How To Walk In High Heels - Tips To Help Your Comfort

Last Updated on September 24, 2025 by Martina McKeough

Ever wanted to know how to walk in high heels and stay comfortable? I love high heels as they can make your outfit look polished and chic, they give you height and you feel more powerful and confident in them. Yet the reality is walking in them isn’t always fun. I’ve experienced everything from blisters to sore arches wearing them and don’t even talk to me about the times I’ve limped home after a night out with them in my hands as my feet can’t take any more.

However with age comes experience and over the years I’ve learned I don’t have to give up my favorite heels. Instead with some simple tips, clever products and a bit of practice I’ve found ways to enjoy wearing them again.

Here are my 12 tried and tested ways to master high heels and save your feet from excrutiating pain and discomfort.

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Choose the Right Heel Height

Not all heels are created equal. If you’re new to wearing them, start small with a 2–3 inch heel instead of diving in and buying the highest stilettos that you can find.

Ultra high heels can look empowering, sexy and dazzling but the higher you go the harder they are to walk in and the more likely you are to get pain.

Instead look for lower heeled shoes to start with or turn to block heels or wedges that help distribute your weight more evenly so they are easier to walk in.

I’m a big fan of Vionic shoes as they are designed for comfort and to help your foot health.

Vionic Women’s Zinfandel Heeled Sandal

Buy High Heels With Straps

The more secure your shoes are on your feet the easier they can be to walk in as you don’t have to worry about them falling off or slipping as much.

Strappy high heels that have buckles or ankle straps are always going to be more secure which helps with wearability.

You don’t have to sacrifice style either as there are plenty of shoe designers that make strappy high heels that look fabulous and save your feet at the same time.

Naturalizer Women’s, Baylor Dress Sandal

Pick the Right Size (It Matters More Than You Think)

When you pick the wrong size shoe things start to go wrong very quickly. Too tight and you get toe cramping and blisters from friction. Too lose and your feet start to slide forward in them pushing your toes into the front of your footwear.

So when buying your heels don’t just be drawn in by dazzling designs or designer labels. Instead take your time and try on a number of different types and styles until you find the perfect fit.

I have a post about how to stop your feet sliding forward in heels which gives you tips if you already own the wrong sized shoes. Products like high heel insoles or toe wedges can help.

Alternatively if your shoes are too large there are some great shoe stretchers out there that can help to give you a little extra room if you need it.

Break Them In at Home

My next tip isn’t just something I do with high heels, it is something I do with every shoe I buy.

I never wear my heels or any footwear straight out of the box because that is just asking for trouble. Instead I break them in gradually by wearing them around the house for short periods first and then building up the time I have them on for.

If I want a little extra room in them I might wear them with some thick socks to stretch them and softer the material as well.

When I have got used to them in the house I wear them for shorter trips out until I’m ready to wear them out for an evening.

Even as we speak I’m currently doing the same with my Puma Speedcats which are flat as I want to get them comfortable before wearing them to a concert. It saves nasty shocks and sore feet!

Invest in Cushioned Insoles

One of the best hacks for comfort is adding extra cushioning. Again just about all my shoes have added cushioned insoles as I find they are so much more comfortable than none.

You can buy just about every type of insole there is for every tupe of shoe. When you are looking for insoles for high heels look for ones that either give you arch support or help reduce the pressure on the balls of your feet.

Lots of people love gel insoles for heels but I have to save my favorites are still the foam style. They might not last as long but to me they are more comfortable.

Walkize Metatarsal Pads

Practice Your Walk

If you want to know how to walk in high heels then start to practice you walk.

Focus on placing your heel down on the floor first and then rolling onto the toes. Keep your steps small and controlled and engage that core of yours if you can to get better balance.

Practice walking at home on difference surfaces as well so you know how your shoes will perform before you head outside.

Add Anti-Slip Sole Grips

Not all high heels are equal. I love a pair that has a rubber sole because it means that I am less likely to slip in them when walking on shiny floors.

If you already have a pair that feels slippy then the simple solution is to stick anti-slip sole grips onto the bottom of the shoes to give you that extra grip. These not only help to make walking easier they also add a little extra cushioning on the bottom of the shoes as well which helps with comfort.

Anti Slip Shoe Grips

Protect Against Blisters

If there is one thing I hate about certain shoes it is getting blisters. In fact if a pair of shoes has given me one I usually throw them in the back of my closet and never wear them again. I know this is a bit extreme but I am not going to suffer pain for the sake of a shoe.

Over the years I’ve learned that there are so many ways you can avoid them now especially if you have broken in your shoes properly.

For additional help I also use blister prevention balm on any areas that feel problematic as well as moleskin on any spots that might potentially cause problems. Both these products help to stop friction and save my feet from being attacked by my footwear.

Body Glide Anti Blister Balm

Use Heel Caps for Stability

If I’m ever called upon to wear heels on grass, cobbletones or wooden decking then I pull out my heel caps.

These are great little products that fit over the base of your heels to widen the surface area preventing you sinking into the ground or wobbling around.

I don’t use them that often but occasionally for weddings or outdoor events they come in useful.

High Heel Protectors

Save Heels for the Right Occasions

Much as I love heels I’ve learned that I don’t have to wear them everywhere I go. I save wearing my heels for occasions that suit them and wear my flatter shoes for day to day wear.

If your feet tolerate high heels then fair enough you can wear them more often but most people know that after a while they start to hurt your feet. I prefer to wear mine at parties, weddings or events that are dressier and even then I stick to styles that are mid height so I’m not crippled by the end of the evening.

Finally Give Your Feet a Break

Even with all the hacks in the world, no pair of heels should be worn for hours on end without rest. I really think carefully about the shoes I wear and how long I’m going to be in them particularly if I’m going to be standing up for long periods.

Heels are what I call car to bar shoes. I wear them in a taxi or car to the event and hopefully at the place I’m going I’m able to get a seat and give my feet a rest. I avoid wearing them on public transport or anywhere that I know I need to walk any significant distance.

Sitting down where you can during your time wearing them is also going to give your feet a break and stop foot pain at the end of the night.

Also top tip, buy a pair of foldable flats to buy in your bag for a backup option. That way if you are struggling by the end of the evening you have something comfortable to change into.

Silky Toes Womens Foldable Flat Ballet Shoes

Wear Heels But Be Smart

Walking in high heels doesn’t have to be a painful experience. With the right size, supportive products, and some practice, you can enjoy your favorite shoes while keeping your feet happy. From cushioned insoles and heel grips to blister prevention balms and foldable flats, these little hacks make a world of difference.

So next time you slip into a pair of heels, try these tips and feel the difference and your feet will thank you.

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