Just Say No to Blisters from High Heels

Traditional high heels—heels that are too tight, too tall, and ill-fitting—often cause blisters, or small pockets of fluid, to develop on the toes and/or on the back of the heel. The main cause of these blisters is repeated friction between the skin and the shoe – by the shoe rubbing against the foot.  

Regularly wearing ill-fitting shoes significantly contributes to the amount of friction and pressure your feet experience. Traditional high heels are often too big or too tight in key areas like the heel and toes. Too much space between the back of your heel and the shoe can cause blisters and irritation. Too little space between the foot and the shoe is not only uncomfortable, but it also increases friction—which we already know to be the main cause of blisters. High heels also put pressure on certain areas of the foot, like the ball of the foot and the toes, increasing the risk of blisters in those spots. 

The chance of developing blisters also increases with the amount of walking or standing we do. Prolonged or excessive walking and standing increases the pressure on the foot, which increases the likelihood of developing blisters. So, wearing high heels and being on your feet for most of the day is a recipe for blisters. 

There are over-the-counter options that decrease the chances of developing blisters, such as dressings and coverings that help prevent further friction, inserts or insoles that help improve the fit and keep the foot in place, and sweat-absorbing powder that eliminates moisture which contributes to friction. However, some blisters worsen over time and do not seem to heal with at-home treatments. If a blister causes severe pain or prevents walking, a doctor should look at it.  

So, how can you manage and avoid blisters? While blisters can be treated through over-the-counter remedies, you can prevent blisters by wearing the right, well-fitting shoes. 

Here are some ways to prevent blisters from forming on your feet: 

• Consider buying a size larger than you normally wear in heels. This larger size allows room for the feet to swell, which they naturally do throughout the day.  
• Wear wedges, which have a gentler angle compared to high heels like stilettos. A steeper or more dramatic incline leaves less room for your toes at the front of the shoe. Crammed toes are prime real estate for blisters because they rub up against each other and the shoe. 
• Take a change of shoes with you so you can reduce the amount of time you spend in high heels, which helps give your feet a break from increased pressure and the tight shoes 

For the newest technology and thoughtfully designed wedges for all day wear, check out the Getaway Sticks collection