Make Your Wedding Shoes Comfortable: Tips And Tricks

Wedding shoes are an important part of the bridal ensemble, but it can be challenging to find a pair that is both stylish and comfortable. Many brides find themselves having to choose between fashion and function, especially when it comes to high heels. However, with careful planning and a few helpful tips, it is possible to have the best of both worlds. Here are some strategies to make your wedding shoes more comfortable, so you can dance the night away without any discomfort.

Choose the right shoe type for your wedding venue

Choosing the right type of shoe for your wedding venue is essential to ensure you are comfortable throughout the day. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect shoe for your wedding venue:

• Beach Wedding: Opt for strappy and comfy flat sandals or wedges. Flat sandals will make it easier to walk on the sand, and wedges will prevent your heels from sinking into the ground. You could also go barefoot for a more relaxed and casual look.
• Garden Wedding: Similar to a beach wedding, flats or wedges are a good choice to avoid your heels sinking into the ground. If you prefer a more elevated look, block heels or wedges with a thicker heel will provide more stability and comfort.
• Indoor Wedding: Heels are a suitable option for indoor venues, but it is crucial to take measures to prevent slipping, especially on smooth floors. Consider using non-slip pads or rubbing the soles with sandpaper to create a rougher surface.
• Outdoor Wedding: Consider the type of terrain you will be walking on. If you are getting married in a grassy area, chunky heels or wedges are a better option than stilettos, as they will provide more support and stability. You may also want to consider heel toppers to prevent your stilettos from sinking into the ground.
• Rustic or Country Wedding: Cowboy boots or ankle boots can be a stylish and comfortable option for a rustic or country-themed wedding. Look for boots with a comfortable heel height and a versatile colour that complements your dress.
• Formal Reception: For a formal indoor reception, pointed-toe flats or low heels can be a comfortable and elegant alternative to stilettos. If you prefer the look of heels, opt for thicker block heels or wedges, which provide more stability and comfort.

Remember to consider the terrain and the level of comfort you need when selecting your wedding shoes. You can always bring a spare pair of dancing shoes for the reception if you want to switch to a more comfortable option later in the day.

Shop for your shoes in the afternoon or evening

Shopping for wedding shoes in the afternoon or evening is a good idea because your feet tend to expand from use during the day. This means that trying on shoes in the morning may result in an inaccurate fit. You want to make sure your wedding shoes fit well and are comfortable, so shopping later in the day is a good strategy.

When you do try on shoes, make sure to fit them on both feet and walk around in them. This will give you a good sense of how they will feel on your feet throughout your wedding day. It's also a good idea to have already been active when you try on shoes, as this will give you a more accurate sense of the fit.

Additionally, if you are planning to buy heeled shoes, keep in mind that heel heights beyond two inches are generally uncomfortable for the ball of the foot. If you are set on wearing heels, look for a pair with a wider heel, a rounded toe, or an ankle strap, as these styles are more likely to be comfortable.

Buy your shoes early and break them in

Buying your wedding shoes early is a great way to ensure that you will be comfortable on your big day. It is important to give yourself enough time to break in your new shoes and test them before the wedding. Here are some tips to help you break in your wedding shoes:

Start by wearing your shoes around the house for short periods of time. This will allow you to get a feel for the shoes and identify any potential areas of discomfort. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend wearing them each day. However, don't overdo it! If your feet start to hurt or blister, take the shoes off and give them a break for a few days.

When you first get your shoes, make sure they fit well and are the correct size. You should have enough room at the front of the shoe for your toes to wiggle, while your heel should not be slipping and sliding. If you're wearing heels, it's especially important to ensure they're not too tight or too loose, as this can lead to discomfort and instability.

If your shoes feel a bit stiff, try wearing them with thick socks and using a blow dryer on the tight areas, such as the toebox and heel. The heat will help soften the material, making the shoes more pliable and comfortable. You can also try this method with thin socks or no socks at all, depending on what feels best for you.

Another way to break in your wedding shoes is to practice different activities in them. Walk around, go up and down stairs, and even try dancing in them to simulate the movements you'll be making on your wedding day. This will help you identify any potential issues and give you a chance to address them before the big day.

Additionally, consider the location of your wedding when breaking in your shoes. If you're getting married on a beach or in a garden, you might want to opt for sandals, flats, or wedges instead of heels, as they will be more comfortable and practical for those settings.

Remember, the key to breaking in your wedding shoes is to start early, take it slow, and listen to your feet. By following these tips, you'll be able to dance the night away without any discomfort!

Make adjustments to your shoes if necessary

Making adjustments to your wedding shoes is a great way to ensure comfort and avoid any last-minute surprises. Here are some tips to make your wedding shoes more comfortable:

Adjust the Fit

• If your shoes are a bit loose, try using an insole or gel insert to improve the fit and add cushioning.
• For shoes that are too tight, consider stretching them. Put on thick socks and wear your shoes with a blow dryer on for a few minutes. Keep the shoes on until they cool down.
• For heels that are slightly too small, try the hairdryer trick: wear thick socks, blow dry the tight areas, and keep the shoes on while they cool.
• If the shoes are still too tight, you can repeat the process 2-3 times.

Modify the Soles and Heels

• To improve traction and prevent slipping, use sandpaper to roughen the soles of your shoes.
• If your shoes have slippery soles, spray them with hairspray to increase grip and collect a thin layer of dirt, which can help with traction.
• For outdoor weddings, use heel toppers to prevent your stilettos from sinking into the ground.

Address Specific Pressure Points

• To alleviate pain at pressure points, use gel inserts, band-aids, or sole inserts.
• Prevent chafing and blisters by using a friction block stick or anti-blister balm.
• For strappy shoes, use cushioned strips with adhesive backing to keep the straps from cutting into your feet.
• If your shoes have straps that are too tight, try lining them with soft fabric, such as moleskin.

Break Them In

• Wear your wedding shoes around the house for short periods to break them in gradually.
• Practice walking, dancing, and going up and down stairs to get a feel for the shoes.
• If the fabric is stiff, wear them with thick socks and use a blow dryer to soften the material.

Remember, it's important to start the breaking-in process early and give yourself enough time to make any necessary adjustments. Happy wedding day!

Wear them with thick socks and use a hairdryer to stretch them

Wearing thick socks and using a hairdryer to stretch your wedding shoes is a great way to make them more comfortable. Here's how to do it:

First, put on a pair of thick socks. This will help to stretch out the shoes and ensure that they conform to the contours of your feet. Next, slip your feet into the shoes. You may want to focus on stretching specific areas, such as the toebox or the heel, which tend to be tighter. Then, grab a hairdryer and blast the tight areas with heat for a few minutes. The heat will soften the material, making the fabric more elastic and mouldable.

Once the shoes are warm, keep them on and walk around in them. You can also wiggle your feet to help stretch out the fabric. Do this until the shoes have completely cooled down. Repeat this process two to three times, or as needed, to achieve the desired level of stretch. Finally, remove the socks, and your shoes should now be more comfortable and moulded to your feet!

This method is particularly useful if your wedding shoes are made of stiff and tough fabric. It's a simple and effective way to break in your shoes and ensure they're comfortable for your big day.

Frequently asked questions