For many women, wearing heels comes with a love-hate relationship. They make you look taller, more confident, and stylish, but most of us also associate them with blisters, sore arches, and throbbing toes. It’s no wonder so many women joke about removing their heels halfway through an event or switching to slippers immediately after all is said and done.
But Heels aren’t naturally painful. Wearing the wrong type of heel for your foot shape and foot slope is what causes discomfort. Your foot’s natural design (how your toes are arranged, your arch height, and the angle at which your foot meets the ground) determines the kind of heels you should wear.
Once you understand your foot shape and arch type, you can choose heels that look good and feel comfortable, no matter how long your day or night lasts.
RELATED ARTICLE: 5 Types of Heels Women Need in Their Closet.
How to Know Your Toe Shape
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You should know your toe shape first before anything else. There are three main foot shapes, and understanding yours determines how comfortably your heels fit, regardless of height. It also helps you choose heels with the right toe box/toe bed (the part of the shoe where the toes sit).
1. Egyptian Toe
The big toe is the longest, and the other toes gradually decrease in length. The best heel shoe for this type of toe shape is a square or round toe box/toe bed. It allows the toes to breathe without cramping.
These strappy gold metallic heels are open-toed and have a round toe bed that keeps your toes secured and comfortable.
Price: ₦23,000. Where to Buy: Shop 24HeelzNg.
2. Greek Toe
The Egyptian toe, also known as Morton’s toe, has all the toes of uneven length, with the second toe the longest. Almond or pointed toe boxes/toe beds are the best types for Greek toes because they fit better and make space for the unevenness. Overall, platforms or stable block heels work best for individuals with High Arches or Flat feet.
Open-toed with an almond toe bed, these heel slippers feature a platform and mule design, offering a uniqueness you won’t find everywhere.
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Photo: High Heel Platform Mule Slippers
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3. Roman Toe
All the toes on a Roman foot are nearly of the same length. For those with Roman feet, sandals or wedges with a square toe are a fantastic choice.
They distribute your weight evenly, which can be super comfortable. And if you’re not into square toes, round toe boxes/toe beds are also an excellent option for this foot shape.
Price: ₦25,000. Where to Buy: Shop 24HeelzNg.
Match Heel Type to Your Arch
Now, the slope or arch also matters as much as the height. When it comes to shoe comfort, it’s not always about the height of the heel. A six-inch heel with a nice, gentle curve in the arch feels way better than a three-inch heel with a steep slope.
Plus, everyone’s foot arch is different. Some people have flat feet, some are neutral, and some have high arches, which dictates what type of heel to wear. Therefore, finding the right fit largely depends on your unique arch type.
To identify your arch, look at your foot’s footprint (dip your foot in water and step on paper) or have someone check it for you. If the imprint shows most of your foot, including the entire arch, you have a flat arch. A neutral arch will show about half of your arch in the footprint, while a high arch will show only the heel and the ball of your foot.
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What to Choose: To support your arch, choose a low-to-mid heel height with a wide toe box or toe bed. Wedges and chunky heels are the best option, as they provide stability.
What to avoid: Thin, single-sole heels and very high heels.
What to Choose: You can wear almost any heel type, but consider the toe box/toe bed for comfort.
What to Choose: Heels with thick platforms or block heels offer premium comfort, balance, and stability. Higher heels might be easy to wear because you have a high arch to match them. They benefit from platforms or mid-heels with a soft insole to cushion the ball of the foot.
Dr Scholl Gelactiv Insoles
These silicone gel insoles are specifically designed for high heels and fit sizes 38-42. They offer superior comfort and stability by staying firmly in place without crowding your toes, and also extra cushioning and shock absorption under the ball of your foot and arch.
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Photo: Dr Scholl Gelactiv Insoles
What to avoid: Avoid thin, single-sole heels. They increase the shock to the ball of your foot. Prioritise materials like rubber or cork soles to provide natural shock absorption.
Extra Tips To Help You Wear Heels Confidently
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Choose heels that allow your feet to relax, rather than feeling like you’re constantly on your tiptoes.
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If you’re dealing with nerve pain, try taping your third and fourth toes together to reduce the pain from the nerve that gets compressed in the heels.
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For extra comfort, add silicone insoles to your shoes. They are gel pads that keep your feet comfortable inside shoes.
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Always break in new heels before wearing them to any event. Just walk around your house for about 10 minutes; it gives your feet time to adjust and the shoes a chance to soften up.
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Carry foldable flats for late-night owambe exits—simple lifesavers.
Your feet should feel supported, not sore. By matching your foot shape and arch type to a sensible heel and adding a little cushioning, you can enjoy style and comfort wherever you go.
