I've spent a lot of money on blister plasters.
In fact, I should own shares in Compede really. I have to carry them everywhere. It's the same tale every time. You buy new shoes, you say you'll break them in, but you never do. You are all dolled up ready for your night out, and you put on the shoes for the first time and tell yourself (as you did when you gazed at them lovingly in the shop window) - "they are sooooo comfortable". T
Yeah, they might have been comfortable on the soft plush carpet of the shop, and while sitting in the taxi on the way into town. But within twenty minutes of standing in the bar (as there are no tables, all reserved for Christmas parties) your feet, they doth protest. First to go are always the balls of your feet with that piercing, throbbing pain. If you take them off, you'll never get them on again as by now your feet have swollen and probably won't fit in the shoe.
Then it's your heels, cut to pieces on new leather. Shortly followed by your toes, that now look like they need a date with the chiropodist. But we are still slaves for shoes. And at this time of year, when we tend to go out just a tad more, our feet are in fear of us.
So how can we stop our feel from giving out? Here are some tips from the front (toe) line.
Ankle Boot, €159, Fabucci.ie; Strappe shoe, €18, Penneys; Block heel court, €115, Moda in Pelle at Clerys; Pink mid height shoe, €18, Penneys; Kitten heel in Burgundy, €190, Reiss at Arnotts; Metallic kitten heel, €99, Dune at Arnotts- BREAK THEM IN
I have to caps this one, as we never do this! The age old tale of wearing new shoes around the house does work. It loosens the leather, which prevents rubbing. It also stretches them a bit, just in case they were a little tight to begin with.
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- When shoe shopping, have your feet in top shape
This one is very simple. Make sure you have your toenails cut so shoes will actually be a true fit. And, always wear the socks/tights that you will wear them with.
- Check the height
Height is something we love from our shoes, but you must be able to walk in them, not shuffle. The height is what makes our feet ache from being forced into an unnatural position for hours. So make sure you can stand comfortably and walk normally.
- Support yourself
Shoes should have good heel support, so check that the heel is structured and doesn't collapse to keep your foot in place. Ballerina flats are terrible for this one!
- Finally...have a mini foot first aid kit
Blister plasters, gel insoles etc are pertinent pieces of equipment at this time of year, so always have some handy. But if you stick to the shoe guidelines, you won't need them!
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You only have one pair of feet, so look after them. And you'll save yourself a fortune in plasters.
What party shoes will your strapping on, squashing into and admiring this season? Do you have any tips to keep the dreaded blisters, aches 'n' pains at bay? Share them with us in the comments!
