10 High Heel Hacks That Will Save Your Feet

High heels have the magical power to make anyone feel confident, sexy and stylish, but wearing them often comes with a (painful) price. From blisters and aching feet to easily soiled suede and seemingly impenetrable new pairs of shoes, most fashion-loving folks simply accept the side effects of wearing heels. And while the fit can be worth it (sometimes), we’re here to say you don’t have to suffer for style. These genius hacks will sweep you off your sore feet to make wearing heels feel as good as they look.

Woman walking down street in chunky white heel

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Try the toe-tape trick to reduce pain

This secret to reduce pain while wearing heels is so good, you're going to want to share it. Woman’s Wear Daily recommends taping your third and fourth toes (counting from the big toe) together to alleviate pain from wearing high heels.

The proof is in the science: there’s a nerve that splits between those two toes, which causes pain when pressure is put on it (like when you wear heels). The tape helps to remove strain on the nerve.

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How to break in a new pair of heels

Stop suffering in your new pair of highheeled shoes and try this hack instead. Wear your new shoes in the house with socks, and apply heat with a blow dryer to loosen up tight spots.

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How to clean dirt off suede

Delicate suede shoes dirty so easily. The secret to combatting the grime? It’s in your kitchen, not your cleaning cupboard. Use day-old crusty bread to rub dirt marks off your suede pumps.

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A blister godsend

Blisters are no match for these hero bandages. Keep them in your purse to stop blisters in their painful tracks. The Band-Aid feels like a cushiony pillow protecting your blister from your very pretty, but very evil, shoes.

Band-Aid Hydrocolloid Bandages for Heels, Amazon, $5.

Woman wearing yellow heels with multiple straps and fashionable outfit

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The most comfortable kind of heels

Wedges have long been known as the most comfortable kind of heels, but there’s a new set of shoes that's serious competition: heels with straps, ties or buckles. They’ll provide extra support to your ankles and will prevent your feet from slipping out so you can stomp in your stilettoes safely.

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Heal sore feet

Leather Spa, a popular shoe repair shop in Manhattan, recommends not wearing heels more than two days in a row, and taking at least a one-day break in between.

Woman wearing heels and frilly pink dress

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How to prevent corns and calluses

Corns, calluses and blisters, oh my! Prevent these painful injuries with moleskin, a soft cotton flannel with adhesive backing that you can put in your shoes or heels. It molds to the shape of your foot, acting as a protective second skin.

Dr. Scholl’s Molefoam Padding, Amazon, $25.

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A trick to make old heels look new

The heels of leather, suede or fabric shoes are especially vulnerable to nicks and scratches, but it’s nothing a little glitter can’t fix. Instead of throwing out a damaged pair, cover the heels with glitter and they’ll seem like new.

Woman in leather heels and leather jacket

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How to fix scratches on leather shoes

Make scratches on your leather shoes disappear like magic by rubbing a dab of moisturizer on them.

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How to maximize comfort

Slip a pair of gel insoles into your high heels to maximize comfort. It makes a world of difference.

Dr. Scholl's Stylish Step High Heel Insoles, $13.

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