8 Spring Racing High Heel Tips

It’s finally Spring! And that means the start of the Spring Racing Carnival. Time to get out our frocks, fascinators and fantastic heels!

We could tell you to wear sensible, comfortable shoes to the races, but we know it’s just too tempting to bust out those brand new heels. Instead, here is our list of tips to look after your feet at the races:

1. Find a pair of wedges or low heels instead of sky high stilettos. Wedges are more stable to balance on than stilettos, reducing your risk of turning an ankle and tripping. Wedges also won’t sink into the grass as you’re walking around trying to find your next glass of champagne.
(If you absolutely have to wear stilettos, consider using a heel protector on the end of the stiletto to stop the heel sinking into the ground)

2. Choose heels that have an ankle strap, instead of slip on heels. Ankle straps provide more ankle support and your toes won’t have to work as hard to keep the shoe on your foot.

3. Bring bandaids with you. Your feet and toes will thank you for it the next day. No matter how comfortable your high heels feel in the morning, by the end of the day chances are your poor toes will have blisters.

4. Choose heels with a peep toe to reduce the pressure on your toes. If your shoes are closed in avoid pointy toes, try to find shoes with a rounded toe instead.

5. We don’t usually think about our feet getting too much sun, but out at the races all day they are likely to become sunburnt. Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap the tops of your feet (also prevents a strappy sandal tan).

6. Gel pads in the heel and forefoot of your shoes can provide cushioning to the areas of your feet that are under the most pressure. These are available from most chemists.

7. We all know that by the end of the day, we’ll be walking barefoot back to the car while carrying our gorgeous heels. To protect your feet from any shards of glass or other nasties on the ground, instead of getting your best friend to piggy back you to the car, take a pair of ballet flats or thongs in your bag (you’d be surprised how small a pair of folded ballet flats can be).

8. After a long day wearing high heels at the races your calf muscles will be working hard to support your feet and ankles. Stretch them out when you get home to reduce tightness the next day. Sit with your back against a firm surface with your legs stretched out straight in front of you; make sure the backs of your knees are on the ground. Gently flex your toes back towards you for more of a stretch.

Following these handy hints will help your feet stay as comfortable as possible in those killer heels. Don’t forget to book an appointment at O’Dwyer Podiatry (call 5443 7467) the day after the races to help your feet recover!

Best of luck at the Bendigo Cup!