I keep buying shoes that I hate (and ways to break them in to make them more comfy)

Confession: I like the idea of heels. As a theory, they are the most magical, chic, gorgeous looking footwear I have ever seen. They make my legs look great. They make whatever I am wearing look polished and put together. They make me feel like both a lady (prim and proper) AND a woman (who may or may not do a celebratory twerk). Heels are just beautiful.

That being said; I hate wearing heels. They are the most uncomfortable things I have ever stuck my poor feet into. Oh, its all fun and games until a couple of hours go by and I am walking like one of the zombie's off of the Thriller video.

And I thought it was just the cheapo heels I was buying at the fast fashion places. Your girl recently upgraded ALL of her footwear (not tossing out tons of cash, mind you, but strategically choosing pairs I needed on sale) so that she can actually look like the 33 year old she is. I came to a painful discovery; it is not just the cheap heels, it's ALL the heels.

My frustration at my footwear predicament continues because, while I hate wearing them, I sure do love how I look in them.

Here are a few tips that have helped me survive heels blister, callous, and corn free for the past few years.

Shopping:

If you don't need them, just don't buy them:
I had to toss in this minimalist tip for ya. We love the idea of these shoes. While standing in the aisles of the shoe store, we see all of the outfits, places, and plans we can enjoy wile wearing these shoes. Then we spend our hard earned cash only to take them home, admire them for a bit, put them on our shoe rack or in the closet to never wear them. Sis, if you can, avoid the waste of time and money. If you cannot name two times you will wear these shoes in the next two weeks, don't even bother buying them.

Shop right for your shoes:
Our feet swell up to half a size as the day goes on so keep that in mind at the shoe store. When in doubt, there is nothing wrong with buying a half size bigger if it means you can wear them longer.

The clunkier the heel, the better:
Praise the Lord that the season of the stiletto heel has passed and chunky, clunky heels, even wedges (yes God!) are running the streets. Chunkier heels offer you more support while you're walking, meaning you can go for longer without any foot pain.

Breaking them in:

Break in the heels before you go out:
New. Shoes. Hurt! Do not, under any circumstances, wear your just purchased that day from the store and hour before the event shoes to the event or you will not enjoy the event. Your new shoes aren't going anywhere, so take your time and break them in. Break them in. Walk around in them at home.

Moisture is your friend:
While you're breaking in your heels, cut Netflix or Hulu. Take a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water  and spray it on the inside of your new leather shoes. Put on pair of your thickest socks and slide your feet in your shoes for about 20 minutes and allow the rubbing alcohol and the stretch of the socks to mould your foot shape in the shoe. This only works for leather shoes.

Heat it up:

For those non leather shoes, while you have those thick socks on, slide your shoes on. Grab your handy hairdryer and quickly blow some hot air on to the places that are really tight (focus on the toes, girl). The heat of the dryer will soften the leather and the socks will stretch the shoe out.

Cool it now:

If you're busy (because who is not), fill two freezer bags with water and put them in your pair of shoes, then put them into your freezer. While the water freezes, it will expand,  and will stretch out your shoes.

Other tips that have saved my sole (get it?):

Tape it up:

If your heels are close toed, tape your 3rd and 4th toes together (your middle toe and the one directly next to it) with medical tape or even a bandaid. This aligns the muscles in your feet, preventing the balls of your feet from getting sore so fast.

Guard your skin:

Prevent the friction that causes blisters by putting a barrier on your heels and the sides of your feet. Protect your skin with petroleum jelly, baby powder, or roll-on deodorant for blister free footsies.

Have your back up shoes with you or nearby:
This works great for events (especially church because I usually carry a big enough bag where I can carry my flats until service is over. There are also thin roll up pairs you can stick in your clutch should your regular flats be to big to carry around, like on a date night.)

I hope this helps. Keep those feet happy.