7 Signs Your Heels Aren't The Right Size

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if your heels are consistently killing you, the issue might be bigger than just needing to break them in. These signs your heels aren't the right size can help you determine whether or not it's time to find a new pair altogether. No matter how cute those killer stilettos are or how much of a deal you got on those designer heels, if they don't fit, they're not going to work.

Heels are tricky to begin with, so it can be difficult to figure out if the problem is your willpower to make them work or an actual sizing issue. If you've already scanned my pageant girl's tips for how to walk in high heels and tried the must-do hacks to make walking in heels more comfortable, the shoes themselves could be the culprit.

I know it's hard to imagine parting with a pair of heels with nothing seemingly "wrong" with them, but not fitting correctly is a big deal! I remember this one pair of epic chunky heels I'd found sifting through a farmers market thrift pile in Los Angeles, and hardly even tried them on before I bought them. They were ultimately too small and I knew it, but I'd still try to wear them and pretend my toes weren't getting absolutely shredded every time. Looking back, was it worth it? Hell. No.

If you can relate to several things on the list below, it's time to consider a new pair!

1. Too Much Sliding

A little wiggle room in heels is good, but Glamour pointed out that too much is legit dangerous and it's time to let the shoes go if inserts aren't helping enough.

Dr. Scholl's Dreamwalk High Heel Insoles, $8, Check them Out

2. Agonizing Walking

WikiHow shared that if walking in your heels is absolutely wrecking the ball of your foot, no stilettos are worth risking your health over. Consider reaching for heels with a slight platform at the ball of the foot to help relieve some of the pressure.

3. Consistent Blisters

If you're still getting blisters consistently after the first two weeks, you and those heels might just not be destined to be together. Sorry, kiddo.

4. Overhanging Toes

Ugh, I love my feet but have fairly long toes which means peep toe shoes are just never going to be my friends. If you've got the same issue of overhanging toes whether it's a peep toe heel or something else, time to move on!

5. Improper Heel Placement

Pediatrist Emma Supple told Daily Mail, "[The heel] needs to be right under the heel bone, not at the back of the foot, as is the case with some shoes. If the stiletto is positioned too far back, you are going to be thrown off balance and everything will hurt." Where does your heel line up?

6. Straps Cutting In

The straps are just as important as the shoe themselves. If you find that they're cutting into you anywhere, no amount of "breaking in" will change that.

7. Heel Bobbing

If your heel lifts more than a comfortable 1/2 inch out of the shoe with each step, you're practically asking to fall. Consider a half size down or adding heel inserts to make the fit more snug.

Dr. Scholl's Dreamwalk High Heel Insoles, $8, Check them Out