How to Prevent Getting Blisters from Strappy High Heeled Summer Shoes

Ah...nothing I love more than finding the perfect strappy sandal with a mile-high heel on it. They make your legs look incredibly long, they show off your pedicure, they....give you blisters. Oh well, two out of three.

But you don't have to suffer to enjoy the look and freedom of Summer heels. Here are some things to try:

1) There is the tried and true and cheap method: regular band-aids. They work great in slingbacks around your shin, providing the strap is wide enough to cover. There are also those little tiny band-aids for tiny cuts that might be about the right size for your new fabulous shoes. It's a good idea to pick up one of those packs of assorted size band-aids to have on hand for various shoes. Once you find the right width for a pair, you may want to put a few of that size in a plastic bag and put the bag in the toe of the shoe (or attached to the strap if your shoes are open-toe), so you don't have to go searching for the right size when you next wear the pair.

2) Surgical or cloth tape. This is more for blisters that result from light friction. You can get surgical tape at your drugstore, and cloth tape at either your supermarket or a sewing shop. The benefit of this kind of tape is that you can trim it to exactly the width you need for your new Manolo's or Jimmy Choo's. And you may be able to find a flesh-toned shade, so if a little shows, it won't be that noticeable.

3) Double-sided tape. If you have a super-thin strap shoe without much support (like high-heeled mules), spray the inside of shoe with hair spray before you put your foot in (to give you a little more traction without getting too sticky - and if you topple out of your shoes, your foot will easily come out, thereby hopefully keeping you from getting hurt). Then put one side of the double-sided tape on your foot where the straps would go, and position the straps on the other side of the tape. You are protected from blisters and your shoes stay in place all day.

4) Band-Aid brand Advanced Healing Blister Cushions. You get a pair of shoes, you walk around the store, they feel fine. You slip them on one day as you head out - only to hobble home with an incredibly painful blister by the end of the day. If you already have a blister, these heal your heels and prevent new blisters from forming while you wear the cushion - no need to sacrifice summer fashion while you are treating a blister. These are especially good with wedge shoes or espadrilles - usually there is enough coverage in those that you can't see the cushion.

5) Band-Aid Brand just came out with a new product - Band-Aid Active-Flex Blister Block. This great product is an invisible glide-on shield that looks like a stick of deodorant, and protects against the rubbing that causes blisters. It is super-fast, easy, and invisible - if your shoes comprise of little more than a heel, a footbed, and some tiny, tiny straps to hold your foot in, this is the best option. After all, you spent all that money on your shoes to show off your pedicure, not your blister-preventer.

Blisters are painful - but they aren't an inevitable part of summer if you know what to do. Use these tips, get out the credit card, and buy those strappy shoes you've been eyeing!