Finding High Heels That Won't Kill Your Feet

In continuing our self-help posts, we thought we would offer a little fit advice for those that succumbed to the skyscraper heel trend that flew through the fashion world this summer.

What to look for when shopping for high-heels:

• The Right Padding: Look for padding under your heels and the balls of your feet to absorb shock and add comfort.
• Materials That Breathe: Choose breathable leather or suede. Avoid synthetics, which can increase perspiration.
• A Little Flexibility: The ideal shoes will flex at the balls of the feet, not at the arches. To test: try on the shoes and raise up on the balls of your feet; the shoes should not bend.
• A Supportive Back: Sling-back shoes or shoes with backs are better than those without. Backless shoes force toes to work too hard, which can create blisters or irritate hammertoes.
• Shock Absorption: Shock-absorbing rubber soles are best if you pound the pavement all day or stand on a hard surface for more than a few hours.

Story courtesy of Health.com