PARTY WITHOUT THE PAIN

Don't let sore, aching feet stop you this festive season. With our expert tips you can dance the night away

- JESSICA BEECH

Thanks to COVID-19, we've been kept out of our party shoes for the past couple of Christmases, but slipping back into fancy footwear may not be as effortless as you might think. That's because our feet change with age, so heels you could once dance in all night may now cause blisters and pain.

"Tendons and ligaments gradually loosen with age and the foot arch flattens,' says podiatrist Tony Gavin. This can increase the length of your foot by a half size or more.' Swelling and joint pain are also common when switching out of comfier shoes. But that doesn't mean you can't go to the ball, just take note of these handy tips...

BREAK IN YOUR NEW SHOES

Ensure foot pain doesn’t cut your evening short by breaking in your shoes first. Wear them around the house for an hour a day to soften and loosen the fabric – it’s a good opportunity to practise walking in heels too. If you’re short on time, take your shoes to the cobbler for a stretch service. They can do the whole shoe or just one area, like a narrow toe box rubbing on a bunion. A leather softening spray is a good at-home alternative.

CUSHION THE BALL