Stop Torturing Your Feet: Five Foot Care Tips to Learn After Fashion Week

Allure—October 17, 2011

Looking at images from other end-of-the-season shows, we saw subtler signs of pain in bright red arches, yellow-callused heals, and small scabs where a shoe clearly rubbed the skin raw or blisters broke. Models may not be able to avoid this when they're wearing whatever size shoes are available and stomping around in stilettos show after show, but you can take better care of your feet by remembering these tips.

Wear shoes that fit. If you shop for shoes early in the day, before your feet are swollen, you're not getting an accurate fit. "The worst thing you can do is try on boots early in the morning, when there is so little swelling in the ankle," says Rock Positano, a foot specialist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, who recommends buying new kicks in the late afternoon.

Prevent blisters. "If your shoes tend to rub one part of your foot, place a soft, gel-like blister guard on the area to reduce friction," says Positano, who says a little Vaseline on the right spots could do the trick as well. "If you do get a blister, don't pierce it, as the tender skin underneath is prone to infection. Instead, I recommend soaking your feet in a bath with an astringent solution that will help dry out the blister. Once the blister breaks, dry the area, dab it dry and cover it with a Band-Aid."

Choose low heels for long walks. If you have more than 10 blocks to walk and you're not going to wear sneakers, then go for a one-inch heel, says Positano. "In fact, a heel this size is actually better than a flat shoe because it maintains your natural arch and doesn't stress heel ligaments," he says. "Definitely don't walk in heels that are two inches or higher—the added height can put pressure on the ball of the foot and lead to ankle stress, tendinitis, and knee or back pain. Closed-back shoes are better than slingbacks or mules because they maintain alignment." (Bonus heel tip: Chunky heels and platforms have a larger base, which is much better for your back and knees, says Positano.)

Read the full story at allure.com.