OMG how can harden the soles of my feet!! I can hardly walk!

[Slippermam]

I should have taken a leaf out of my own username but didn’t and wore highish block heeled boots out drinking / eating all afternoon and evening yesterday. My feet felt increasingly sore throughout the day and by the time I got home and took my boots off the soles of my feet around the edges / heels were hot and almost blistering.
Got up this morning and my feet feel like I’m walking on huge water filled pockets and it’s so sore!

I’m not going to try popping anything as im sure it will heal and reabsorb itself but this always happens on holiday too where I walk more than usual and it always spoils my time. My feet are really soft and tender. I have a desk job so I don’t walk very much usually at all.
Im going to New York next month so will be walking loads and I don’t want the trip ruined by sore feet.

Any tips? It seeems to be friction from socks sliding and rubbing - is there a way or hardening the soles? Special socks? I’d love any ideas please.

Surgical Spirit hardens skin but well fitting shoes would be better? Trainers are best, not too flat.

Maybe try doubling the thinner type socks next time?

Hiking socks have two layers which rub against each other, and not your skin. Wear them with properly-fitting trainers with good soles.

surgical spirit on skin with no damage. But better shoes and socks is the real answer

Wearing decent trainers in NY would help. Maybe with marathon / trail socks.
High heeled boots won't do anyone's feet and good. I suspect they're more of the problem than your feet.

surgical spirit on skin with no damage. But better shoes and socks is the real answer

This, and Compeed plasters to put on blisters for now.

agree with pp.
wear well fitting shoes and you will not have issues.

As PP have said, get yourself a pair of decent well fitting shoes for your holiday - I’ve got walking shoes but decent trainers will work just as well. Any kind of cheap flat shoe won’t do as it gives zero support or cushioning when walking.

You can also get half decent supportive heels nowadays - have a look at shops that offer insoles or are known for their cushioning/supportive shoes, they’ll often do a high heel or similar. Pricey but worth it to protect your feet.

I would also think about how you can add more walking into your daily life - can you go for a little walk at lunchtime or in the evenings? Build yourself up; and you might have to resign yourself to the fact that it won’t necessarily be a pretty walk - round the industrial estate etc.

Sympathies though, OP - I remember my first holiday away with DP where we did so much walking around exploring I was in absolute agony by the end of the week, and it really affected my enjoyment. Now I do a lot more general walking around and we regularly can do 40-50K steps a day exploring on holiday. I’ll feel achey but it won’t affect my enjoyment of the holiday now.

For nyc don't consider heels at all. Or hard sandals. Merrell trail shoes are the most comfortable things ever. Wear them day and night!

On the one day a week your DP has off, could he spend the morning with just his son - take him swimming or to the park so he gets a half day just him and Dad. Then you have the afternoon all together as a family.

High heeled boots are no good to anyone! Have a look at Clarks they have some trendy shoes now ,likewise Hotter who seem to have realised its not just old ladies who want comfy shoes! I hope your feet feel better soon and also dont forget socks !cool cotton are best .Have a trip shoe shopping and enjoy New York!

When you walk round cities in America loads of women walk around in trainers even in their business suits and smart clothes. I always wear trainers or cushioned sandals, I never wear totally flat shoes as they give no support. Memory foam trainers are great.