Tricks to ensure your high heels never hurt you again - and prevent more damage

The agony and awkwardness of wearing high heels can be prevented with these tips

It's the season to be jolly - and also get done up to the nines.

As much as putting on our finery is all fun and games, getting dressed up over the festive season comes with one large potential pitfall. Or rather, two.

Pretty as they are, high heels can be the gateway to world of agony and awkwardness.

Yet perhaps now more than at any other time of year, we'll be jamming our weeping tootsies into a pair. All in the name of fashion.

It's not just blisters we should be worried about, heels impact our health in the long term , damaging our nerves, muscles feet, knees, hips and back.

But there are few things which mitigate against these adverse effects - and hopefully make heel wearing enjoyable, rather than an exercise in pain.

1. The thickness of the sole

Sharing her wisdom with Mamamia , podiatrist Laura Gleich says, "When you wear high heels your center of gravity is redistributed, causing a lot of weight to rest on the ball of your foot."

Laura's advice is to try on as many pairs as you can to see which have more cushioning in the ball of the foot - meaning you can wear them for longer.

Platforms at the front of the shoe will also decrease the pain your heels give you.

"The benefit of platforms is you can get away with wearing a higher heel without quite as much stress going through the front of your foot."

However, beware having the platform too high - this will put your foot at an awkward angle too far off the ground.

2. The size of the base of the heel

Laura explains, "The wider your heel's base, the more support your body is given."

Beautiful as they are, this probably rules out stilettos. Wedges are in fact the most comfortable because the entire foot is in contact with the ground, meaning your balance is better and you're less likely to go over on your ankle.

3. The depth and shape of the front of the shoe

It may be cold outside, but all that walking around and dancing causes your feet to sweat and swell.

Suddenly the tight, pointy heels you bought are cutting off your circulation. While you want your shoes to stay on, it's also important they have room to breathe.

As for pointy shoes, these are the worst things you could do to your feet.