After the wedding ring and the wedding dress, the other important fashion choice of your wedding is having the most perfect pair of shoes. Not because they have to be stylish (while that certainly helps), but because they are crucial in your comfort level for the entire day and night. Think about it: you’ll be standing, dancing, and walking for almost 24 hours. How miserable will you be if you have blisters and pain on your tootsies on the biggest night of your life? The answer is pretty miserable, which is why it’s essential that you ensure your wedding shoes will be comfortable all day long. Here’s how to do it.
1. Choose Your Shoes Wisely
It almost goes without saying, but make sure you actually wear your wedding shoes first before you buy them. No matter how cute they look, you want to also know they’re built for comfort. Try them on at the store and walk around the store for a few minutes, at least. You will also want to consider the material of the shoe. Something like a heavy leather might cause your feet to sweat and therefore chafe. You might want to opt for a lighter and breathable material.
2. Break Them In
You definitely don’t want to be wearing your shoes for the very first time on the day of your wedding. It’s a wise idea to wear them off and on during the week before your wedding. Walk around the house wearing them for 30 minutes a day doing various things like going up and down the stairs, doing chores, and even dancing! (After all, you will be dancing in them at your wedding!) This will help your feet get used to them as well as help the shoe soften up.
3. Use a Pair of Inserts
You might want to consider using a pair of inserts for some extra cushion and support. You can choose an insert for the ball of your foot, arch, or heel or go for a full insole that covers the length of your foot. There is an array of inserts to choose from, including everything from gel to rubber, so you can definitely find one that feels the best for you.
4. Lubricate Your Feet and Shoes
A nifty DIY trick is lubricating both your feet and the heel of your shoe with a friction block stick, or even deodorant, to help prevent blisters. It also works with your shoe’s straps, especially if you suspect they will be rubbing against your feet and might cause you some discomfort.
5. Warm or Ice Your Shoes
There are two theories out there that are said to help increase the width of your shoe, which will help you break into them and aid with your comfort. One train of thought says that heat, whether it’s using a hairdryer on them for a minute or leaving them near a radiator, will expand the fabric of your shoe so you’re able to slip into them more comfortably. Another theory says cold is the trick if they don’t feel wide enough. With this method, you fill a plastic bag with water, stick your shoe inside, and place it in the freezer until the water freezes. It’s believed that the expanding ice will help stretch the shoe.â?¨ Whichever method you want to choose is up to your discretion—just ensure that you don’t overheat or freeze your shoes for too long!
6. Soothe Your Feet
There are some options to help soothe your sore feet if you happen to get foot pain during your wedding. Various foot sprays on the market are made from menthol, tea tree oil, and vitamin E to help keep you standing. Many are non-greasy and won’t stain your shoes.
With these simple and easy tips, you’ll be able to successfully walk down the aisle and dance the night away without a single blister. That’s something to celebrate!
The post How to Ensure Your Wedding Shoes Are Comfortable all Day Long appeared first on Weddingbee.
* This article was originally published here