Simple Tweaks: How To Make Your Shoes (Specifically High Heels) More Comfortable

For all the pairs of high heels that I have I can say that most of them fit me just fine.  On the rare occasion that that they don't, I turn to my handy list of things to try to make my feet feel as comfortable as possible.  Love your shoes again with some of my tricks!


For strappy shoes and/or shoes that rub...
try Band Aid Friction Block Stick (around $5-8) during wear.  I keep one of these in my handbag at all times.  It really works but I have found that I need to apply it (you use it like a deodorant stick) often to the affected area if I am doing a lot of walking, like once every hour or two. It doesn't stain or make your feet feel slippery either.  Worth. Every. Penny!

For shoes that rub and/or slip off your heels...
try Dr. Scholl's Inserts - specifically the heel liners (around $5-8).  They come in clear gel and in patterns.  You remove the adhesive and stick them to the inside heel of your shoe.  I've used these on both heels and athletic shoes, and they've withstood it all.  I would caution to make sure you give some time between gluing them to your shoes and wearing them.  Wearing them too soon can cause the liners to slip out of place and force you to have to buy a new set.

For heels that don't have enough comfort...
try some of the other Dr. Scholl's inserts - ball of foot cushions (around $5-8), high heel insoles (around $9-$12) or hidden arch supports (around $5 - $8)  Depending on the style of the shoe, the padding that already exists, and how much I plan on being on my feet I will pick one of these inserts.  I find that I use the high heel insoles the most, and I don't usually have to use the adhesive on the back either to keep them in place.  Most of the time I can transfer them from shoe to shoe, so that saves me some money too.  The ball of foot and hidden arch supports I do usually have to glue into my shoes.  Again, make sure to wait in between gluing and wearing for best results.


For heels that are just a little too tight...
try the premium shoe stretcher made specifically for 3" - 6" heels from FootFitter ($28.95).  A regular shoe stretcher will not work well on a pair of heels because it needs that specific lifted foot shape to be able to get into the toe area properly.  Also, make sure that you are using a shoe stretcher, not a shoe tree.  A shoe tree is meant to preserve your shoes' shape, not stretch them.  I find myself keeping the stretcher in a shoe for a couple of days rather than overnight as instructed.  It seems to do a better job with more time, but even overnight you will have results.  Please note, these are sold as singles, not pairs, and in specific size ranges.  I have been able to get away with just having one but if you are in a crunch (no pun intended) you might want to invest in a pair instead.  Also note that synthetic shoes are harder to stretch.  I would give yourself extra time if the shoes you are stretching aren't leather.  Another alternative is to buy shoes a half size larger and use the heel liners as shown above.

Here are some other methods to stretch shoes.  They are cheap methods, but you get what you pay for.  Personally, I wouldn't recommend using any of these:

Ice your shoes overnight...
Fill a plastic bag with water, place it inside your shoe and put it in the freezer.  Unless you have plastic you can mold EXACTLY to the shoe and then fill with water, the only thing putting your shoes in the freezer is going to do is make them cold.  I've tried this a few times with different shoes and materials.  It has not worked once.

Wearing thick socks and applying heat...
While wearing thick socks, blast your shoes with a hairdryer for 20-30 second intervals.  This does work on leather shoes, but it has extreme potential to ruin them at the same time.  Without leather conditioner the heat will dry out your shoes and can lead to cracks, wrinkles and other unsightly markings.  I'd avoid this is possible.

Potato method...
Find a potato that fits snugly into the shoe, peel it then push it into the shoe and leave overnight.  If your shoes are fabric, consider them ruined with the potato's natural juices.  Leather could also have potential staining.  I haven't tried this but I don't see this working without issues, so again I wouldn't recommend it.

New Shoe Review: Iron Fist's Mermaid Print "Lollipop Lorelei Heel (Light Blue)"

So back in March I became smitten with the Lollipop Lorelei wedge heel from Iron Fist.  I must not be the only one because you can now get this pattern in either pink or blue on a variety of shoes -  flip flops, flats, pumps, platform heels and a wedge as can be seen in the photo below.  I was planning on getting the wedges for myself until I saw the pattern in my favorite silhouette - the single sole pointed toe - and in blue instead of pink.  I changed my mind instantly, and saved myself a few bucks since I was able to get them on sale.  I have yet to see the wedge go on sale, but if it does I will think about adding those too.  The mermaids and bubbles are just too cute!

"Lollipop Lorelei Heel - Light Blue" by Iron Fist
Ironfist.com - $30.00
Modcloth.com - $44.99
Heels.com - $49.99
Reading other people's reviews of this shoe made me a little nervous on the sizing.  Normally I'm a 6 in Iron Fist shoes (6.5 in other brands, I always size down in IF because it is whole sizes only), and comments were saying it was running narrow.  I would have to disagree on that.  My feet aren't narrow, but if you have wider foot or just larger feet for your size in general, this style is going to pinch.  If you go up a size, you're going to have many other fit issues.  As for comfort, they really could use help especially at the ball of the foot.  Even in walking around my house on carpet my feet ached a tad.  I did find them very easy to walk in for the heel height and the bottom is non-skid as well.  I also find the shoes to be well made.

All that said, I do have a gripe about Iron Fist shoes in general.  They come with a warning on the box:

Certain states require us to provide consumers special warning for certain products if those products expose consumers to chemicals above the threshold levels.  We care about our customers' safety and hope that the information below helps with your buying decisions. 

FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS:
WARNING: This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm.  Do not mouth or chew.
FOR ILLINOIS RESIDENTS:
WARNING: May contain lead.  May be harmful if eaten or chewed.

Now I don't know about you, but I certainly would be more than willing to pay a few extra bucks for the shoes if they'd up their standards and get rid of these chemicals in question.  I already keep all of my shoes in their original boxes and far out of reach of my furbabies.  The last thing I'd want is to harm someone or something with shoes that I own, let alone what possible issues they could cause for myself.  So come on, Iron Fist.  I downright love your shoes but I am going to have to stop supporting your company if you continue to use these chemicals.  I hope that I am not the only one that will do this.  We all deserve wicked cool AND safe shoes!

Mid Month, New Shoes: July 2014

Normally I don't talk about the mid month releases, but again this month ShoeDazzle has come through with some big contenders for the closet.  Is it a coincidence that all the shoes I've picked are from the Paper Fox brand?  No, not at all.  I find that line of shoes to be the most unique and edgy of the bunch.  I can't wait to add these picks to my ever-growing collection.

"Trista" by Paper Fox ($45.95 VIP members / $54.95 for non-VIPs)

I first saw this shoe on their early June commercial (see it on YouTube), but they were shown in blue.  I've been wanting to see it up close ever since, and they do not disappoint.  Either version, black or blue, is worth adding to the collection, but of course I will be picking the black one.  The dots are very pinup, and the ombre reptilian pattern mixed with it - love!  It's my favorite silhouette as well, the single soled pointed toe, and looks to be about a 4" heel.  I also know I'm not the only one who has been waiting for this shoe from many comments I have seen since the commercial came out.  I think this one should be on your "grab it now or you'll be sorry" list.

"Vinia" by Paper Fox ($65.95 VIP members / $75.95 for non-VIPs)

When I scrolled through the photos of new shoes, this was the one that was my first "must have".  I really am attracted to the bungee lace up front, something that will be a good thing to accommodate a wide range of ankle and calf sizes.  I also really like the fact that they're not a knee high boot.  "Vinia" is a bit of a gladiator sandal with the open front and open toe, a bit vampy in black with the lace up front, and something I cannot wait to put my feet into.  They're also a great boot to wear from spring through summer to fall.  These boots have a back zip entry and look to be a 4" heel.

"Stelle" by Paper Fox ($49.95 VIP members / $59.95 for non-VIPs)

I don't do brown, but I do love a giraffe print.  This shoe with its black and white giraffe print is wonderfully graphic, and also has a texture to it if you look closer.  It is quite sexy with the thin double ankle strap coupled with the ringed t-strap.  It has a slightly thicker 4" stiletto heel but I do think that works well bringing the giraffe pattern onto the heel.  It's a back zip entry and pointed toe.  The straps don't appear to be adjustable so I would be a little cautious if you have thicker ankles.

"Tia" by Paper Fox ($49.95 VIP members / $55.95 for non-VIPs)

They mistakenly put this shoe in the new July releases and a few hours later it was gone, leaving me very disappointed.  I am very glad to see it has returned with the mid month drop.  This shoe also come in a solid chartreuse, but I find that version to be a little off putting with the color.  The gunmetal metallic heel and sole with the black front on "Tia" is striking, as is the hardware and the straps over the sole.  Speaking of the straps, it's another one with non-adjustable ankle straps and these look to be pretty tight on the model.  I think they're going to be for those with skinny ankles only.  The closure on these 6" heels is a back zip entry, and they have a 1.5" platform.

New Shoe Review: Shoedazzle's "Cheque", "Filme" and "Jazzy"

So let's talk some shoes here this morning.  I was overly excited for this box to arrive.  ShoeDazzle had an incredible sale last week - $24.95 VIP for all dress sandals sale - and I took advantage!  I picked up 2 pairs that are regularly $49.95 VIP, and one that was $54.95 VIP.  I think I did pretty well there!  I have already professed my love for the 3 sandals I'll be talking about in previous posts ("Cheque", "Filme" & "Jazzy") but that was before I had them in person.  Did they live up to my hype?  Let's see.

"Cheque" by Beau+Ashe ($54.95 VIP members / $65.95 for non-VIPs)

I cannot tell you how much I love this shoe!  It was the first one of the bunch that I decided to put on Instagram, the photo I took shown below.  I was on the fence about liking the rugged lug sole, but it works so well with this sporty design.  I was also very impressed with the quality.  The pattern is lined up on both of my shoes really well, something I am a stickler about especially when the pattern is so graphic.  I found them true to size in a 6.5, and really easy to walk in for the 4" heel height.  The sole does make a difference in a good way - it makes it even easier to strut your stuff in them.  The comfort isn't so great, but inserts will easily take care of that.  The one thing I will warn about is the ankle strap.  It's not adjustable due to the back zip closure so therefore only a select group is going to be able to wear these.  I have skinny ankles and I have hardly any extra room in them, maybe enough for my pinky finger to slip under.  If you've got thicker ankles, do avoid them.

"Filme" by Paper Fox ($49.95 VIP members / $59.95 for non-VIPs)

This shoe I had high hopes for and ended up being let down.  The style?  Love it.  Really clever use of the film pattern and my choice of the gunmetal color (as opposed to gold) works really well with it.  I did find them true to size for a 6.5 although some of the ShoeDazzle website reviews say it's a bit tight in the toe area.  I did not find that to be the case.  They are very easy to walk in for the 3.5" heel height but they could use a little help in the comfort department.  Quality on these babies?  Not there as far as I'm concerned.  First of all, mine arrived damaged.  One of the toe area straps was separated at the edge.  Then we go on to the metallic material.  It looks really nice until you crease it, and it's sooooo easily and sadly permanently creased.  In just trying them on it looked like I had worn them several times, not good in my book.  I think "Filme" would work better as a showpiece than actually being worn.

"Jazzy" by Paper Fox ($49.95 VIP members / $59.95 for non-VIPs)

Simply. Stunning.  Wow, I thought so before and I KNOW so now that it has graced my foot.  It really hugs the foot and ankle area well, displacing all worries I had.  There isn't a roll or gap while both sitting and walking thanks to the adjustable buckles on the sides.  I found "Jazzy" to be true to size as well for a 6.5.  For comfort, the heel area is well padded but the ball of the foot could use a little more.  Walking in the sandals was easy for the 4" heel height but my pinky toe isn't sitting well in the straps, and in retrospect it looks like the foot model might just have the same issue.  The position of 2 straps above my toes is open enough for it to want to break free.  I don't want to be taping my toes together to wear these, but that might be something I will need to consider if I'll be wearing them for long periods of time.  Overall I am really happy with these shoes.  They're definitely well made and should be a welcome addition to any heel girl's closet.

New Shoe Review: JustFab's "Bellona" and "Allya"

If you didn't catch JustFab's BOGO sale last month, I hate to tell you that you missed out.  It was buy one, get one free on all styles on the site, and of course I *had* to pick up a couple of pairs for myself.  One I had discussed in my June picks, the other was one I was debating whether or not to purchase.  The verdict on these two?  Read on.

"Bellona" ($39.95 VIP members / $69.00 for non-VIPs)

I knew if I didn't grab these, they're going to be long gone by the time I would wear them (early fall).  First off, these are true to size for a 6.5, and the many reviews on the JustFab site say this as well for pretty much all other sizes.  They fit great in the foot area, but for me are really big in the ankle area (I have small ankles), and slightly large in the calf (I have a 13.75" calf and they are 15").  They are a really nice knee height as well, not too tall or short on me.  As far as style goes, these boots are killer!  But they're also a killer of comfort.  Some inserts are a must with these - the padding is not good at all.  The lack of comfort aside, I found them easy to walk in for the heel height - they're a 5" overall with a .75" platform.  Even though they are easy to walk in, the bottoms are smooth and slick so some scuffing up is needed.  For quality, they're pretty well made except for the zippers.  From the ankle up, the zippers work fine.  From the ankle down, they stick just a bit.  Not a big deal, but something to note.

"Allya" ($39.95 VIP members / $49.00 for non-VIPs, however they are $14.95 with a regular price purchase at the time this is being written)

I wasn't sure what to get as my "GO" of the BOGO, and I love a shoe with spikes.  This one does not disappoint.  These come in both cobalt blue and black.  I have spikes in black and several other colors already, but didn't have a cobalt blue so color was an easy choice.  For sizing, they're dead on for a 6.5.  For comfort they're pretty good on their own, but if I were to go to a wedding or something in them I would definitely get me some inserts.  The heel height is 5.75" with a 1.75" platform, and rather easy to walk in for the height.  The bottoms of these are non-skid.  They have a little weight to them with the platform but nothing that can't be overcome in a matter of minutes.  When talking about the quality of these, I am pretty impressed.  The faux suede looks real and the spikes are nicely lined up.  Definitely one of the better shoes I've gotten from JustFab.

New Month, New Shoes: July 2014

So the year is half over - that's good and bad for me.  I'm happy because the first half of 2014 hasn't been the best for me.  I'm sad because wow, the year is half over.  It's flown by.  But let's not stay sad - let's get happy again because it's new shoes time!  This month I was VERY happy with the selection at both ShoeDazzle and JustFab.  There are 10 pairs that I added to my favorites on ShoeDazzle, and 5 on JustFab.  I won't discuss all of them but I'll name the ones I'm most likely to add to my closet.

ShoeDazzle: "Cheque" by Beau+Ashe ($54.95 VIP members / $65.95 for non-VIPs)

First off, the jury is still out on the rugged lug sole on a stiletto.  I think it works very well on these heels, but on so many I have seen I think it detracts from the shoe more than anything.  For walking, I am sure it is a big help with all the extra traction it would give being a 5" heel height (with a 1" platform).  I do really like the doubled up ankle strap, but I do not think it is adjustable.  With the model's ankles obviously being thin, I am also guessing that this one is for those with smaller ankles only.  Besides being one highly drawn to graphic black and white patterns, I do enjoy auto racing; I have a soft spot for the checkers.

ShoeDazzle: "Perlita" ($39.95 VIP members / $49.95 for non-VIPs)

I have a few pairs of leopard/cheetah print shoes in my collection, and they need to be something special for me to welcome them home.  I think these are, but only in the purple version.  There is a pink version as well but to me it doesn't have the same impact - it looks like the fabric is dirty on the pink shoe, not a good look.  Of course, I am a fan of the single sole pointed toe style, and I love the whole silhouette of these shoes.  It has a bit of a retro mary jane look to them.  "Perlita" looks to be a 4.25" heel.

ShoeDazzle: "Alonsa" ($39.95 VIP members / $49.95 for non-VIPs)

I really like this shoe, but in the blue and black version as opposed to the light/dark pink as seen in the upper right corner of the photo.  I think the contrast on the blue and black works better, but if you scroll down, you'll see a similar version of this sandal from JustFab which I like even better than this.  But back to "Alonsa"...  the lighter color is a matte finish, the darker is glossy.  I really like the detail of the stitching on the edges of the cutouts as well.  My only concern about this sandal is that the back is a lace up - something I like - but in this case, the lace up is a figure 8 that ties at the top.  I am not sure if that is enough to keep these tight to the foot.  I am sure we'll see in the reviews to follow but for now I have to say I at least give this one a thumbs up in the aesthetics.  Besides being a tall caged sandal, the heel height is also a tall 5" with a .5" platform.  My last note on these: they're a knockoff of a $735 sandal called "Mila Caged Heels" by Sophia Webster.  For a nearly $700 difference, I'll definitely take the ShoeDazzle version.

JustFab: "Reeve" ($39.95 VIP members / $49.00 for non-VIPs)

It doesn't hurt that these shoes are called "Reeve".  I found myself very taken by Reeve Carney as Dorian Gray in "Penny Dreadful"... *swoon!!!!*   I find the simple corset tie front to be rather appealing as well - just 2 little crosses of the ties on the arch and then again across the ankle to lace it up.  The mix of the textiles is rather stunning too - a glossy faux snakeskin and a matte black.  Combine that with some some sexy curves, silver grommets and a 4.25" stiletto heel, and you've got an edgy sandal worth swooning about.

JustFab: "Sanna" ($39.95 VIP members / $49.00 for non-VIPs)

I do like "Alonsa" from ShoeDazzle as shown above, but I really like "Sanna" more because I think it works better in a solid color - it's offered in purple, turquoise and black as can be seen in the upper right of the photo.  Of course, I am going to go for the faux suede purple, but it is also rather stunning in the faux suede turquoise.  The black version is textured and not as striking as the other two.  This sandal is really stunning from all angles as well - front, sides and back - with the addition of the corset tie on the back of the ankle.  "Sanna" has a 4.5" stiletto heel height with a small .5" platform.

JustFab: "Concetta" ($39.95 VIP members / $49.00 for non-VIPs)

If you missed out on JustFab's "Darcia" from March, good news!  "Concetta" is a similar style, and I know I  like this one at least as much.  It's a smooth and sleek faux leather textile as opposed to "Darcia's" textured feel.  I like the details on this one - the silver arrow ankle strap buckle, the push through stud closure, the t-strap, and the extra strap around the vamp of the shoe.  It's definitely got a bit of an edge to it, and thankfully all silver hardware!  This single sole pointed toe style has a 4" stiletto heel.

Honorable mention: JustFab: "Armey" by Luxe ($49.95 VIP members / $69.00 for non-VIPs)

I know last month I was complaining about boots, and I still am being that summer is only over a week old.  However, this boot deserves to be talked about.  First off, it's a 14" calf circumference so make sure to keep that in mind if they might make your wish list.  It's a great combat/rocker chic style - the lace up front as well as the round silver buckled straps across the foot and up on the shaft.  It's a side zip entry which I find quite appealing for easy on and off.  They also work well for wearing now on a cooler day with a short skirt, and will definitely be good with tights,  leggings or skinny jeans in the fall.  I have a feeling this one is going to be sold out fast.