If you’ve ever gotten home, kicked off your shoes and announced, “Oww, my feet hurt,” then you’re probably not wearing proper shoes. Here are ways to alleviate common sources of foot pain:

• Make Sure Your Shoes Are The Correct Fit - Make sure your shoes aren’t too big or too small, and don’t pinch in the front, back or sides. For more, see Top Ten Tips - Shopping For Shoes.
• Make Sure Your Shoes Are Supportive - Your slingbacks may fit, but you’re wobbly on the heels - that’s not too good for your ankles or knees. No matter what shoe you buy, always make sure you’re balanced and steady and that your ankles and knees feel supported.
• Put Shock-Absorbing Insoles In Your Shoes - If you have shoes that unevenly distribute weight, like heels, or those in which your weight will be unevenly distributed through walking or running, try putting in shock-absorbing insoles like Dr. Scholl’s massaging gel insoles or its various knock-offs.
• Break In Your Shoes Gently - If your shoes need breaking in, don’t wear them for eight hours on your first try. Wear them for half an hour, then an hour, gradually increasing your wear time until the shoes break in.
• Don’t Wear More Than You Can Handle - You may like heels, but if you’re a natural klutz, four-inch heels are not for you. Some shoes actually take practice to wear, so don’t opt for more than you can handle.
• Wear Proper Shoes For Your Environment - Make sure you wear proper shoes for your environment. If you’re a teacher who is on her feet seven hours a day, then heels may not work for you. If you’re a runner, tennis sneakers may not work for you. And if you’re in a heavy-duty industry, sneakers may not be as safe as steel-toed boots.
• If Your Shoes Hurt, Take Them Off - If your shoes begin to hurt, you get blisters or sudden shooting pains in your calf, it’s probably time to switch your shoes. Go for something a little more comfortable.
• Realize Certain Shoes Will Worsen Problems - If you have problems like bunions, calluses, ingrown toenails or hammertoes, some types of shoes will only make them worse. Wear shoes that will not aggravate this conditions.
• Switch Up Your Shoes - If you wear heels to work, try wearing sneakers while commuting. Or carry flip-flops with you for a time when you don’t need to wear proper footwear. Stay comfortable where you can, and your feet won’t hurt as much.
• Visit A Podiatrist - If you have foot or legs pains that won’t go away or conditions brought upon by shoes, visit a podiatrist.

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