By
Brynn Mannino
Feet Friendly
Sometimes beauty really is pain, especially when it comes to women's footwear. But it doesn't have to be, thanks to the latest advancements in orthopedic products that specifically cater to ladies' shoe dilemmas. WD found eight solutions to the most common shoe problems, including heel slippage, digging straps and chaffing rubber, so you'll be able to wear all of your favorite footwear—pain-free.
Photo: © Tetra Images/Getty
Learn everything you ever wanted to know about heels.
Pain in the Strap
Before you relegate agonizing slingbacks and thong sandals to the category of regrettable purchases, strap these on for size. Available in four colors, these thin strips adhere to the inside of your shoe straps to help prevent painful blisters and ugly red marks caused by slipping straps and excess friction.
Strappy Strips, prices start at $3.50; FootPetals.com.Photo: © courtesy of FootPetals.com
Cushioned Edge
Putting an extra spring in your step has never been easier. Staying just within the parameter of your shoes, these super-skinny ¾ insoles fit into open-toe shoes and sandals, providing extra cushioning and ensuring your tootsies will feel totally comfy—but your look will remain clean and stylish.
Killer Kushionz, prices start at $6.50; FootPetals.com.Photo: © courtesy of FootPetals.com
Head over Heels
Shoes that are too big for you or weighted down in the front (think platform pumps) can cause serious heel slippage. Luckily, stick-on heel grips correct a finicky fit by creating a textured layer to hold your foot in place.
Heel Grips, $3;BakersShoes.com.
Photo: © courtesy of BakersShoes.com
Stable Ground
While stiletto heels guarantee gorgeous gams, they often get stuck in soft ground or cracks, both of which can destroy expensive shoes and make for an uneasy walk. To better tread on tricky terrain, attach a clear or black protector to your heel tip that subtly increases its surface area. The tip removes easily for times when you’re on more solid ground.
SoleMates High Heeler, $9.95; TheSoleMates.com.Photo: © courtesy of TheSoleMates.com
Spot On
It's tough to predict where a shoe will rub you the wrong way. Clear and ultra-slim, these dainty peel-and-stick gel spots offer an invisible protective layer. Just put them in your purse so you can stick one of them right where it hurts whenever you feel pain.
Gel Spots, pack of 6, $8; US.Topshop.com.
Photo: © courtesy of US.Topshop.com
On the Ball
Available in so many cute patterns—tiger and leopard and zebra, oh my!—these flower-shaped ball-of-foot cushions look anything but frumpy. Slip them into the fronts of your shoes to fend off calluses and keep excess bone pressure at bay.
Tip Toes, prices start at $6.95; FootPetals.com.Photo: © courtesy of FootPetals.com
Toe Pick
A casual flip-flop or chic dress sandal can wreak havoc on the sensitive skin between your toes. These genius gel cushions, which slip discreetly under the ball of your foot and around the thong, keep both the ball of your foot and your toes in place, helping to prevent the slip-and-slide that can cause painful blisters.
KIWI Smiling Feet In Between the Toe Gel Cushions, $4.99; ShoeTreeMarketplace.com.Photo: © courtesy of ShoeTreeMarketplace.com
Glide Wear
If your shoes are simply too strappy to conceal an insole or grip—or you need an easy on-the-go option to prevent friction sores—try rubbing on some relief. This stick leaves behind a clear, waxy finish that forms an antifriction protective layer.
Dr. Scholl's For Her Rub Relief Stick, $6.50; DrugSupplyStore.com.Photo: © courtesy of DrugSupplyStore.com
