How to Wear Heels Longer And Other High Heel Strategies

In this video, I go in depth on how to find shoes that are in the sweet spot of comfort and style, while also decoding how to wear heels longer (hint: it's all about fit, shoe quality, and heel/platform height.)

High heels hurt for several reasons.

1) Anatomically, our feet are designed for flat ground and if you don't practice or you're not used to it, your muscles will be like who0a0a0a

2) All human beings' feet differ slightly in shape and size, making some brands work for only some of us but not others - and even within brands we like, not all their shoes from the same maker are comfortable, and correct sizing can therefore be hard to achieve.

3) Trends change so quickly that stylish heels are often products of fast-fashion, which means that the quality of materials used can be stiff and uncomfortable. For all my pageant people out there - you're likely on the young side too which places you right in the demographic of shoe companies that want to sell you cheaper-to-produce shoes, frequently. We're different from, say, an older buyer that will spend more on each shoe but cares more about comfort, and is less likely to be swayed by temporal trends. They're just different business models but it accounts for why pageant contestants' feet always hurt - the shoes marketed to us are usually cheaper quality.

4) There's also lot of misinformation about "heel height". The assumption is that the higher the heel, the more uncomfortable the shoe. But the platform actually counts against that heel.

[stefonthemove]

My work environment is very causal and my heels have been left in a closet for over 6 years. NO MORE! This girl wore heels today and will continue to do so!

[Awesome]

I appreciate all of the advice. All of your videos are so helpful! I have noticed that closed toe ankle boots with pumps at the bottom of the shoe are very comfortable.

[wowjaina]

I don't wear heels often and I am a larger person as well as having a large foot making it hard either finding them or wearing them but I found a pair that is my size and I need them for my brother's wedding but my feet ache after wearing heels for a few minutes but after doing the stretches in you How to Wear Heels for Beginners and wearing them for a short amount of time (like going to the kitchen) and even just sitting at my desk, my feet don't hurt as much its been really helpful and nice to have aching feet.

[Shelby-ynic]

Thank you so much Crystal. Glad I ran into your video. Very informative

[jjmattson]

Somehow you’re always able to answer my questions right as I think them😂. I find that for more casual settings where I still want to elongate my silhouette a pair of heeled booties are super comfy :)

[katilynbell]

I have a pair of tan “CityClassified Comfort” heels that lasted me 4 hrs without pain. And they have held up better than most of my heels

[jennyh]

I totally agree on the thrift shop shoes! I shop everywhere from Nordstrom to Good Will, but often some of my favorite heels are used. I make sure they still look good, but they're usually more comfy because they've already been broken in.

[Messier]

Thanks for a wonderful video filled with good advice based on your personal experience. Your presentation is totally smooth, at ease and professional, and with lots of personality. Your tip to always have a pair of flats with you, even fold-up flats in a travel case, is most helpful. Also, platforms related to heel height and ease of wearing, thrift shops, looking for shoes worn by more mature women, and the gaffer tape. Also (in the video about wearing heels for beginners), while showing the exercises you have amazing flexibility in your lower legs, ankles and feet. Plus, you are definitely easy on the eyes, sooo slender and have great teeth, they are perfect! Very nice videos.

[princesslyna]

I am very good with high heels but I am always open for new tips. Thank you❤.

[Sara-ejmk]

I really appreciated the comments about buying 2hand ! 👍🏽👍🏽

[elizabethhansen]

Hi Crystal! Love your videos. I have a quick question for you. I am planning on entering my first pageant ever next year, yay! And I plan to wear touch ups for my evening wear, do you recommend having different a type of heel for the interview/talent portion? Or would wearing my sandal style touch ups work for interview as well? Thank you so much for your help! Your videos are a life saver!

[icycalix]

There is no such thing like ugly high heels. Every high heels has their own style and they are beautiful. I am 15 years old and I already have some high heels and I like to walk in them. If you say that dusty but trusty are good high heels to walk in then I'm gonna try them and every high heels are stylish in their own style and that's why I love high heels.

[princesslightningstrike]

I love to walk in high heels, I even do yoga in them, I am a girl who do a lot male things like playing football but still I walk in gentle, female way and walking in high heels is one of the female things I love the most.

[isianacarrcoleman]

I looked at every secondhand store for high heels and I only found maybe 6 pairs size 10 and up 😮‍💨 but this is great advice. especially the swap idea 😊

[Imaginepeace]

I have a back injury. I need to strengthen my ankles and back. I am doing ankle exercises and leg strengthening. Should I start with a chunky heel to strengthen my ankles? Then change up a month before internationals?

[relydbrowning]

Great video! Don't under estimate those shoes 😊 question tho, in a pageant, is there any rules re shoes!? Thanks Crystal, you're amazing. So glad I stumbled on Your vlogs🌷🙏🌷

[Νόνη-ζχ]

Moo point! It's like a cow's opinion. It doesn't matter. It's moo!! Joey from Friends. 😆

[charlenemarcks]

Great video, but was hoping for some leg and back strengthening tips for heels.

[DaisyRose]

Why aren't 3 or lower inch heels not good? Also, how much would you pay for a good pair of heels that will last?

[lilylily]

Thank you. What tape did you use for sole?