High Heel Hacks For Party Season

The festive party season is here and if you’re in the process of planning your Christmas party outfit, your shoe choice is going to be near the top of the list. Alongside being stylish, how do you ensure that your festive footwear choice is comfortable enough to party the night away without a hitch? Belle About Town spoke to Rachel Clinkard, Ecommerce Director at Charles Clinkard shoe sales, to find out her Christmas foot care tips to keep you dancing all night long.

Invest in non-slip pads

Good grip is essential when it comes to footwear to prevent the risk of falls. A brand-new pair of shoes can be slippery at the best of times if you haven’t had the chance to wear them in yet, never mind in the winter when you’re strolling across wet or icy pavements. Non-slip rubber pads are an easy solution to this. These stick to the base of your shoe to add extra grip, stopping you from going head over heels at the Christmas party!

Similarly, ball of foot insoles can help cushion your feet where you’ll feel the most pressure while also helping to keep them in place. So, you don’t need to worry about your toes sliding forward mid-step. Heel grips can also help to keep your feet secure while preventing any pesky blisters from ruining your celebrations.

Tape up your toes

If you’ve spotted the perfect pair of party heels but you’re worried about discomfort, try taping your toes. While this may seem like a bit of an old wives’ tale, you may find that taping the third and fourth toe on each foot improves your comfort and balance — ready for you to get out on the dancefloor!

The reason this works is that one of the main sources of high-heel-related pain comes from the nerves in between the major bones in your feet (the metatarsals). These nerves get inflamed when your toes are spread apart in a pair of heels, so keeping them together with tape can help relieve some of this pressure and prevent any more inflammation.

For this hack to be most effective, ensure you use skin-friendly microporous tape and have no lotions or other products on your feet before applying. Similarly, while you’ll want the tape to be tight enough to hold your toes together all night, make sure it’s not so tight that you cut off your circulation.

Stick to insulating materials

While warmth might not be your biggest priority when it comes to party shoes, it can make a massive difference to your comfort. Whether you’ve opted for a pair of stylish flats or a sparkling pair of heels, keep your toes toasty by opting for shoes made from insulating materials such as leather or suede. For extra warmth, avoid peep-toe styles as these can feel a little chilly on winter nights. Instead, opt for a cosier design such as a court shoe or even a pair of fashionable boots.

Give your feet time to rest

No matter how comfortable you’ve been in your footwear, your toes need some TLC. The day after your event, soak your feet in warm water for about 20 minutes. You can also sprinkle in a little Epsom salt. This should help ease any aches and pains. Afterwards, massage in some moisturising foot cream, paying particular attention to the arches of your feet, and pull on your favourite pair of fuzzy socks. Be sure to let your dancing feet rest for a day or two between events if you can, to help them recover in time for the next party.

Stay warm and stylish in socks and tights

If you’re looking for an extra layer of insulation, socks are a natural port of call to warm up those dancing feet. When you’re wearing a pair of heels, you might think socks aren’t an option for you. However, a pair of stylish ankle socks can add an effortless, on-trend look to your party outfit — the more glittery the better! In fact, this look is beloved by many of our favourite style icons, from Kendall Jenner to Sydney Sweeney.

The best way to pull off the socks and heels look is by creating balance. Turn your socks into a stand-out accessory and keep the rest of your outfit simple and elegant. To avoid overwhelming the look, opt for a pair of sheer socks or cute frilly ankle socks to make a subtle statement.

If the ankle socks and heels look isn’t for you, then investing in a pair of no-show socks is also an option. These will stay hidden below the topline of your shoe, keeping your toes warm but your outfit on point. Of course, you can also choose to wear a pair of tights instead, adding an extra special Christmas touch with a sparkly or patterned pair.

Rachel says: “As the party season approaches and we start planning our festive outfits, now is a good time to think about comfort as well as style. The right shoes could make or break your enjoyment of an event, so taking some time to prioritise warmth and stability can make a big difference.

“Of course, when it comes to shoes, finding a pair that fits just right should be your first step as this will help prevent rubbing and blisters. Shopping for shoes in the afternoon after you’ve been walking around means your feet have had time to warm up and expand, ensuring you can find a pair that will fit your feet comfortably during similar party conditions.”