6 helpful hacks to make your shoes more comfortable

Whether you’ve convinced yourself a pinched toe was worth the sale price, the last-in-stock loafer would magically form to your foot, or eventually, your skin would toughen up to your flat’s blistering rubbing back, we’ve all fallen victim to purchasing uncomfortable shoes. Thankfully, making painful shoes more comfortable is an easier feat than replacing your entire footwear collection (although, if you wanted to, we wouldn’t judge).

With these six discomfort-be-gone hacks, that long-lost pep will finally find its way back to your step. Want to find out how to save yourself from painful blisters and aches? Scroll below.

1. Stretch the tight toe area of your shoes by filling plastic freezer bags with water and placing them inside your shoes. Leave them overnight in the freezer. Water expands when it freezes so the water-filled bag will stretch your shoe when it hits negative temperatures.

2. Or, to stretch using heat, put on a pair of thick socks and then your tight shoes. Blast your feet with hot air from your hairdryer for a few minutes and then keep your shoes on as they cool.

3. To prevent blisters from forming, apply deodorant to the areas where your shoes chafe your feet.

4. Never buy shoes first thing in the morning. Throughout the day, your feet will typically swell up to half a size so although your new heels felt fine during your morning commute, by after-work drinks, they will seem unbearable. This is how Meghan Markle stays in heels all day.

5. Do your research. Learn which brands and shoes are known to need a good breaking-in. Birkenstocks, for example, are famous for their initial discomfort, as are Dr. Martens boots. To break these shoes in, it’s recommended you wear a thick pair of socks and walk around your home for a few hours at a time.

6. To protect against rubbing heel or sandal straps, apply adhesive Moleskin to the undersides of the straps to create a soft lining.