How to prevent shoes from rubbing your feet? Check out our methods

Why do shoes rub?

There are at least several reasons for painful abrasions on the feet. The most common is, of course, the fact that the shoes are new, so they have not yet had time to adapt to the shape of your feet. However, this is not the only reason. Why do shoes rub?

• The shoes are ill-fitting. It is worth emphasizing that both too small and too large shoes can rub your feet. We usually blame too tight shoes for causing annoying abrasions on the heels, ankles or toes. This is of course true, but an equally common problem is shoes that are too loose and lack stable support for the foot. This may result in abrasions, but also in a more serious injury. In turn, too tight shoes, in addition to abrasions and painful blisters, contribute to increased foot sweating, deformation or damage to the nail plate. Do not underestimate the problem and always choose your shoe size carefully, because it turns out that a worn heel, although painful, is one of the minor problems. 

• Poor quality material. The problem of worn heels most often occurs in the case of shoes made of lower quality raw materials, e.g. ecological leather. The decisive feature in this case is the significantly lower price, so you can afford several pairs instead of one made of natural leather. On the other hand, shoes made of natural leather are much more expensive, but they are more breathable and plastic, thanks to which the foot does not sweat and the shoe itself adapts to its shape more quickly. People who have sensitive feet, prone to blisters, abrasions and severe pain, should especially pay attention to this issue.

Abrasions on the feet, although they start quite innocently, can result in serious problems, and in extreme cases - inflamed infection, requiring medical intervention. Do not underestimate the problem and act before inconspicuous heel redness ends in painful, bursting blisters and bleeding wounds.

What to do to prevent your shoes from rubbing?

Chafing on the heels is an unpleasant and often painful problem. Learn some proven ways to deal with chafing shoes and wear them with joy!

• Try to stretch your shoes gently. A slightly damp, thick sock will work well. A walk of a dozen or so minutes should solve the problem of too tight shoes. If necessary, you can repeat the action for several days. Also check out our article in which we propose other solutions to help you break down shoes that are too small. 

• Coat your shoes with a greasy cream. The cosmetic will soften the material, so it will not irritate the skin on your feet. Additionally, the cream provides slippage, which allows the foot to move more freely inside the shoe. This method will also work great with sandals. 

• Talcum powder or baby powder. The product will effectively minimize excessive foot sweating, which is a common cause of subsequent abrasions or sores. Talc will absorb moisture, thus reducing the risk of damage to the epidermis. 

• Gel inserts. It is best to put them in your shoes immediately after purchase to prevent the problem from occurring. Gel inserts available in shoe stores are an excellent method for abrasive shoes because they minimize the slipping of the foot inside the shoe, protecting the heel and metatarsus. They will also work well with sandals, high heels and wedge models. 

• Shoe heels. You can buy them in shoe stores, and properly gluing the product inside the shoes guarantees effective protection against abrasions.

• Use the help of a shoemaker. A good way is to take the problematic pair of shoes to a shoemaker who will use professional tools to remove the cause of the skin abrasions.

Proper preparation of new shoes is crucial, so it is worth taking care of this issue before wearing them for the first time. However, if redness or abrasions have occurred and prevent comfortable walking, proper foot care will be necessary to reduce the annoying pain. A hot bath will bring relief to your feet and will soothe the ailments. Also remember to protect the skin from further aggravation of the problem - use protective plasters, change shoes to a different model and leave the wound without a dressing as often as possible, which will speed up healing.