Women's feet start to throb 2hrs 47mins into a night out More than half 'cushion up', placing gel pads inside their shoes A third have no qualms about kicking their shoes off and dancing in flats Women's feet start to hurt just two hours and 47 minutes into a night out thanks to painful high heels. And while many said that by 11:47pm they start to feel the effects of painful shoes, 29 per cent said they have no qualms about kicking their shoes off completely and dancing in flats. However if you'd prefer to keep your fancy footwear on this party season, those surveyed also unveiled their secrets to how to be the last one on the dance floor. By 11:47pm women's feet start to feel the effects of painful shoes on a night out on the town When asked how to overcome 'feet fatigue', two thirds (67 per cent) of women claimed that having 'back up flats' in your handbag were key to a comfortable night. More than half (58 per cent) of high-heel aficionados 'cushioned up', following the footsteps of style icon Victoria Beckham. They confessed to using gel pads in the insides of their shoes, paving the way for many more comfortable hours on the dance floor. The third top trick for staying comfortable in heels is a phenomenon dubbed 'seasoning', where a woman wears her shoes around the house before going out in them. Shoe-savvy women, though, have tips for staying comfy for longer, including cushioning and test-driving heels Two in five (40 per cent) of women said they regularly test-drive new purchases. The 'thick heel' policy took fourth place with 34 per cent agreeing that the thicker the heel the better. As well as it being kinder on the foot, it also allows customers to channel their inner style guru by staying on trend. The research out today marks the busiest night before Christmas for work parties, December 13. A thicker heel can give a feeling of more stability by counterbalancing those extra inches of height Professor Karen J. Pine from the University of Hertfordshire says: 'A thicker heel can give a feeling of more stability by counterbalancing those extra inches of height. This makes the party-goer feel more comfortable and secure in their ability to dance until dawn. Preparing and pampering those well-deserved feet, pre and post party, followed closely behind with 30 per cent of customers agreeing. Stay comfy in your heels all night with tips from REAL women Tip Benefit Amount who follow tip Back up flats Handbag essential once the heels start to hurt 67 per cent Customize and Cushion up Invest in gel inserts to take the pressure off the foot 58 per cent 'Seasoning' new shoes Test drive new heels every season before their big debut 40 per cent Thick heel shoe policy Consider a chunkier heel to stay on your feet - and also on trend 34 per cent Prepare and Pamper feet Indulge and spoil your feet 30 per cent Taking shoes off Dance the night away 29 per cent 'With multiple celebrations falling on the same night, it is now essential for party goers to be able to stay on their feet all night long,' said a spokesperson for Debenhams, who commissioned the reasearch. Friday 13th need not be unlucky for your feet this Christmas. With many believing that the way your feet feel can determine the wellbeing of your whole body, this Christmas is set to be the happiest for festive feet following Debenhams' real women's tips to a perfect night on the town.'