If The Shoe Fits

Pain in the Strap

Before you relegate agonizing slingbacks and thong sandals to the category of regrettable purchases, strap these on for size. Available in four colors, these thin strips adhere to the inside of your shoe straps to help prevent painful blisters and ugly red marks caused by slipping straps and excess friction.

SHOP NOW: Strappy Strips, from $4

Cushioned Edge

Putting an extra spring in your step has never been easier. Staying just within the parameter of your shoes, these super-skinny ¾ insoles fit into open-toe shoes and sandals, providing extra cushioning and ensuring your tootsies will feel totally comfy—but your look will remain clean and stylish.

SHOP NOW: Killer Kushionz, from $7

Head Over Heels

Shoes that are too big for you or are weighted down in the front (think platform pumps) can cause serious heel slippage. Luckily, stick-on heel grips correct a finicky fit by creating a textured layer to hold your foot in place.

SHOP NOW: Heel Grips, from $3

MAKE YOUR SHOES LAST LONGER

Stable Ground

While stiletto heels guarantee gorgeous gams, they often get stuck in soft ground or cracks, which can destroy expensive shoes. To better tread on tricky terrain, attach a protector to your heel tip that subtly increases its surface area. The tip removes easily for times when you’re on more solid ground.

SHOP NOW: SoleMates High Heeler, $10

Spot On

It's tough to predict where a shoe will rub you the wrong way. Clear and ultra-slim, these dainty peel-and-stick gel spots offer an invisible protective layer. Just put them in your purse so that you can stick one of them right where it hurts whenever you feel pain.

SHOP NOW: Gel Spots, $8

On the Ball

Available in so many cute patterns (tiger and leopard and zebra, oh my!) these cushions look anything but frumpy. Slip them into the fronts of your shoes to fend off calluses and head off excess bone pressure.

SHOP NOW: Tip Toes, from $7

STYLISTS SECRET WARDROBE TIPS

Toe Pick

A casual flip-flop or chic dress sandal can wreak havoc on the sensitive skin between your toes. These genius gel cushions, which slip discreetly under the ball of your foot and around the thong, keep both the ball of your foot and your toes in place, helping to prevent the slip-and-slide that can cause painful blisters.

SHOP NOW: KIWI Gel Cushions, from $5

Glide Wear

If your shoes are too strappy to conceal an insole or grip or you need an easy option to prevent friction sores, try rubbing on some relief. This stick leaves behind a clear finish that forms an antifriction protective layer.

SHOP NOW: Dr. Scholl's Relief Stick, $7

REINVENT YOUR LOOK NOW