The consequences of wearing high heels for prolonged periods of time include joint disease, hammertoe deformities, calluses, bunions, ingrown toenails, neuroma, and many more. In addition, there are the added effects that can result from an ill-fitting shoe, such as blisters and corns which can easily be fixed, ensuring a good fit and by preventing your feet from sliding forward in the shoes. Different products will address different symptoms so you can choose one or more of them in order to relieve some of the pain you may be feeling.

Always make sure to use tape or grips to address parts of the shoe that are giving you trouble in a particular spot. These products are made to relieve the effects of skin rubbing or being squeezed by hard shoe materials and stitching and can be used with new shoes, or every day according to need. They represent fairly simple solutions that are affordable ways of preventing issues that can take even months to heal. By taping the parts of your feet that are in discomfort you can avoid calluses and corns which can be just as troubling as blisters or raw and broken skin.

Pads and cushions is great for lessening the impact and stress that are put on the ball of the foot or heel when walking in high heels. Most are made out of gel-like materials which will provide a soft and comfortable surface to walk on, and which can be a real lifesaver when walking on hard surfaces such as concrete or marble floors. Another great feature of these types of inserts is the fact that most of them will provide a better grip your feet have on the shoe, which will mean less sliding forwards, which, in fact, will result in preventing issues such as hammertoe, overhang, or even uncomfortable bunion pain.

Full-length insoles provide the most cushioning and support and can be used by those who already have developed issues stemming from wearing high heels or other uncomfortable shoes (e.g. plantar fasciitis, metatarsal pain, neuroma, flat feet, etc.). These insoles will often feature arch support and heel cups, both of which will provide some much-needed stability.

Finally, there are those products that do not fall into any of these categories, but which can make or break a shoe-wearing experience, such as bunion and toe guards and toe spacers. These are small inserts targeted to protect those irregularities which may, or already have resulted in more serious foot problems. These devices made out of soft materials will not only relieve pressure and prevent pain but even more, they have great use in promoting correct foot and toe placement in any type of shoes.

The second most important criterion used to choose the best high heel inserts was the make and materials which comprise these products. Just as the material of a shoe (or heel) can make or break it – natural, soft, and breathable almost always having an advantage over synthetic – so can the material of an insert make a huge difference in the way it affects the wearer.

The first thing to look at is the amount of cushioning an insert will provide. More is almost always better, so it is natural that the most comfortable inserts are those made out of memory foam. These polyurethane materials will react to body heat and mold to the wearer without losing any elasticity in the long run. Gel and silicone inserts are also excellent choices, as they offer a bit more support and stiffness, but are still soft enough to have shock-absorbing qualities. What is key with any of these materials is the level of effectiveness when using only small amounts.

As any shoe insert will take up precious space in your shoe, it is important to look at exactly how much that space comprises. Thick and bulky inserts can do more harm than good in that they allow for less space in the shoe for your foot. In addition, they can change core features of the shoe and the way it fits, so, for example, if your inserts raise your heel too high, this can create problems such as reduced stability or uncomfortable rubbing. The best inserts will have a thickness larger than just a couple of millimeters, so make sure to pay special attention to this aspect when shopping.

Apart from the cushioning, there is another aspect that can make or break an insert, and that is the material that will come directly into contact with your skin. Here is where preferences differ the most among wearers. If you are looking for something that will give you security and stability, and that will reduce sliding around in your shoes, make sure to choose one of the inserts which are made out of soft suede materials. These allow a good grip while also being soft on the skin. However, this type of material can cause your feet to feel hotter and will retain moisture for longer periods of time, which may lead to odors in your shoes. An alternative would be silicone or gel which is a material that won’t breathe and that does cause sweating, but which is also very easy to clean and dry after every use. Some inserts will use special moisture-wicking fabrics in order to make them more comfortable for the wearer, while others include carbon filters and anti-microbial linings that help control odors that will inevitably occur after excessive sweating in the shoes.

It’s also important to take into consideration the hygienic aspects of each shoe insert. While reusable and washable inserts are cheaper in the long run, they will definitely also mean more work for you. Doctors will recommend changing the insoles on any pair of shoes every three months in order to maintain optimal support and hygiene, but with several inserts, this time can be prolonged based on the materials which comprise them. First and foremost, if you plan on wearing your high heels without any hosiery, it really is a good idea to get inserts that can be easily removed and washed.

Otherwise, your favorite pair of shoes could become a breeding ground for numerous bacteria that not only cause unpleasant smells but can also lead to more serious, uncomfortable and hard to get rid of issues such as fungus or warts. Generally, silicone or gel inserts are easier to maintain as it can be enough to just put them under a stream of water and thoroughly dry them before the next use. Those which include fabrics and other natural materials such as leather or suede will usually still be washable, but will also take longer to dry. Just remember – in order to keep the shape of your shoes, never put wet inserts in them. This is also important for your feet as you should aim to keep them as dry as possible.

Finally, what you want from the make of your shoe inserts is good adhesive power. Without this, slipping is inevitable, which means that your new insoles or cushioning tape can do more harm than good. The perfect insert will stay in place regardless of use. In the case of grips and pads, this means that they won’t move with your feet, or slip to places in which you need no cushioning, leaving the parts of your feet that do need protection bare. With tapes, adhesive power is just as important because failure to stay put will not only expose sensitive skin but even more, will allow for rolling and bulking which can create even worse blisters and sore spots. The products listed above have all been chosen considering user experiences paying special attention to how they would perform when required to stick.

If you are wearing high heels, chances are you are wearing them for aesthetic reasons, so an insert that breaks up the aesthetic of a shoe is definitely out of the question. That’s why design is crucial, especially with heels that feature open toes or are sandals that leave little to the imagination. This means that any insert on this list needs to be practically invisible, or alternatively, to perform as an integral design component of the shoe.

When choosing an insert, make sure you do not skimp on looks. If the insoles of your shoes are black or beige, you have endless opportunities to choose inserts that will match these colors and that won’t be seen by anyone but you. If you want something a bit more adventurous, get one of the products that have fun designs. For example, Foot Petals come in a pack of assorted animal prints which are a great way to make your sensible work heels a bit more fun.

If you cannot find inserts or grips that match your shoes, make sure to get ones that can be trimmed to give you the needed benefits but also that will remain invisible. Test the inserts out at home and try to look at them from all angles to make sure your beautiful shoes are not made less so by pieces of tape or suede sticking out of them.

The price of a shoe can sometimes be a deal-breaker. That’s part of the reason why footwear manufacturers invest time and energy into creating cost-effective technologies to incorporate into their shoes to make them durable, long-lived, versatile, and inexpensive.

Durability & Longevity
Footwear, usually, lasts more than a few months, because shoes that are going to fall apart after a few months of use aren’t worth the investment of more than a few dollars. Leather and synthetic overlays can be used to make the shoes more durable without sacrificing flexibility. Firm leather or synthetic uppers provide durability and support.

Versatility
Great footwear can be used for more than one activity. Walking and running shoes, for example, can be used in some casual sports. Stylish athletic footwear could be used in informal work environments. Sandals can be used in casual and semi-formal settings. The more situations you can use the shoe in, the more value it offers for the price.

Maintenance
Good footwear is easy to maintain and clean. They don’t require a lot of expensive shoe treatments or time-consuming upkeep. Shoes that need a lot of effort, time and money to maintain, don’t sell as well as shoes which are easier and cost less to keep.

Removable inserts
As mentioned earlier, removable inserts in footwear make it customizable, but that’s not the only bonus to removable inserts. Removable inserts increase the longevity of the shoe, which is why some come with removable inserts.

Cost
A hefty price tag can be a deal-breaker for people on a budget. That’s why many can be found in the low-to-middle price range. They’re affordable, and if they are priced a little higher than others, then they offer many features to make the footwear worth the extra investment.

Even though your health and comfort have no price tag, it’s also important that your inserts don’t cost more than the actual shoes you will be wearing them with. Although most products on this list are affordable and won’t break the bank, it’s also important to take into consideration how much they will actually pay off.

Reusability is a great feature that will allow you to put your inserts in any pair of shoes you need. This can even mean going to work in one pair of shoes, then taking the inserts, and putting them in another pair for a night out. This way, you get all the benefits across all of your footwear while only having to purchase one product. On the other hand, there are those products that are designed so as to become an integral part of your chosen pair of high heels, such as heel grips which you do not want to be easily removable, and which you want to stay in their place for as long as possible.

Lifespan also plays an integral part when choosing your inserts. You want your inserts to be as durable as possible, seeing that frequent replacements can make a big dent in your budget. You will need to think about how often you will use your inserts – are they for a pair of shoe you wear day in and day out, or do you intend to use them with high heels you wear once or twice a month, but which could use some help in the comfort department? Whichever the answer, make sure to consider the overall cost of the product. Be aware of the fact that some inserts are only intended for single-use, or have a limited lifespan, and consider whether the benefits will justify them costing you a lot over a considerable period of time.