Imagine this, you just got back from the shopping center and can't wait to try on a new pair of really cool shoes. You put them on and are surprised to find they are too loose. Has something like this happened to you recently? If so, don't despair! There are all kinds of tricks you can do at home to fix a pair of shoes that are too big before you have to return them to the store.
Step
Method 1 of 3: The Easier Way
Step 1. Put on a thicker pair of socks (or several pairs of socks)
Perhaps the easiest way you can make a loose pair of shoes fit better is to "inflate" your feet with a thicker layer of socks. For example, you can try replacing a pair of formal socks or tight stockings with a thick pair of crew socks. You can even wear two or three pairs of socks on top of each other - the thicker the wedge, the better your foot will fit in the shoe.
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Most suitable for:
Sports shoes, boots.
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Notes:
This tip can be an uncomfortable option in hot weather, especially if your feet tend to sweat.
Step 2. Block the toes of your shoes
In times of urgency, you can use inexpensive, clenched materials (like tissue paper, toilet paper, or even light washcloths) to fill the space in the toes of your shoes. This tip is a great option if you find your feet often slide from the front to the back of your shoes when you walk - what's more, squeezing your shoes is something you can do almost anywhere.
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Most suitable for:
Flat-soled shoes, boots, high heels with closed toes.
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Notes:
not a very good choice for situations involving sporting activities or for long walks - the "drag" material can become repulsive and uncomfortable with prolonged use.
Step 3. Use an insole
An insole is a soft cushion (usually made of foam or gel material) that is placed under the foot inside your shoe to provide cushioning and support for the foot. Insoles are often used to help people with posture problems or discomfort, but they are also useful for filling excess space in shoes that are too loose. Insoles can be purchased at a fairly affordable price at most places that also sell shoes.
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Suitable for:
Almost any type of shoe (including heels and open-toed shoes).
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Notes:
If allowed, try wearing each insole before buying it to make sure it's comfortable to wear. Insoles from well-known brands such as Dr. School and Foot Petals offer comfortable and durable insoles, but quality insoles from any brand can work just as well. High-end insoles can cost $50 or more but provide high-quality comfort and support.
Step 4. Use the pads for the bases of the toes on the soles of the feet
Sometimes, adding a "full" insole to a pair of shoes makes them feel uncomfortable or awkward to wear. Fortunately, smaller wedges are usually sold with the insole. One useful tool for oversized shoes is a partial pad that sits just below the base of your toe on the sole of your foot (the part just before your toes start). These discrete separate cushions provide friction and a thin layer of support, making them perfect for high heels that are just a little too bulky and become uncomfortable when using the full insole.
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Most suitable for:
High heels, flat-soled shoes.
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Notes:
This kit usually comes in a variety of colors so you can try choosing a toe pad in a color that supports your shoe if you prefer.
Step 5. Use heel strips
Another "partial" cushioning option that aligns with the insole and base of the toe cushion is a thin strip wedge sometimes called a "heel strip" or "heel grip." As the name suggests, these self-adhesive pads are often used to cushion uncomfortable and painful high heels. However, its strip-like design allows you to fit it almost anywhere in the shoe to fill any excess space - perfect for a pair of shoes that don't fit into anything.
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Most suitable for:
Most shoes, especially high heels.
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Notes:
Try this tool first before using it and be aware that some users report blistering skin after using these "heel strips".
Method 2 of 3: The More Complicated Method
Step 1. Try shrinking the shoe with water
For some shoes, you may want to consider actually making them smaller by wetting them and letting them air dry. This step can give great results if done correctly, but it's important to remember that it also carries a small risk of damaging your shoes. Therefore, always check the care label inside the shoe before starting.
- First wet your shoes. For leather or suede shoes, use a spray bottle. For casual or sports shoes, soak the shoes in water.
- Let the shoes dry in the sun. If the weather is cloudy, use a hairdryer on a low or low heat setting. Be careful not to hold the hairdryer too close to your shoes - some materials, such as polyester, are very susceptible to burning and/or melting.
- Try wearing your shoes when they are dry. You may have to repeat this process a few times if the shoe is still too big. If you're worried that your shoes are too narrow, allow them to dry while you wear them so they will conform to the shape of your foot as it shrinks.
- Treat shoes from smooth suede or leather after they dry. Shoe care kits are usually sold in shoe stores and sometimes in drugstores.
Step 2. Use an elastic band to tighten the shoe
This trick is especially useful if you are experienced in sewing. Sewing the elastic into the inside of the shoe will pull the material together, making it even tighter. All you need is one short elastic for each shoe, a needle and thread. Use a fairly strong rubber if possible.
- Spread the elastic along the back of the shoe. A good point to place the rubber is on the inside of the heel, but it can also be attached anywhere it's loose.
- Sew the rubber in place, keeping it taut as you sew. Safety pins can help you at this stage.
- Remove the rubber. When you take it off, the rubber band will pull the material out of your shoe. This will make the shoe size smaller.
- You can use this method in conjunction with the water shrink method or one of the tricks above if needed.
Step 3. Go to a professional shoe repair or shoe repairman
If all of the above fail, you can always see a professional. Cobblers (people who specialize in working on shoes) used to be quite common, but now they are quite rare. Even so, the internet can help you find shoe craftsmen more easily. For example, a search on Google Maps or Yelp will usually return at least a few results regarding cobblers in major cities.
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Suitable for:
Expensive high quality shoes, precious heritage shoes.
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Notes:
Cobbler services are usually expensive, so try to use their services only for really valuable shoes. Your best party shoes are a great choice to take to a cobbler. While the tennis shoes that you wear everyday do not need to be taken to a cobbler.
Method 3 of 3: Things to Remember
Step 1. Try to maintain your posture when wearing big shoes
Remember that, no matter what you do on the inside, your shoes will still be roughly the same size on the outside. Unfortunately, this can sometimes cause problems with posture and gait. When you wear shoes that are too big, it's important that you maintain good posture to compensate for your "bigger" feet. Read our article on posture for some useful tips and hints. Some general points about maintaining posture include:
- Stand up straight. Keep your head and chest up and out. Pull your shoulders back slightly to straighten your arms.
- Use a heel-to-toe walking motion. Begin each step by placing one heel in front of you, then rolling through the curve of your foot, the base of your toes and your toes. Finally, push your feet up!
- Try to slightly squeeze your stomach and butt muscles as you walk. These supporting muscles help keep your spine straight and well supported.
Step 2. Be careful not to trip over your own toes
Shoes that are too big are usually a little longer than the size of the shoes you are used to. This means that it becomes even more important that you lift your feet off the ground as you walk. If you let your feet drag, the toes of the shoes will be very easy to hit something on the ground. This can result in tripping or falling, so be careful with this common problem.
Step 3. Don't wear shoes that don't fit well for long periods of walking
No matter what solution you use to outsmart a shoe that's too big, almost nothing provides the support that a shoe that fits snugly. Try to avoid wearing shoes that are too big for long trips such as day trips or hiking. You will protect your feet from the discomfort caused by skin blisters, cuts and abrasions caused by oversized shoes sliding around as you walk.
More importantly, you will also reduce the chance of injury. Ankle injuries (such as sprains and sprains) are more common when wearing shoes that are too big. This is especially true in sporting situations
Step 4. Change to shoes that are much larger than your usual size
This may be obvious, but keep in mind that: the tricks above have limits in how they can help you. If your shoes are a size or two larger than your normal size, even squeezing them a few times won't help. Don't sacrifice pain and injury just to put on a new pair of shoes. In cases like these, you'll need to replace them with shoes that fit better - even old, worn-out shoes are usually better than new shoes that are much too bulky.
Tips
- Don't forget to look for sizing straps on the heels and ankles. Some shoes (usually in sandals and high heels, but sometimes sneakers too) are meant to be manually fastened with a pair of adjustable straps.
- Always try on new shoes before buying them to see if they will suit you. Prevention is better than cure here - it's always better to know that your shoes won't fit in the shoe store than when you get home!
