As a bride, you will spend a lot of time on your feet.
From walking down the aisle to dancing at the reception and playing fun afterparty games, standing for long hours can be taxing on your feet.
For this reason, it’s wise to find comfortable wedding shoes that will allow you to remain confident and enjoy your big day. The good news is that there are so many options to choose from.
However, with plenty of options, finding the wrong pair of heels is easy. Remember that wearing ill-fitting shoes will make your feet sore and prevent you from moving freely during your wedding day.
One of the genius wedding day beauty secrets is to break in your bridal heels well in advance, ensuring they are comfortable and perfectly molded to your feet for effortless movement..
Most bridal heels are made of stiff material. Thus, it’s important to break in your shoes to allow the fabric to shape your feet, loosen the shoe, and remove any discomfort you may experience wearing the pair for a long period of time.
Breaking in also ensures comfort and reduces the risk of blisters during your special day. If you’re looking for the best ways to break into your bridal shoes effectively, you’ve come to the right place.
This blog post shares tips to help brides avoid the dreaded blisters on their honeymoon.
Key Takeaway
- Selecting well-fitting, comfortable wedding shoes is essential to ensure you can move freely and enjoy your special day without pain or blisters.If you’re looking for other tips for making your wedding day special, we’ve got you!.
- Begin breaking in your shoes well before the wedding by wearing them for short periods, gradually increasing the duration, and using thick socks or gel inserts for added comfort.
- You can quickly adjust and soften your shoes by blow-drying them, freezing water-filled bags inside them, or using friction block sticks.
- Have a bridal bag with essentials like blister cushions and foot powder, and consider providing flip-flops for guests to ensure comfort during dancing and other activities.
Preparing for the Big Day
Your wedding day should be full of joy and comfort. The last thing you want is to be unable to dance or walk comfortably to the aisle because your new pair of shoes don’t fit well.
That’s why it’s important to prepare carefully for your big day. Ensuring comfortable shoes will make walking down the aisle or first dance even more memorable.
Here are some tips to help you:
1. Find the right wedding shoes in the right size
Finding a good pair of wedding shoes that fit well is paramount.
Measure your feet before going to the shop, ensuring that you know the length and width, as they can change from time to time. Try the new shoes in the afternoon since feet swell throughout the day.
2. Match shoes with your wedding dress and personal style
Traditionally, brides wore ivory or white shoes. However, you can pick a color that complements your wedding dress and its length (e.g., tea length wedding dress).
Also, choose a pair that fits your personal style. Pumps and peep-toe heels are classic and elegant choices, but you can get higher heels for a more free-spirited vibe.
3. Plan ahead to avoid the last-minute rush
Start searching for your wedding shoes early to allow enough time for returns or alternations if necessary.
Breaking in Your New Shoes
Tips for Long-Term Preparation
Wear your shoes for short periods. Don’t wait until the wedding day to wear your new shoes.
Start wearing them at home for short periods. This is especially important when choosing shoes for your outdoor wedding. You can do an occasional 10 minutes now and then to avoid getting blisters early on.
Gradually increase the duration. Once your feet become comfortable with the pair, wear them for longer. Put them on for an entire series or until you finish cooking. You can even stay with them overnight.
Try them on with thick socks. When wearing your heels around the house, use thick socks that will help stretch them a little. These mimic the thickness of the feet when wearing them without socks. It also prevents edges from digging or scrapping during your wedding day.
Use gel inserts for extra padding and comfort. As you continue wearing your shoes, you may notice that some areas are more uncomfortable or rub against them. In that case, you can add gel inserts or cushioned insoles to offer extra support and comfort.
Quick Fixes for Sore Feet
If your new shoes don’t fit well and you have a short time to fit them, here are some tips that may come in handy:
1. Apply a blow dryer to soften the material
Blow dry your shoes to warm them slightly, wear them while they are still warm, and walk around with them for a while. This helps the shoes to mold your feet.
2. Use plastic bags filled with water and freeze them
Fill plastic bags with water and insert them in your shoes, then store the shoes in the freezer. Once the water begins to freeze, it expands and stretches your shoes. Allow them to thaw before you wear them again.
3. Opt for friction block sticks to reduce friction
Friction block sticks help prevent blisters by creating a protective barrier and keeping the shoes from rubbing your feet. They reduce friction between your skin and shoe, hence preventing painful blisters.
Ensuring Comfort on Your Special Day
Comfortable feet are happy feet. Here are some tips to help your feet remain as comfortable as possible:
1. Choose the right fit
There are so many types of bridal heels that finding one that’s perfect for you is not impossible. Don’t be in a rush and purchase the first pair you see.
2. Take your time and try different shoe types
It may seem like a lot of work, but eventually, you’ll find a pair that suits you. Consider exploring Badgley Mischka wedding shoes for elegant options.
3. Consider arch support
That will ensure your feet function well and keep your body aligned properly. Arch support is important for shock absorption, pain reduction, balance and stability, and improved posture.
Also, note that you don’t have to wear high heels at your wedding. Remember that the entire day will be filled with activities that require you to walk or stand. So, consider a lower heel or block heels. These are more comfortable and do not restrict your movement.
DIY Methods to Avoid Uncomfortable Shoes
It may be hard to find a perfect wedding shoe. However, these tips can help ensure a perfect fit, which is crucial for your comfort:
- Use extra padding and insoles. These offer great shock absorption, which reduces foot fatigue and pain. Also, insoles provide arch support that helps in foot alignment and reduces pressure points. Depending on the material, they can keep your feet dry and prevent blisters and discomfort from sweat.
- Try gel inserts and cushioned insoles. Gel inserts allow excellent shock absorption, which means your feet will not feel the impact. Also, they cool your feet, making them a perfect choice for summer months. Cushioned inserts offer overall support and comfort. They ensure that your feet are not too fatigued, which is crucial as you will spend long periods of time on your feet.
- Utilize a blow dryer and thick socks method. The heat from a blow dryer softens the shoe fabric, making it more pliable, while thick socks create pressure inside the shoe, allowing it to mold your foot.
Quick Solutions for Last-Minute Issues
Quick fixes with gel inserts and friction block sticks. We’ve already explained the perks of these two.
Make sure you get the right size gel insert for your shoe. If the pair has insoles, remove them and position the insert so it aligns with your foot’s arch. You can put the insole on top of the insert if applicable.
Brides who hate heels will find this especially useful for added comfort. When it comes to friction sticks, ensure you clean your foot properly. Then, gently rub the friction block stick over the part prone to blisters to create a protective layer. You can reapply the stick several times in a day.
Have a bridal bag with essentials. Even with proper measures, foot issues may still occur, so it’s important to be prepared for blisters and discomfort.
Ask one of your bridesmaids or maid of honor to carry a bag with essentials like blister cushions/inserts, foot powder, corn pads, blister plasters, and a small bottle of water.
Prepare a basket of flip-flops for the dance floor. Once all the formal events of the day are over, you can take a break from heels and wear flip-flops or another type of flat shoes.
Tips for Happy Feet
Happy feet ensure that you enjoy your special day fully. Here are some tips to ensure that your feet stay comfortable throughout the day:
- Take breaks and sit down. If you find a chance to sit down, take advantage of it. Remember to rest while elevating your feet to reduce swelling.
- Wear comfortable wedding shoe options. High-inch heels are gorgeous, there is no doubt. But will you remain comfortable in them the entire day? Probably not. It’s wise to pick a low or chunkier heel, which is more comfortable. You can even opt for an elegant pair of flat shoes.
- Choose the right socks. Breathable cotton socks are the best choice as they wick sweat from the feet, keeping you comfortable the entire day.
Final Touches
Making Your Bridal Heels Perfect
Ensuring your bridal heels are perfect involves getting a perfect fit, breaking them in, and using products that enhance comfort. Here are some tips:
Add personal touches with crystal bridal jewels. Crystals and pearls add a touch of elegance to your gorgeous heels.
You can also use lace or ribbon accents, dried or wood wedding flowers, or custom-made charms, depending on the look you want to create. Complement your ensemble with pearl wedding earrings for a classic, sophisticated touch.
Ensure a perfect fit with last-minute adjustments. If everything else fails and you are still experiencing issues with your bridal heels, do not panic. Here are some adjustments that may come in handy:
- Cushions and inserts for arch support, stability, and blister prevention.
- Athletic tape to prevent blisters and offer additional support.
- Add padding to tight areas.
- Use a shoe stretcher if you have one for a temporary fit.
Prepare for the end of the day with a backup plan. Carry a pair of flat shoes to use on the dance floor and during other times when you aren’t so much in the spotlight.
You should also have shoe accessories like heel grips and gel cushions to keep you comfortable. Additionally, use inspiration boards to plan your footwear choices and ensure they match your overall wedding theme seamlessly.
Conclusion
Wedding day shoes are not cheap. So, if you’ve purchased them, you need to ensure you enjoy them to the maximum.
Discomfort and blisters can ruin your mood and prevent you from having a blast on this special day. So, ensure you buy the right pair of heels and remember to break them in. Be patient while doing so, as it takes time.
Eventually, your feet and shoes will adjust gradually. But if, after trying all the above tips, your beautiful wedding shoes are still causing some discomfort, consider investing in another pair if there is still time.