High Heel Torture...

Well usually my advice is buy expensive shoes (no, really...), but it seems like you're being forced to wear certain ones. I do love that the bride in the wedding your in is making you - a non-heel-wearer - wear five inch heels. But that's beside the point....

If you can, try wearing them around with socks the next couple days. This will stretch them out a little bit and hopefully provide a bit of comfort the day of. They also make socks (or nylons) that go inside of heels that you cannot see (because of the way they are cut...) - that might be a good option for you also.

Bring some band-ads to the actual wedding. If any spots hurt or rub especially, pre-bandage your skin there so you don't get any blisters.

I hope she is letting you take them off for the reception? If so, toss a pair of flip flops in your clutch if they aren't provided for you.

Best of luck! Let us know how it goes.

EEK I feel awful for you that the bride requested that high of a heel. Make sure you bring something more comfortable to change into after the ceremony and pictures. Bring bandaids just in case the back of the heel starts to rub.

I would whine & complain the whole wedding just to make a point lol

I was going to say insoles...look for ones specifically for high heels. I believe (DON'T QUOTE ME ON THIS!!!! LOL) that gel inserts are more for flat shoes to increase comfort for the entire foot from walking/standing all day. High heel insoles would have comfort aimed specifically at the balls of your feet because that's where your body weight would be centered. Also, start by wearing your shoes for an hour around the house. After you get comfortable doing that, start increasing the time so your feet (and body) will get used to it. I have to do this because it's been soooo long since I've worn heels and mine are only 3 1/2 inches.

ETA: Good luck!!!!! and like Ashley and J & S said bring flip flops to change into if you need/have to.

No problem with the making a point by nagging - hahaha... I've already been doing so. Mostly I'm afraid I'm going to break an ankle 3 weeks before my own wedding. There is one other girl in the wedding party that is strictly a non-heel-wearer and it may have been us that convinced her (without asking) that we could wear flops at the reception (I picked a fancy pair today). The sock idea is new! I'll try it. Fortunately they fit me well, and I've been wearing them around a bit in "practice" and it doesn't seem like rubbing will be a problem, but I also haven't been in the Texas heat with them on...

I would look for the inserts specifically made for high heels. They also make band-aids for blisters and blister prevention. They're like band-aids, but with more padding. Maybe bring neosporin too, in case you DO get blisters. Nothing like getting cuts on the back of your achilles or on top of your toes and it getting infected.

Do you have wide feet? This might sound silly, but it took me FOREVER to realize that I need a smaller size (shorter length), but a wider width....it has made a world of difference! I can finally wear something other than tennis shoes!

5 inch heels?!...Are all the BMs on the short side? I would be 6 foot 2 inches tall if I wore 5 inch heels...That being said, I wear heels (albeit not that tall) for photo shoots all the time. I broke one of my ankles when I was a kid in gymnastics and it is finicky so I have to be very careful. I got these gooey gel insole pads that go just into the ball of the heel. The really help me balance my bad ankle and make the shoes much more comfortable to wear. I got mine at Target from Dr. Scholls. Pick up a pair of "Fast Flats" while you are there and quickly pitch those heels as soon as the ceremony is over!

Oh man, that sucks. I only wear heels at work when I get to sit and not walk or stand

Ok, yeah, the site says the heel is only 4" but I think I am exaggerating because no one goes from no heels to a 4" heel! haha... Also, it's as long as my pointer finger if not longer, and that itself was a scary discovery.

GrayCat - I also broke my ankle, but it was in 2007 and that's when I completely stopped wearing anything with a heel because I was literally not able to walk without turning my ankle. I guess it healed more because that pain isn't there anymore - just the ball of my foot and good Lord, my thighs are getting a workout! I will be looking for those inserts ASAP. The ones I have are kind of wavy in texture and they fit in the shoe right where the ball of my foot would hit, but it doesn't really help much.

Wandering, I do have wide feet, and I ordered in a wide version, which was genius. That might be why it's not rubbing so much. They might be minutely bigger than needed, but I couldn't risk getting them too small. I think if I went a size down but still got wide, I'd be in trouble. They're not coming off when I'm walking, so that's a plus.

Has anyone ever used pain sprays or rubs? I think they sell them at Walgreens... I might try something like that...

Also, GrayCat, the bridesmaids are all average or way tall! It's hilarious. The other girl who is worried with me is actually like 6 feet tall haha... I think we'll be hugging each other for balance through the ceremony!

What in the world is that bride thinking?!?!

GOOD LUCK!

I agree with the others who suggested a blister prevention stick- heel stick or blister stick. I swear by that stuff- it looks like a mini bar of deodorant that goes on clear, and prevents rubbing. I also always have a stash of bandaids just in case.

In addition to the advice about wearing them to practice before hand, I would avoid wearing them to walk long distances (or any distances, or fast walking) on the day of the wedding. Bring a second, comfortable pair (or go barefoot- not sure where you are located), and wear them any chance you get. Carry the heels and just put them on for photos, for the actual ceremony, etc. I find if I have to walk a few blocks in heels at the beginning of the night, my feet hurt the entire night. So I bring a pair of flip flops (or whatever) and wear them until it's absolutely necessary to put the heels on.

Those are my wedding shoes!! (in champagne) I find they are actually pretty comfy, the platform really helps. But if you are in pain, bring other shows to change in to.

I guess it's something you have to get used to.

It's definitely your bone in your foot rubbing in that position... try putting batting in the bottom in the front of the shoe... give the ball of your foot the comfort it needs so it stops rubbing.