Expert-approved ways to wear heels effortlessly

While Carrie Bradshaw may have made trotting around in the city in heels seem super easy, the reality is dramatically different.

14 November, 2019
Expert-approved ways to wear heels effortlessly

Longer legs, better posture and just looking sexy…high heels are the quick fix you need to instantly glam up an ensemble. Add to that, the much thrown about adage – Wearing high heels is actually workout for your legs! But, as it turns out, wearing pumps and pumping iron at the gym are two very different things altogether.

“If you wear high heels, the bodyweight is borne by the toes rather than heel and this leads to pain in the ball of toes. Many people are getting Botox injections to fill this cushion (Stiletto lift), but the best solution is to avoid wearing heels for long periods,” says Dr Subhash Jangid, Director and Unit Head, Fortis Bone & Joint Institute, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram.

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He also adds that the high heels clan is more prone to suffering from joint and lower back aches, callouses and even ingrown toenails (Who da thunk it!). So, if getting the stiletto lift is too much of a commitment for you, here’s help.

You can continue to wear your luxe red bottoms and the timeless Lita shoes with these expert-approved hacks:

Decrease the heel

The 90s kitten heels are back in fashion and for a good reason. Lowering the size of your heeled footwear could lessen its impact on joints, muscles, backs and much more.

Time the heel

While Dr Jangid advocates wearing platform heels instead of stilettos, especially when one must stand and walk for longer periods, he also says that there should be a time limit to your heeled shenanigans. “One should restrict the use of stilettos to maximum THREE HOURS in a day,” he says. Now we know why Cinderella had a 12 ‘ o clock deadline!

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Do the real workout

If your job requires you to wear pointed heels for the whole day, then you should stretch your calf and foot muscle twice a day after hot water fomentation. Dr Surve, associate professor at the University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine has a detail stretching routine for heel-wearers - Lay a book with an inch high spine on the floor. Now, stand placing the ball of your right foot on the book and rest your heel on the ground. Then, bend forward and try touching your toes. Hold the position for 30 seconds before switching your feet.

Gel up the foot 

Celebrity stylist Rhea Kapoor also advocates using shoe inserts while heading out in heels. Gel pads to prevent the wear out of the cushion at the heel or use special high heel shoes with good cushion for the feet. “If you’re wearing heels or even flat footwear such as morjaris it is really important to wear foot tags (shoe inserts). They give you a little bit of height and keep you comfortable because if you’re relaxed, you look better,” she says.

Freeze the heel

Another hack to relax your feet if you have missed the Cinderella-esque deadline for wearing heels is to use a frozen water bottle and roll it along with the ball of your foot for about 10 minutes. This work as an anti-inflammatory and will soothe your ache.

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