We know many of you have almost certainly been at the mercy of a deeply uncomfortable yet stunning pair of high heels.

With the holiday season upon us, you may be more likely to reach to the back of your closet for your favourite stilettos. And whether you're a regular wearer or prefer to slip them on for special occasions, no one wants to ignore advice when it comes to making high heels more comfortable. 

We sat down with Quebec-based podiatrist Dr. William Constant to find out how to choose the best pair of heels—and how to make your beautifully impractical pair just a little more comfortable. 

4 ways to make heels hurt less

1. choose the right material

Genuine leather is the ideal material for maximizing comfort.

"In a synthetic shoe, the foot has to adapt to the shoe, whereas with leather, the shoe adapts to the foot," explains Dr. William Constant, a podiatrist in Quebec. The suppleness of leather is especially comfortable for those with bunions, ingrown toenails, or hammer toes (one toe overlapping).

2. Limit the heel height

To protect your feet, knees, and back, it's ideal to opt for heels no higher than two inches on a daily basis.

That said, if you prefer to reach for a shiny pair of platforms on a special occasion, Dr. Constant doesn't see any problem with it. It's only with regular wear that long-term injuries might manifest.

3. Opt for wider heels

There's no doubt that skinny stilettos are beautiful, but your body may not able. 

The narrower the heel, the more effort your muscles have to work to keep you stable. The specialist advises those with weak ankles, in particular, to opt for wider heels. 

4. Amp up the comfort with insoles

Most shoe stores and pharmacies offer an array of comfort-driven accessories you can add to your heels.

"When you wears heels higher than three inches, your feet experience seven times more pressure than normal," says Dr. Constant. The podiatrist is a strong proponent of reaching for gel insoles. Not only do they prevent your feet from sliding around and compressing your toes, but they also slightly cushion the pressure exerted on the bones in your feet. 

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