We all want to look our best for the impending party season, wearing fabulous outfits and equally glam shoes. But while sparkly stilettos and high heels may look good, usually after a couple of hours, we're left fighting a burning sensation in our poor feet. The late nights and early mornings of the party season can take its toll on feet especially when we're not used to wearing high heels for long periods of time. Bunions, hammer toes and burning soles are foot conditions that can be brought on by tight-fitting and high-heeled shoes. Yet, with some preparation and the right products, you can be better prepared for the party circuit. We spoke to Deborah Armitage, managing director of DLT Podiatry, who provided her top tips for avoiding foot pain during nights out over Christmas and New Year.
Switch up your shoes
"Regularly change your shoes and the height of your shoes, and don't exceed 4cm of height," advises Deborah. Anything over the 7cm mark changes the biomechanics of how you walk-your strides are shortened, you can't walk as fast, your body weight shifts to the ball of the foot, which throws off your centre of gravity and stresses the knees and lower back. Try and alternate between a mid-height heel and higher heels occasionally.
Use a relief pad
"To prevent burning soles, wear a pressure relief pad inside closed toe shoes, like the Podopro Ball of Foot Cushion Gel Shoe Insole. Or for open toe heels try the Podopro Gel Dancer Pad," suggests Deborah. "The oval-shaped pads, usually made from a silicone gel, combat soreness under the ball of the foot. Silicone also holds your foot steadier in the shoe so your feet aren't sliding forward as much, which will protect your toes from friction and blisters."
Moisturise your feet
Deborah also advises using a good foot cream to prevent hard skin and odour. Ureka Tea Tree Footcare Cream contains tea tree oil, which helps control odour causing bacteria and prevent infection, whilst soothing calendula moisturises and provides smooth, soft skin. The best time to moisturise your feet is immediately after a bath or shower.
Condition your toenails
Use a nail conditioning treatment like Dr's REMEDY Hydration Nail Moisture Treatment, which contains Biotin and Pentavitin to improve nail strength and the nails retain moisture. Finish off with Dr's REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish, containing tea tree oil, wheat protein, garlic bulb extract and lavender to minimise the appearance of dry and brittle nails, hydrate nail cuticles and improve the wear-time of your nail colour.