9 Reasons Why The Balls Of Your Feet Hurt When You Wear Heels - How To Fix It
If you wear heels, you know about the agony of pain in the balls of your feet. They go hand in hand, especially if you wear the wrong heels. So, what is the reason that the balls of your feet feel like they hate you when you wear heels? And how can you fix it? Buckle up, because I'm spilling the tea on how to prevent pain in the balls of your feet when you wear heels.
Why the balls of your feet hurt in heels: Your heels are simply too high
It's important to understand that the height of your heels impacts your comfort in heels. Yes, it's true. When your heels are too high, you will put more pressure on the balls of your feet, causing discomfort and pain. The higher the heel height, the more weight your body shifts forward, forcing the balls of your feet to carry more weight. Over time, this excessive pressure can lead to various foot problems, such as metatarsalgia, inflammation, and even joint damage. That is why it’s crucial to find a balance between style and support to ensure both the beauty of your heels and the comfort of your feet.
What to wear instead:
Opting for heels with a moderate height or investing in well-crafted shoes with proper arch support like these LULU heels by INEZ can make a world of difference. Remember, the key to truly comfortable heels lies in choosing wisely and practising moderation. Your feet will thank you for it.
Why the balls of your feet hurt in heels: Your heels don’t offer you stability
When it comes to wearing heels, stability is key. Without feeling stable in your heels, you won't be able to last in them. Not only does instability make it difficult to walk confidently, but it also puts unnecessary strain on your ankles and calves. A wobbly foundation can throw off your balance, increasing the risk of twisting your ankle or even falling. Even worse, uneven weight distribution can lead to discomfort, blisters, and long-term damage to the balls of your feet.
What to wear instead:
To avoid these issues, it is crucial to ensure stability in your heels. Choose heels with a chunky or block heel like these Melody heels by Naturalizer. By prioritizing stability, you can enhance your overall comfort and protect your feet from unnecessary pain. Discover the most comfortable heels designed with stability in mind.
Why the balls of your feet hurt in heels: Your stilettos are too thin
Stilettos, undoubtedly are the go-to choice when looking for a sophisticated look. However, it's important to note that not all stilettos are created equal. If the heels are excessively thin, they can lead to discomfort and pain in the balls of your feet. Why is that?
Imagine standing on the tips of your toes for an extended period. Your feet eventually get tired which results in pain.
What to wear instead:
I’m not saying to stop wearing stilettos. Just choose stilettos with slightly wider heels, and you can experience an entirely different level of comfort. These heels are called flared heels. They look like a stiletto but give you a similar stability to a block heel. Just like Stuart Weitzman Playa Ankle Strap 100 Sandals, they have a flared heel. The pressure on the balls of your feet is alleviated as the distribution is spread across a broader surface area.
Why the balls of your feet hurt in heels: Your soles are too thin
Single-sole heels have made a comeback, reminiscent of the early 2000s. While they're elegant they can also be painful. Thin soles, especially paired with high stilettos, can be torturous. They strain the balls of your feet and cause pain. But don't give up on thin soles, just avoid the extremely thin ones.
What to wear instead:
Platforms are great because you can stand in them longer compared to single-sole heels. With Vince Camuto Pendry Platform heels, you get the best of both worlds – a perfect platform that adds comfort without compromising stability in your walk. So you can walk confidently and comfortably all day long!
Why the balls of your feet hurt in heels: Your Heels Have a Narrow Toe Box
Pointy heels are a stylish and essential addition to any shoe collection. They have the power to elevate your overall look and instantly make you feel stunning. However, it is crucial to make sure that the toe box of your pointy heels is wide enough to avoid discomfort and foot issues. When the toe box of your heels is too narrow, not only can you experience the discomfort of corns and blisters, but it can also cause pain in the balls of your feet.
Wear this instead:
To avoid such issues and prioritize comfort, consider opting for heels with a roomier toe box. Also, make sure you wear heels that fit in the width. Ally Shoes is a great example of a shoe company that offers 4 different width sizes. By choosing pumps like Ally Shoes the Classic Pumps they can offer more space for your toes to breathe, and you can still achieve a fashionable and polished appearance while ensuring the well-being of your feet.
COUPON CODES FOR ALLY SHOES:
VS40HEELS: $40 off the first pair of heels
VS10FLATS: 10% off the first pair of flats
Why the balls of your feet hurt in heels: You slip forward in your heels
Slipping forward in heels is a common problem caused by poorly fitting shoes or ones that don't align with your feet's structure.
What to wear instead:
Wear heels that fit well and have multiple or thick straps like these Black Suedette Ankle Tie Platform Sandals heels by New Look. Opting for well-fitting heels ensures a secure grip and minimizes the chances of slipping. Multiple straps provide extra support, and stability, and prevent your feet from shifting. Don't let slipping ruin your stride; choose heels that fit properly and offer the necessary support to keep you confidently on your feet.
What tools to use: To prevent sliding forward in heels, consider using metatarsal pads. These pads provide a snug fit in your shoes.
If the reason you slide forward is because of sweaty feet you can use leather insoles as they absorb moisture, helping you maintain better traction and comfort while wearing heels.
Why the balls of your feet hurt in heels: Your soles are too rigid and stiff
What makes sneakers more comfortable than formal shoes is their flexibility and give in the material, particularly in the soles. The same applies to high heels – if the soles are too stiff, it can create pressure on the balls of your feet. Opt for heels with flexible soles, as it can make all the difference in comfort.
What to wear instead:
Dance heels are renowned for their flexible suede soles, but they are not suitable for outdoor wear. However, Burju Shoes, a dance heels company known for its comfortable heels, offers dance heels that are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, featuring highly flexible soles that move with the natural rolling of your feet.
Why the balls of your feet hurt in heels: Lack of Cushioning
Tamara Mellon Reverse Sandal 75 stilettos have a build-in insole
It's no surprise that the insoles business is a multi-billion dollar industry. Insoles make a significant difference in both regular shoes and heels. When your heels lack cushioning, you might experience friction or pressure in the balls of your feet. While cushioned insoles aren't always necessary, they become a must in some designs. You can opt for heels with built-in insoles or add metatarsal pads for added comfort.
What to wear instead:
Look for quality craftsmanship with slightly thicker soles for stability and support. Like these heels by Tamara Mellon the Reverse Sandal 75 stiletto. They come with built-in cushion insoles that can offer the balls of your feet some extra comfort. Invest in well-crafted single-sole heels for lasting comfort. Look for brands like Tamara Mellon that merge fashion and function. Remember, fashion should be enjoyable, not painful.
Why the balls of your feet hurt in heels: Your straps are too thin
Thin straps are all the rage lately but they can have a hard time keeping your feet securely in place. This puts immense pressure on your toes and the balls of your feet, leading to discomfort.
What to wear instead:
You can choose to wear heels with wider straps for better support and to avoid unnecessary strain on your feet. Like these Mia heels by Calla Shoes. Thick soft leather straps that keeps your feet comfortably in place.