It’s an undeniable part of the human condition, we’re simply prone to repeating some mistakes. Buyers regret on uncomfortable shoes is one of those mistakes. We’ve put together a list of our best hacks for making your uncomfortable shoes a little easier to bear… so please, don’t hate yourself for that impulse purchase just yet because there are still many ideas for how to make your new shoes more comfortable.
For more hacks on how to save your feet from discomfort, take a look at our article on avoiding foot pain.
High heels
Love ‘em or hate ‘em, they feature alone, or with a supporting cast in most women’s (and some men’s) wardrobes. By default, they suck a little, ok, a lot. Never have been that comfortable and maybe in the very near future they might genuinely be so, but until then, use our go-to guide to make them slightly less despicable.
Good ole Scotch Tape
Taping the third and fourth toes of each foot (counting from the big toe) helps to alleviate pressure on a particularly sensitive nerve that is found between these toes. Use nude color medical tape if you are wanting to try this strange look with sandals, otherwise, simple washi-tape or Scotch tape will work.
Maxi Pads
Believe it or not, maxi pads, the thickest, bounciest ones you can find; feel tons better than store-bought gel inserts with certain types of shoes. Booties in particular benefit from the extra padding. Apart from resting your foot on a soft and squishy bed, it has the added benefit of absorbing any foot sweat. Obviously not to be used with sandals or slides.
Strut
Wearing heels adjusts your gait and stance automatically- you’ll find your butt sticking out a bit more as your calf muscles are pulled taut, women tend to either hobble or take smaller steps in high heels. Practice adjusting your gait but take longer steps whilst swinging your hips- not unlike a model strutting down the catwalk- there’s a very good reason why models walk that way. You’re welcome.
Grit and Bear It
Sanding the surface of your new shoes might seem a tad aggressive, I mean, you bought those shoes because you really really like the shiny red bottoms right? We get it, but sanding the bottoms of slick soles gives you more traction on surfaces like tiles or granite and definitely takes slipping off the list of heel-hazards.
Elevate your Toes
Adding a piece of gel or felt metatarsal padding will take pressure of the balls of your feet somewhat. They may make your toes feel a bit squashed to the tops of your shoes, but will allow you spend more time standing in them- you can either DIY this or buy at a drugstore. Stuffing cotton balls under your toes will achieve the same effect.
Sandals
Where to start? Sandals are supposed to be the most comfortable option for everyone, but every now and again, a rather pretty pair will prove to have a vicious bite. Flip flops, in particular, can almost always be blamed for calluses and painful calves and crampy toes. FitMyFoot sandals are different in that they support your arch and prevent you from slapping your feet on the ground-which is the main contributor to sore calves- when walking, as most other flip flops do. The ergonomic strap slides comfortably between your toes and won’t chafe. Rule of thumb when buying sandals is to always remember it should support the back of your foot (unless of course, you really want a slide/push in), also, a good footbed goes a whole lot further in support than an insert ever will.
Guard those Toes
Silicone toe guard posts will be your NBF if you have sensitive skin between your toes that chafe easily. These can be found on Amazon or at the drugstore and are relatively cheap.
Skip the Slip
Pain and tension in calves and arches can also be caused by your foot slipping in a sandal that has no back strap, keep things slightly steadier by wearing grippy pad inserts on the insole. Gel inserts add a little more bounce to your step.
Strap Up
For straps that cause blisters and general unpleasantness, silicone straps, which look a lot like double sided tape are a blessing when the sensitive skin of your feet are yelling profanities at you. In a bind, double sided tape will work too but is a literal pain to pull off.
Protect the Pinky
This type of sandal is quite notorious for trying to force you to amputate your pinky toe- the overall structure of the sandal squeezes your toes to a point and the pinky comes off worse than the other toes. Save the pinky by either wrapping with medical tape or buying the super comfortable- albeit strange-looking- rubber toe caps. These are not suitable for styles that show off all your tootsies.
Make like a Dancer
Wedge sandals with broad straps can be helped along by wearing a ballet dancers ‘toekini’, an elasticated strap with holes for the toes have some padding right underneath the balls of the feet- the very same balls that take all the strain when you’re wearing wedges.
Get Soaked
For gladiators or similar strappy styles, you have an option of moulding them to fit- provided it is real leather and nothing glittery or embossed. Wear the shoes, adjust to optimal fit and then spray a good amount of warm water on the tops of your sandals until it is pretty soaked. Now leave it to dry naturally on your foot and treat it with a high-quality leather cream and sealer after this exercise.
Brogues/Derbys/Closed Flats
The most common complaint with this style of shoe is that the top that stretches over the arch of the foot can pinch- the best way to deal with tight shoes is to have them stretched professionally (you know, so you can blame someone else if it goes wrong!)
Freeze
The simplest method of stretching out your shoes at home is to fill two plastic bags with water halfway, pop these into your shoes where they need stretching and store it in the freezer. As the water freezes, it will expand and thereby stretch out the offending bits with it.
Layer Up
Sometimes a little extra goes a long way. If you find your feet fishtailing in your shoes even with an insert (Pro-tip: you need to get remeasured), try adding another, thinner insert on top of that, one with no pre-moulding.
Scratchy Eyelets
Sometimes, poor design means the eyelets of your shoe might be directly on your skin, easily smooth over the problem by sticking a strip of silicone that’s specific for sandal straps under the eyelet row.
Ballet Flats
This has to be the most common women’s footwear item ever made/sold/bought. Whilst they’ve saved many a party girl from ‘death by high heel-wearing’, they aren’t the best type of shoe to wear for a few reasons. There’s no arch support, it’s too flat, they often start smelling really foul if you wear them too often etc etc. However, we reckon they’re here to stay so let’s help you make the most of them.
Support Yourself
Since these shoes are usually completely flat and offer no arch support, invest in a really good customized insole, a full shoe or just the arch bit will do- especially if you find that your lower back is achy after a day spent in your flats.
Blister Buster
Wearing in a pair of ballet flats can be onerous and painful- the common pain points when wearing in a pair of these is usually the pinky toe area and the back of the foot. Protect both by using either thick plasters or medical tape in these areas. Prevent the dreaded pump-bump by always using a gel pad in the back of the shoe.
Scent Up
Rubbing the entire surface of your foot with drystick underarm deodorant will prevent your foot from slipping and chafing too much and can definitely help in reducing the blister factor.
Workboots/ Hiking Boots
How to make boots more comfortable? Many a brave human have succumbed to the feeling of throwing away these expensive but sometimes oh-so-necessary functional footwear. Buying a great quality brand cannot be overstressed… no matter how many good insoles you buy, how much leather conditioner you use, it’s still going to be a bad quality buy.
Sole Up
As with every other shoe, a good quality insole will literally add miles to your shoes. A customized one is the best choice
Fit Fit Fit
You’ll obviously be spending a lot of time standing and walking in these so make sure you buy a pair that fits well from the get-go. Buy your boots in the afternoon when your feet have swollen to its’ full size.
Sock It
Wearing thick socks or even double socks can provide extra comfort. Always wear contoured socks, the looser the sock, the more chafing and blistering possibilities there are
Running Shoes
According to most runners, it’s never about the distance or the speed of the run- it’s about how comfortable you make the run. We couldn’t agree more. Spend time in choosing the perfect running shoe and most importantly, change your running shoes as often as you need to. See our article choosing the right running shoes for sports where we discuss how it's essential to select the best shoes to prevent sports injuries while improving your overall performance.
No Shocks
Running is a high-impact sport and will take its toll on your joints- soften the blow by investing in shock absorbing running shoes and further padding it with a customized shock absorbing insole.
Arch Importance
If you’re happy with the fit and quality of your shoe, pay attention to how your arches feel after your run. If you’re feeling any tenderness there, use an arch support in the shoe.
Back It Up
Heel support is primary to not causing the dreaded Achilles running blisters- a good heel grip will provide extra comfort and prevent your foot from moving too much as you strike up and down and can prevent chafing.
Choosing shoes that fit well as well as using the right insoles helps improve your comfort. You can also have custom made insoles and sandals made for you without it being too expensive. We have a guide for how to ensure that you choose the right shoes that fit. Take a look at our men’s shoe size guide and women’s shoe size guide.
