Imagine you've just come home from the mall, and can't wait to try on your new pair of shoes, which you are very proud of. You wear them, but you soon find horrified that your feet barely touch the toes. Did something like this happen to you recently? If so, don't despair! Before returning them, you can try a variety of home remedies to fix oversized shoes.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Easy Methods
Step 1. Put on thicker socks (or multiple pairs)
The easiest way to get a better fit on a wide pair of shoes is to "enlarge" your feet with thick layers of socks. For example, you could try replacing a thin, tight pair of socks or tights with a pad made of terry cloth socks. You can also wear 2-3 pairs of light socks and layer them up. The thicker the padding, the better the feet will fit the shoes.
- Ideal method for: sports shoes and boots.
- Remarks: This can be an uncomfortable method in hot weather, especially if your feet tend to sweat.
Step 2. Find some fillers for the tip part
Without going overboard, you can use an inexpensive material (such as tissue paper, toilet paper, or even thin bits of fabric piled up) to fill the space in the toe area. If you feel your feet sliding towards the front of the shoes as you walk, this is a great choice. Plus you can use this method pretty much anywhere.
- Ideal method for: ballet flats, boots, heels closed on the front.
- Remarks: it is not a particularly good choice for sports or long walks. The filler material can become dirty and uncomfortable due to overuse.
Step 3. Use an insole
The insole is a soft cushion (usually of a foam or gel material) that is inserted at the base of the shoe, under the foot, to provide cushioning and support. Insoles often serve to help those with posture problems or uncomfortable shoes, but they are also useful for taking up more space in shoes that are too loose. They are available at a fairly reasonable cost in most shoe stores.
- Ideal method for: most shoes (including high-heeled, open-front shoes).
- Remarks: If you can, try on the insoles before you buy them to make sure they are comfortable. Well-known brands, such as Dr. Scholl, offer comfortable and durable insoles, but any quality brand should do. The most expensive insoles have prices that can be around 50 euros, but offer unparalleled comfort and support.
Step 4. Use forefoot pads
Sometimes putting full insoles into a pair of shoes can make them uncomfortable, or they can cause an odd gait. Fortunately, smaller pads are sold in addition to the insoles. For shoes that are too large, a pad will be useful to place directly under the forefoot (the part adjacent to the toes). It is discreet and practically invisible. Plus, it provides friction and space-saving support, so it's perfect for slightly large heeled shoes that feel uncomfortable when you put on a full insole.
- Ideal method for: heels, ballet flats.
- RemarksThere is often a large assortment of colors available so you can try to choose one of a shade that fits your shoe if you wish.
Step 5. Use heel stripe pads
In addition to full and forefoot insoles, there are other types of partial and thin pads, designed to improve the friction of the heels. They are adhesive and are often used to create support in shoes that have an uncomfortable and annoying heel. However, the shape itself suggests that, in theory, they can be placed anywhere in the shoe to take up extra space. They are perfect when all other solutions don't seem to work for a certain pair of shoes.
- Ideal method for: most shoes, especially those with heels.
- Remarks: Try them before using them, and remember that some people have experienced blisters after using them.
Part 2 of 3: More Complex Methods
Step 1. Try shrinking your shoes with water
For some shoes it would be better to consider making them smaller by wetting them and then letting them air dry. If done correctly, this method can give you great results, but it is important to note that, even in a minimal way, it carries the risk of damage to the footwear. So before you begin, always check the label on the inside of your shoes, which features care instructions. Here's how to proceed:
- First, get your shoes wet. If it's leather or suede footwear, use a spray bottle. If the shoes are casual or sporty, immerse them in water.
- Let the shoes dry in the sun. If the weather is not sunny, use a hair dryer set on the lowest temperature. Be careful not to get too close to the shoes. Some fabrics, such as polyester, may burn and / or melt.
- Once the shoes have dried, put them on. If they are still too large, you may need to repeat this process several times. Are you worried that they will get too small? Let them dry while you have them on your feet, so that they take on the right shape as they shrink.
- After drying, apply a special conditioner to suede or leather shoes. Usually the kits to do this are available in shoe stores and hypermarkets.
Step 2. Use an elastic band to tighten the shoes
If you have some sewing experience, this method is useful. Sewing elastic bands in shoes causes the material to collect on itself, thus making them tighter. All you need is a small elastic shoe band, a needle and some thread. If possible, use fairly strong bands.
- Stretch the elastic band along the inside back of the shoe. A good place to do this is in the inner heel area, but the method will work on any large area.
- Sew the band to secure, keeping the elastic taut as you go. Safety pins will help you with this.
- Release the band. At this point the elastic band will pull the shoe material. This should get you a tighter fit.
- If necessary, you can use this method in combination with water or a pad.
Step 3. Go to a cobbler or other specialist
If nothing works, you can always consult an expert. It was once quite common to turn to shoemakers, but nowadays this profession has become quite rare. However, it is still possible to find one, or you can go to a specialized shop. Do an internet search. Use Google Maps or a simple search engine to get a list of results in your city.
- Ideal method for: high quality, expensive or family heirloom shoes.
- RemarksShoemaker services are often expensive, so try to reserve them for shoes that are really worth it. From such an expert you can bring the most beautiful footwear you have, so it is not a method suitable for tennis shoes.
Part 3 of 3: Factors to Remember
Step 1. Try to maintain good posture when wearing large shoes
Keep in mind that whatever changes you make on the inside of a shoe, the outside dimensions will remain roughly the same. Unfortunately, this can sometimes cause problems with posture or gait. When you wear a pair of shoes that are too large, it is important to maintain good posture to compensate for the consequent "enlargement" of the feet. Read this article to find helpful tips on this. Here are a few general ones to keep in mind:
- Stand straight. Keep your head up and your chest straight, facing forward. Push your shoulders back slightly to align your arms.
- Walk with a movement that brings you to place your heel first and then your toes. Take each step with your heel in front of you, then place your arch, forefoot, and toes on. Finally, lift your foot off the ground.
- Try to squeeze your abs and buttocks slightly as you walk. These supporting muscles can help you keep your back straight and well supported.
Step 2. Be careful not to trip
Shoes that are too large are usually slightly longer than what you usually wear. This means that it is especially important to get your feet off the ground well while walking. If you let them drag on, it's easy to lose control of the spikes, which can lead to you stumbling or stumbling, so keep this common problem in mind.
Step 3. If you have to walk for a long time, do not wear shoes that are unsuitable for your foot
Whichever solution you have chosen to remedy shoes that are too large, it is almost impossible to have the same support as a bespoke shoe. Try not to wear them for long walks, such as trips and hikes. Your feet will save you discomfort like blisters, cuts and sore spots caused by large shoes slipping away as you walk.
Most importantly, you will also reduce the chances of injury. Ankle injuries (such as sprains and sprains) are more likely with shoes that are too large. This is especially true when you play sports
Step 4. Replace shoes that are considerably larger than your usual shoes
It will seem obvious, but it is always better to remember: the tricks described in this article are valid up to a certain point. If the shoes are 1-2 sizes larger than what you normally wear, there is no cushion to hold. Don't risk pain and injury just to bring a new pair of shoes. In these cases it would be better to replace them with shoes that fit you better. Even an older, worn pair is usually preferable to one that is definitely too loose.
Advice
- Don't forget to tighten the ankle strap tightly. Some shoes (usually sandals and high-heeled ones, but sometimes sneakers too) are designed to be manually tightened with a series of adjustable straps.
- Always try on a new pair of shoes before purchasing to see if they fit you. Prevention is better than cure: it is always better to discover that footwear does not fit you in the store than at home.
