Shoes
May 3, 2018

The Secret to Wearing High Heels Without Any Pain

by Kat Collings

Despite the reigning popularity of sneakers and flats, high heels will always be around. And on occasions that do call for heels, you might as well maximize the comfort level in any way that you can. So if you’ve ever hobbled home after a long day or night in heels, this tip for how to make heels more comfortable is for you: Tape your third and fourth toes (counting from the big toe) together—we recommend nude medical tape for a low-profile look, but Scotch tape works in a pinch—to alleviate pain in the ball of your foot. Sound crazy? Here’s the reasoning: There’s a nerve that splits between those two toes, which causes pain when pressure is put on it (aka when you wear heels). The tape removes strain on the nerve, allowing you to dance the night away.

So go ahead and pick up a roll of tape (at $3, why not?), then scroll down to shop heels you can now wear pain-free.

Intentionally Blank Monaco Pumps in Robins Egg Blue

Intentionally Blank Monaco Pumps in Robins Egg Blue ($187)

These retro pumps are just as cool as ever.

Available in sizes 6 to 10.

Tibi Zuri Choke-Up Pumps

Tibi Zuri Choke-Up Pumps ($450)

The white shoe trend is showing no sign of slowing down.

Available in sizes 35.5 to 41.

Ganni Flora Ruffled Organza-Trimmed Faille Pumps

Ganni Flora Ruffled Organza-Trimmed Faille Pumps ($315)

These will be the most elegant shoes in your wardrobe.

Available in sizes 36 to 41.

Attico Monica Mirrored-Leather Mules

Attico Monica Mirrored-Leather Mules ($655)

Disco ball, but make it fashion.

Available in sizes 35 to 41.

Manolo Blahnik Gingham Pointy-Toe Pumps

Manolo Blahnik Gingham Pointy-Toe Pumps ($695)

A classic style with a picnic table–inspired twist.

Available in sizes 34 to 42.

Loeffler Randall Esme Ruffled Mule Sandal

Loeffler Randall Esme Ruffled Mule Sandal ($395)

The (slightly) subtle way to embrace the rainbow trend.

Available in sizes 5 to 11.5.

Topshop Goddess Slingback Pumps

Topshop Goddess Slingback Pumps ($120)

Topshop does it again with these cool pastel pumps.

Available in sizes 5.5 to 10.5.

Sam Edelman Oran Leopard-Print Calf Hair Mules

Sam Edelman Oran Leopard-Print Calf Hair Mules ($150)

Mark our words: Animal-print shoes will be big this fall.

Available in sizes 5 to 11.

Schutz Alanna Point Toe Mules

Schutz Alanna Point-Toe Mules ($180)

Make room in your closet for these flattering mules.

Available in sizes 5.5 to 10.

Gucci Patent Leather Mid-Heel Pumps With Double G

Gucci Patent Leather Mid-Heel Pumps With Double G ($890)

Future Gucci It shoes? It’s very possible.

Available in sizes 34 to 42.

Prada Logo-Embellished Glossed Textured-Leather Mules ($650)

We’ll take all the ’90s Prada vibes we can get.

Available in sizes 35 to 41.

Zara Pumps With Bow

Zara Pumps With Bow ($36)

These would look great with light-wash jeans.

Available in sizes 5 to 11.

Mango See-Through Panels Stilettos

Mango See-Through Panels Stilettos ($60)

Everything about this pair is on trend.

Available in sizes 6 to 9.5.

Malone Souliers Maureen Pumps

Malone Souliers Maureen Pumps ($695)

The perfect pair of summer pumps.

Available in sizes 35 to 39.

Who What Wear Coco Grograin Kitten Heeled Mules

Who What Wear Coco Grograin Kitten Heeled Mules ($38)

Every closet could use a chic pair of black kitten heels (in our opinion).

Available in sizes 6 to 11.

Steve Madden Carrson Heeled Sandals

Steve Madden Carrson Heeled Sandals ($90)

It color alert.

Available in sizes 4 to 12.

Sigerson Morrison Lenny Block Heel Pumps

Sigerson Morrison Lenny Block Heel Pumps ($375)

The pop of color your jean-and-tee outfits need.

Available in sizes 6.5 to 10.