My number one tip for pain-free feet
17.7.2024
Translation: Eva Francis
In my opinion, gel cushions for shoes deserve more attention. After all, they make sure you experience no pressure points, blisters and slippery insoles – all while costing less than 10 francs.
My footwear of choice for years has been boots and ankle boots with mid-high heels. I’m convinced they can be almost as comfortable as sneakers. But only with the help of a product that’s inconspicuous and totally underrated: gel cushions for the balls of your feet.
Source: Stephanie Vinzens
Over the last few years, I’ve bought many of these transparent, thin pads and used them to cushion high heels, sandals and boots. They offer pressure relief and shock absorption, making your shoes much more comfortable to wear. Without these little helpers, I’d probably be in twice as much pain.
In summer, when you’re barefoot in shoes with smooth insoles, they also have another incredibly practical advantage: the nubbed gel surface provides support and prevents you from slipping and sliding in your shoes and getting blisters.
Simple and reusable
These pads are super quick to fit – and foolproof. The one that goes in your right shoe’s labelled «R», the one for your left shoe’s labelled «L». Simply remove the protective film, place the pads with the adhesive side in the ball area of the shoe and press them on gently. The tapered end should point towards the heel.
I recommend cleaning the soles beforehand so the pads stick properly. In my experience, they last for several months. If they don’t stick as well anymore, just remove them and wash them off with water – they’re reusable.
Source: Stephanie Vinzens
These gel cushions are quite thin, so they take up very little space in your shoes. However, if your shoes are very tight, adding the pads might make them uncomfortable. In this case, I wouldn’t recommend these pads. Some shoes are fitted with a padded bunion area. In this case, you don’t need gel cushions, either.
In all other cases, I think they’re an absolute must-have. A simple product that helps against pressure points and blisters, is reusable and costs less than ten francs? A no-brainer and a strong recommendation from my side.
Header image: Stephanie Vinzens
Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.
Fashion
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