Prom is one of the most magical, once-in-a-lifetime events. If your dance is coming up soon, you need to find a gorgeous dress and all its accessories—including shoes. But the problem with prom shoes is that most girls wear heels, and many heels are uncomfortable. By the end of the night, many prom-goers have throbbing arches, rubbed heels, and blistered toes. You definitely don’t want that to be your experience, and we’re here to help. If you want to wear heels, this guide will show you how to buy prom shoes that won’t hurt by the end of the night.
1. Start Shopping Early
Like any prom accessory, your shoes are going to take time to get right. Don’t leave shopping until the last minute! By starting early, you’ll have time to try on a range of styles, break them in, and return or exchange anything that doesn’t feel quite right.
2. Know Your Heel Limits
We all love the idea of a jaw-dropping pair of stilettos, but if they aren’t something you wear frequently, prom night isn’t the best time to experiment. If you’re not used to a lot of footwear height, stick to kitten heels for all-night comfort. If you really want to stand tall, find block or wedge heels that look nice with your dress
3. Test for Stability
No matter how amazing a shoe looks, if you can’t walk comfortably in it, it’s not the one. When trying on shoes, give them a test drive. Walk around. Move and dance in ways you might at prom. If they wobble or feel slippery, that’s a red flag.
4. Prioritize Padding
One feature a lot of gorgeous shoes lack is proper foot support. Look for extra padding or cushioning, particularly in the sole and arch areas. If you fall in love with a pair that doesn’t offer much padding, don’t worry; gel inserts or cushioned insoles can easily fix this issue.
5. Think About Straps
Strappy shoes are a classic prom look. However, certain strap placements can dig into your skin after a while. Look for shoes with adjustable straps or pairs where the straps are wide enough not to cut into your feet. And always check they’re secure to avoid any embarrassing slips while dancing.
6. Match Style With Practicality
Yes, your shoes should make a statement, but they also need to work well with your outfit and the activities you’ll do during the evening. For example, if your prom involves walking on uneven surfaces (like a garden venue), a block heel or wedge is smarter than a spiked stiletto.
7. Break Them In
The golden rule of any event shoe is to never wear them for the first time on the actual night. Break in your prom shoes by wearing them around the house for an hour or two at a time. This will allow the material to soften and mold to your feet.
8. Bring Some Backup Supplies
Even if you buy the perfect, most comfortable pair of heels, the fact is that you’ll be dancing the night away and your feet might still get sore. It’s smart to bring a pair of backup flats for after-party events or the drive home. Likewise, pack a prom night emergency kit that contains blister cushions, Band-Aids, and ibuprofen to deal with foot pain.
Prom is your chance to shine, but don’t make the mistake of valuing looks over comfort. By following this guide to buying prom shoes that won’t hurt your feet, you can look and feel fantastic all night long. Good luck and have a blast at prom!
