Chafing from shoes? We have a way!

Why are my shoes chafing?

Usually, the problem of abrasions begins quite inconspicuously. The heel becomes slightly red and you experience slight discomfort while walking. With each subsequent step, the redness begins to turn into a wound, which not only looks unsightly, but also causes pain that makes it difficult to move further.

Wondering why your shoes are rubbing? This problem affects both women and men who wear ill-fitting footwear. This does not only apply to shoes that are too small, but also those that are too large. 

Another cause of chafing can be excessive sweating of the feet or the wrong length of the socks, which slide off during the day, creating additional opportunities for painful blisters.  

Interestingly, in some cases, abrasions may be caused by postural defects and other orthopedic problems. In such a situation, it is worth consulting this problem with a specialist who will implement appropriate treatment methods.

No matter what caused this problem, there is a solution to it. Read on to see how.

Better to prevent than to cure

According to the principle, prevention is better than cure, it is worth protecting yourself against abrasions in advance. You can do it while buying shoes. All you have to do is choose footwear made of high-quality materials, e.g. leather. Are you wondering what else you can do about blistering? Check out our list of the most effective ways!

First, choose the right size shoes

Be sure to pay special attention to the selection of the size. Both tight and loose shoes can cause wounds in the heel area. 

Second, don't wear new shoes for long walks

If you are dealing with a new addition, do not wear it immediately for long walks. Remember that new shoes are usually stiff and take time to adjust to the shape of your foot. Try to walk around your shoes at home, making sure you are comfortable as soon as you hit the road.

Third, provide a layer of protection to your heels

When you want to be extra sure that your new shoes will not rub your heels, make sure you take care of the protective layer. For example, you can invest in gel or silicone heels. It is a relatively inexpensive product that will significantly minimize the risk of blisters and abrasions. If you can't buy a heel counter, you can wear thick socks to prevent friction.

Special anti-chafing products are also available in drugstores and pharmacies. For this purpose, deodorants dedicated to people with the problem of excessive foot sweating are also perfect. An equally effective method is the use of children's talcum powder. These types of products will absorb moisture, thus reducing the risk of blistering.

Under no circumstances should you wear shoes on wet feet. This is a common problem especially in summer, when many people decide to put on flip-flops or flip-flops right after leaving the water. Before putting on your shoes, dry your feet thoroughly with a towel, also taking into account the space between the toes.

How to effectively stretch shoes?

In most cases, the solution to the problem of chafing shoes is stretching them. Separating the footwear will make the footwear more flexible and, as a result, will adapt to your feet, giving them the comfort they deserve.

If you are dealing with suede or leather shoes, you can use heat, which will affect the plasticity of the shoes. For this, you'll need a hair dryer and a pair of thick socks. Put your socks on first, then run the dryer on a relatively warm air, keeping it at a safe distance from the shoe. When the material heats up, it will become more flexible and more effectively adapt to the specifics of your feet. Then walk in the shoes until they are completely cool. Repeat this process until you are as comfortable as possible.

What to do when shoes get chafed?

Bearing in mind that the forewarned is always insured, when going for a long walk in new shoes, be sure to have plasters, disinfectant and, if possible, a spare pair of comfortable shoes. 

If you feel your shoes rubbing during the walk, be sure to stop, take them off and assess the situation. In some cases it will be necessary to disinfect the wound. If you need to keep moving, put on a plaster to keep the painful abrasions from getting worse. However, do not forget to take it off when you return home. This way, your skin will be able to breathe freely and the wound will heal much faster.

We are sure that our advice will help you deal with the problem of abrasive shoes and from now on, every walk will be pure pleasure for you.