If you’re like me, you’ve probably had one or two pairs of shoes that you absolutely love but just don’t fit quite right. Maybe they’re gorgeous new designer heels, or a pair of flats that go with literally everything, but there’s something about the way they feel on your feet that isn’t perfect. Despite this issue, the shoes are just too good to give up! In cases like these I have a few hacks that can help improve the fit or make the shoes more comfortable.
About five years ago I bought a pair of amazing chunky heel black boots. They looked fabulous. Without pausing to break them in, I proudly wore them out for a night of dinner and dancing. By then end of the night, my feet hurt so bad I had to wait for a cab to drive me 2 blocks home. That was the last time my feet ever stepped into those boots. Soon they were gone from my closet and will forever remain just a memory.
Had I known some tricks back then I may have been able to salvage those amazing boots. Sadly, I will never know. But I will share some tips that can make your shoes much more comfortable, as well as some absolute deal breakers.
Stretch your shoes
Did you know that many types of shoes can be stretched? There are several types of at-home shoe stretchers if your shoes are just a tad too tight. Also don’t forget about cobblers- they can stretch out a shoe for you or add some space to problem areas. A good example is the forefoot area for a bunion. Leather and suede shoes tend to stretch the best. Synthetic materials are much more difficult to stretch, and you definitely don’t want to stretch any silk or fabric materials. Also, leather shoes will stretch slowly as you wear them. You can break them in by wearing them around the house with a thick pair of socks before going out. Stretching before wearing will make your shoes more comfortable and less likely to produce blisters or corns.
Check out these shoe stretchers from foot fitter
Add padding
Sometimes a little padding added to the right spot can improve the fit and feel of a shoe. I often recommend metatarsal pads to anyone with pain in the ball of their foot. A metatarsal pad actually belongs behind the ball of the foot. Here it will reduce pressure on the bones in the forefoot and keep them spread out. A dancers pad works well for anyone with pain under the great toe joint. If the insole of your shoe is very flat and your inner arch gets tired or sore, you can add an arch cookie. This will support the inner part of your arch and improve the contour of the shoe to your foot. If your foot slides forward too much in the shoe, you can add a tongue pad under the top of the shoe. This will improve the fit and secure your foot in the shoe.
Add an insert or orthotic
If the shoe you are wearing is flat or lacking support, consider adding an insert or orthotic. Orthotics come in many sizes and thickness options which can accommodate the style of shoe that you’re wearing. If there is a removable insole in the bottom of the shoe, you can remove that and replace it with a full length insole. If not, a ¾ length insole may fit better and take up less space in the toe area. For heels, you can buy a specific ultra thin insert as well. An insert can improve the alignment of your foot and make your shoes more comfortable.
Change the lacing
For lace up shoes, try a different lacing technique to make them fit better. For high arch feet, bone spurs on the top of the foot, or nerve pain, I recommend a skip lacing technique. At the high point of the arch, carry the laces up the side eyelets, then resume crossing up above. If you have a narrow foot that slides in your shoe, you can uttilize the very top eyelet (the one that’s usually empty) to lock your heel in place. This will prevent the foot from sliding forward in the shoe.
Check out this post on lacing techniques
Absolute dealbreakers
There are some instances where you should not continue wearing your shoes since they may actually cause harm or injury to your foot. If your shoes cause numbness or burning in your forefoot or toes, do not wear them. Too many women develop a nerve impingement, or neuroma, in the ball of the foot from improper or too tight footwear. If your toes do not have any room to sit and are crunching up against the top or front of the shoes, do not wear them. Also, if your shoes are becoming too worn and no longer have support through the midsole be sure to replace them rather than augment them with padding. Even an orthotic or insole will not make that situation better.
As always, the best shoes are the ones that fit well right from the start. Try to find the best fitting shoes for your foot size, shape, and width, and don’t hesitate to return or exchange if the fit is off.