According to many of Hollywood’s biggest fashionistas, pain and beauty go hand in hand – particularly when it comes to your shoes. If you love the way high heels look but you simply cannot tolerate another pinched toe or callus, take heed; these tips can take away the high heel pain.

1 – Buy the Right Size

When you wear your shoes for more than an hour or so at a time, your feet will naturally swell. This means that if your favorite pair of stilettos feel tight when you put them on in the morning, you’re really going to be in for it later in the afternoon. Be sure to try on your shoes at the end of the day rather than in the morning. This will allow you to choose your heels when your foot is at its largest.

2 – Add Some Platform

Those strappy heels might be absolutely beautiful, but wearing them all day long might not be realistic. If you want (or need) to pull off a decent-sized heel for more than a couple of hours at a time, consider buying a shoe that offers a cushioned platform at the sole. Not only does this prevent pain at the bottom of your foot since the ball of your foot is supporting the majority of your weight, but it also reduces the overall incline of your foot to make the entire shoe feel more comfortable.

3 – Add an Insert

If your favorite pair of heels just doesn’t offer you the cushion you want, you can always add some. Inserts are great for making your shoes feel more comfortable, and you can find them for almost any shoe imaginable. Heels are certainly no different, but remember that the majority of the pressure is going to be on the ball of your foot. A simple cushioned pad can go a long way toward relieving (or at least putting off) discomfort and pain during extended wear.

4 – Learn to Walk in Heels

This may sound silly, especially if you’ve been wearing heels for decades. However, think about it for a second: when you walk, you probably let your feet take the lead. They swing out first, and the rest of your leg follows suit. The next time you put on a pair of heels, try to let your thighs take the lead instead of your feet. You might have to practice for a while, but you’ll soon find that there is far less pressure on the balls of your feet. Another benefit? Moving your legs from your hips and leading with your thighs will give you a glamourous gait.

5 – Try Thicker Heels

The narrower the heel on your shoe, the more pain it causes. After all, if your heel cannot support your weight, then the balls of your feet have to do the job. When you choose a thicker heel, you can essentially redistribute your center of gravity a bit, which can go a long way toward relieving pressure and pain. If you need a taller shoe but you want to truly maximize your comfort, try a high wedge instead of a heel.

High heels are indeed beautiful, but with that beauty often comes pain. Despite what the television might tell you, this does not have to be the case. Follow the tips and tricks above, and before you know it, you’ll find that wearing high heels doesn’t have to be such a pain at all.