Did you ever notice at a wedding how many ladies were dancing with no shoes on? Have you ever attended an evening event with those really cute shoes you had to have and couldn't wait to get to the table to sit down, hide under the table cloth and slip them off where no one could see?  If your answer is yes then this guide is for you.

Practice is the best policy!  If you are one of those who gets a bit nervous, such as a bride, it is easy to over correct a step and lose your balance.   If you do not wear heals often this is not the time to test your walking ability in stilts.  Sometimes just a little shorter heal will help you feel more confident.  If you just have to wear those 4" designer cute pumps then start a few weeks ahead of the date of the event.  Break in your shoes ahead of time by wearing them at home, practice walking in them so you are sure of your steps. 

 

Exercise and stretch your shoes!  What if your shoes are too tight in some spots?  You can purchase stretchers or take them to a shoe repair shop and have them stretched out.  If you have satin or any fabric shoe it is best to take them to a professional for this process.

 If you are wearing leather shoes, dampen the inside of the shoe then wear heavy socks in them for a few hours which will stretch them and better mold them for your foot. Repeat this process about three or four times on different days.  Do not use this process with fabric shoes as the moisture can seep through and ruin them.

Safety First! Wear the shoes outside for a few minutes to slightly scuff the bottom of them to prevent you from slipping.  There is nothing like the bottom of a brand new smooth shoe and carpet to spell disaster.

I feel like I am walking on a brick!   If the shoe doesn't have much padding in the sole you can purchase foam to gel inserts in all lengths and sizes that add a great deal of comfort while you are standing in that long greeting line at the reception or bouncing up and down on a dance floor.  If your feet sometimes swell a little then consider buying the shoe a half size larger for growing room.

Send in the reserves! If the shoes are new and you have another pair of dress shoes that matches the outfit, take a comfortable pair as a back up.  Sometimes shoes seem comfortable for short durations but can become unexpectedly unbearable.  Once you have made your entrance in the cute shoes few people will notice you have even changed them.

Taking these steps may seem like a pain but your feet will love you for it.  It is only now that you are ready to really have fun and dance the night away!