Convention Fans:
Cosplay Advice: Take Care of Your Feet!

Cosplaying at a fandom convention can often be an exercise in masochism, at least in regard to your feet. This is especially true for those who attend conventions for an entire weekend, and are doing it absurd and crazy footwear. As much as we wish it wasn't true, cute shoes don’t usually equal comfortable shoes, and this is even more true in the cosplay world. I know I've done a double take when I see a girl dressed head to toe in Gothic Lolita fashion, with a pair of 6" black pleather stilettos on. (I also can't help but admire the balance required just to stand, much less walk.)

By the end of the first day of the convention, you can end up with blistered, swollen and (gasp!) bloody feet if you’re not careful. And the worst part will be that realization that you still have two more days to go!

Although it can be rather tempting to sacrifice comfort for the sake of screen accuracy, you don’t want to be doing serious damage to your feet, especially early on at a con. Below are some basic tips for taking care of your feet, and advice for breaking in a new pair of shoes. Remember, this isn’t just for the cosplayers, but for anyone spending a lot of time on their feet!

Tips for Breaking in Uncomfortable Shoes or Dealing with Lots of Walking

1. Purchase a good pair of gel insoles. They make ones especially for women and high heels now, by the way.

2. In preparation for the convention, do daily calf stretches (this is especially important for those wearing high heels).

3. Use a shoe stretcher to help break in a new pair of shoes.

4. For leather shoes,you can soak some newspaper in soapy water and leave it in the heel of your shoes overnight to help break them in.

5. Already have some problem areas that you know will give you trouble? You can use strips of mole skin and apply it to the pain-causing areas of your shoes.

6. Always have some bandages and anti-biotic ointment with you for a con. Not only is this wise to have around for those other minor injuries, but it will keep a burst blister from leaving a bloody trail on your shoes and/or socks. It can also help prevent infection (and believe me, you don't want an infection on top of con-crud).