trendy and supportive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While the wrong pair of heels can cause an<\/span> ingrown toenail,<\/span> a <\/span>heel spur,<\/span> or a blister, they can also cause more severe problems like<\/span> chronic pain<\/span>. So how do you prevent<\/span> heel pain<\/span> and maintain <\/span>healthy feet?<\/span> It all starts with a <\/span>supportive shoe<\/span> with a proper <\/span>heel cup <\/span>and arch support as well as the right <\/span>stretching exercises.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As with everything, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and putting a bit of time into these simple foot exercises<\/span> can have a big impact on your <\/span>foot health<\/span><\/a><\/span>:<\/span><\/p>\n Calf Raises \u2013 <\/b>Stand up straight, then push through the balls of your feet and raise your heel until you are standing on your toes; lower slowly back to the start and repeat. For balance, place your hand on a counter or table as you do it, becoming more stable over time. Raises not only keep your calves strong, they also maintain achilles tendon strength and are often used in physical therapy for tendon injury recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n Calf and Foot Stretches \u2013 <\/b>Elongating muscle is key to keeping it flexible for wearing heels. These can be done sitting, in downward dog yoga position, against the wall in a runner\u2019s stretch position or on a stair.<\/span><\/p>\n Toe Grips \u2013 <\/b>Pick up an object with your toes (like a t-shirt, thin towel or socks), hold for 10 seconds, release and repeat. This works the smaller muscles of the feet and toes which are also ankle stabilizers. You can do this while standing, laying on your back or side, or while seated in a chair.<\/span><\/p>\n A-thru-Zs \u2013 <\/b>Draw the letters of the alphabet in the air with your big toe, moving only your ankle. This works all of the major muscle groups of your leg. Don\u2019t worry, most people need a break midway through this drill\u2014see if you can get to a new letter each time you try!<\/span><\/p>\n Balancers \u2013 <\/b>Practice standing on one leg at a time: this helps proprioception, the balance nerve receptors in your legs, ankles and feet. Again, there\u2019s no shame in the game if you place your hand on a counter or table as you do it, becoming more stable over time.<\/span><\/p>\n Massage \u2013 <\/b>Get professional massages regularly if you can, but also do a self massage to your calf muscle, achilles tendon and arch of your foot to help release tension and pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n Icing \u2013 <\/b>Ice your heels, arch, and ball of feet for on\/off intervals of 15 minutes each; apply it to areas that are sore or puffy. Ice is a safe and natural anti-inflammatory!<\/span><\/p>\n Foam rolling \u2013 <\/b>A foam roller is a great tool to have around the house for relieving tension and loosening tightness in calves, achilles tendons, arch of foot, upper leg areas and lower back.<\/span><\/p>\n We wish you the best of luck with all of the above\u2014these tips should definitely make a difference in how your feet feel. <\/span>At <\/span>Vionic<\/span><\/a><\/span>, we believe that style and comfort should always go hand in hand. That\u2019s why our high heel collection is designed with <\/span>Vio Motion Support<\/span><\/a><\/span>\u2014 technology that offers stability, cushioning, and arch support exactly where you need it most.<\/span><\/p>\n Whether you’re heading to the office, out for dinner, or dancing the night away, Vionic high heels are crafted to support you. Find <\/span>comfortable women\u2019s shoes<\/span><\/a><\/span> in all the latest high heel styles, so you can feel confident without sacrificing comfort. Here\u2019s to many happy hours ahead in your favorite styles of high heels\u2014with shoes that love your feet back.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Why Do They Hurt So Much?<\/b><\/h2>\n
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Time-Outs Are Rewarding<\/b><\/h2>\n
Consider Your Specific Concerns<\/b><\/h2>\n
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<\/a><\/p>\nBuild a Varied Wardrobe<\/b><\/h2>\n
Commit to Foot Exercises and Relaxation Techniques<\/b><\/h2>\n
How to Reduce Pain in Heels: Finding the Perfect Shoe<\/b><\/h2>\n