A new pair of shoes can make you more stylish and let you reach a higher confidence level. But many of us feel irritated while wearing a new pair of shoes instead of comfort, because of the rubbing, digging, or pain in the back of the heel. It creates friction when your shoes rub the back of your heel, and the result is pain and injury. Sometimes infection occurs and develops bony bumps at the back of heels. The worst thing happens when your shoes hurt your feet and even ruin your whole day. That stylish new pair of shoes can turn into the most irritating piece, or you can say the worst nightmare. Figuring out how to stop shoes rubbing the back of your heel is difficult. But we will find out some better ways here.
To prevent painful rubbing and get rid of this situation, you can follow some steps. Read on this article to know how to stop rubbing the back of your heel.
Why do Your Shoes Rub the Back of Your Heel?
Buying a new pair of shoes is mind refreshing, but sometimes, it can be more painful especially, when you choose the wrong size. Incorrect shoe size is the main reason behind rubbing. Both the lack of grip and lack of space can hurt your feet badly. As your feet are filled with many nervous vassals, coming in contact with a rough surface can occur in painful situations. Sometimes blisters can cause severe complications like infection, and it is more dangerous for diabetic patients. People suffer a lot who tend to stand for a long period such as nurses, doctors, salesmen, and electricians who
Sometimes your shoes need more time to be flexible and soften. But many of us don’t provide enough time to wear shoes. This is another reason for rubbing or other pain. First, you should find the reason for discomfort or rub at the back. Then take some remedies against it.
What Happens if Your Shoes Rub the Back of Your Heel?
Rubbing at the back of shoes is totally annoying but you will find something serious. Some common symptoms usually occur due to rubbing the back of your heel.
Blister
A blister is a tiny bump that can be raised under the skin. This painful condition irritates the area, and you will feel friction. Try to avoid blisters, apply some home remedies otherwise you will suffer a lot.
Achilles Tendonitis
Overusing muscle and tissue can occur in Achilles tendonitis. Rubbing at the back of the heel can worsen the situation more. If you are a sufferer, then try to use a good insole. A comfortable pair of shoes can alleviate this type of pain or discomfort.
Infection
A blister is not an obligatory part anymore. Sometimes untreated blisters or bumps can occur infection. You should pay attention if you notice any irritation or small bump. A blister can spread and create a fungal infection which is threatening.
How To Stop Rubbing the Back?
To recover the most painful areas of feet we always look for new ideas. There are some varieties of ways to stop a painful blister or rubbing the back of your heel.
Get the perfect size
Commonly, there is a subtle difference in size between our two legs. Most people don’t know that their foot is slightly larger or smaller than another. Here is a strategy you should take before buying your shoes. Experts suggest buying following the larger foot size. Since manufacturers provide the same sized pair, it is safe for you to order measuring your larger feet size. Choosing the right size is a common solution for the rubbing issue. Pay attention to your feet’ measurement properly and order according to the accurate size. Otherwise, the wrong size shoes mean a waste of money. Too big and too small both incorrect sizes are likely to rub. Check out the sizing guide to avoid any trouble.
Wear thicker cotton socks
Rubbing can be caused when socks don’t have enough cushion. Some fashionable socks look great, but they are not comfortable. They truly can’t protect your feet with a cushion. Check materials that draw moisture away such as wool and cotton. A good amount of cushioning can help alleviate pain and also save from the rubbing. In winter, you can wear thick wool or double socks for comfort.
Shoe materials
Some materials are more likely to cause discomfort and pain. Make sure your shoes are made from good materials and well-constructed. Suede is made from animal skin which is one kind of leather. Usually, leather is hard and inflexible. Proper cleaning can ensure softer and flexible wear. Rubber has a huge tendency to rub. The materials should be breathable and waterproof.
Consider stretching
You can stretch your shoes from a local shoe repair store because they use professional equipment to stretch. Some sprays help to stretch shoes. The method of stretching is simple and effective. Take the help of a hairdryer and apply it and repeat the heat process until it gets rid of rubbing. Some rubbing alcohol increases the size of shoes and allows you to feel comfortable.
Avoid Rough Edges
The seams of materials can be rough, and sometimes the stitching can come out. These rough edges can be a matter of digging and rubbing. If you notice this type of edge, try to fix shoes otherwise use a bandage, tape, or cotton at the back of the heel.
Some Moleskin
With the help of moleskin, the shoes won’t hurt anymore. It is a specially made cotton fabric with adhesive applied to fit your shoes and make them comfortable. Just put the piece of moleskin in your feet where you feel pain or discomfort. It will help to fill the gap and the soft part lets your skin relax. The adhesive lets the moleskin stick to your skin and the outer cotton part creates softness between your shoe and skin. You can cut the moleskin by scissors into a specific shape to fit the area wherever you want.
Using Tape or Cotton wool
Using tape cannot fix the rubbing problem, but ensures comfort while walking. Before wearing shoes just use tape inside the collar. Put cotton wool at the back of your shoes, they are thick, effective, and comfortable so that you can save from any blister.
Reducing the Moisture
Wet feet increase the risk of any type of infection. Moisture is one of the main reasons behind formulating harmful blisters. Wet skin is more likely to rub. To reduce any friction, apply talcum powder to keep the area dry. Better find the breathable materials both in shoes and socks.
Switch to another shoe
Sometimes your shoes need a longer time to break. You may use alternate shoes from your collection and allow some time to soften. Don’t use them until they are comfortable and no longer fear rubbing or any type of blister. It is far better to wear old shoes rather than to feel uncomfortable throughout your busy working days. Leather shoes take up to a few weeks for breaking.
What Type of Shoes Should You Buy?
Space and room: You need more room and space inside because stiff and unbreathable shoes can lead to many foot problems along with rubbing. There should be half an inch room ahead of your toe. More spacious shoes allow you to move or walk freely. But too large-sized shoes are more likely to rub at the back.
Great fit: Make sure your shoes are fit enough. The perfect size, well fitted, and well-designed shoes are peaceful. Definitely, the wrong size or incorrect fitting not only leads to rubbing but also serious injury. Avoid shoes that are too snug, because slightly small shoes are the main source of rubbing.
Good insole: A good insole is a common and popular solution for people who face problems from standing for a longer duration. This insole actually works as an extra soft layer that lifts your feet higher and reduces the friction between heel and shoes. That also solves the rubbing problem by placing it inside. When it elevates the foot a bit then the heel can get a base by a cup. There are many brands that are providing better insoles, check any of them before buying.
Check the lining of your shoes: You must check the lining of your shoes. Softer and seamless lining are the best solutions to avoid rubbing. Take a test before buying shoes. Avoid rough edges, or hard lining even if the shoes are attractive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to prevent heel blisters?
The good thing is blisters can be prevented in a short period. To stop them, take some actions immediately otherwise there is a high chance of getting infected. Use a soft bandage or cotton pad for security. Apply powder or petroleum jelly to reduce friction or skin irritation. To stop skin irritation, apply some ice to how you will get sudden relief.
How to soften your shoes at the back?
You can use some kitchen items such as castor oil, kerosene, vinegar, alcohol, etc. Those are simple methods to soften the back. If you use leather then those simple methods are great to soften the leather materials. Blow-dry is a pretty simple and effective way of softening your shoes.
How to break new shoes?
It is a good idea to wear your shoes a few times at home before you go for a long walk. Most shoes need gentle breaking to increase flexibility. Try some materials to soften to adjust your shoes. The breaking of the time of shoes depends on the construction and materials of the shoes. Also, heating is effective because heat allows shoes malleable.
Final Words
Many of us stand long hours constantly, and your nice pair of new shoes torture you like a hammer. Maybe you have searched many ideas and ways before and till you are looking for how to stop shoes rubbing the back of your heel. We hope that you have got something new.
Hopefully, you enjoyed this guide about stopping rubbing at the back of your heel. Anyway, learn those quick tricks so that you can prevent your shoes from rubbing and say goodbye to blister, friction, and other foot issues.