Shoe abrasions? We have a solution!

Why do my shoes rub?

Usually, the problem of chafing begins quite inconspicuously. The heel becomes slightly red and you feel slight discomfort when walking. With each subsequent step, the redness begins to turn into a wound that not only looks unsightly, but above all causes pain that makes further movement difficult.

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

Another cause of chafing may be excessive foot sweating or the incorrect length of socks, which slip off during the day, creating additional opportunities for painful blisters to form.  

Interestingly, in some cases, abrasions may be caused by posture 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 causes this problem, it can be remedied. Read on to find out how.

Prevention is better than cure

According to the principle, prevention is better than cure, it is worth protecting yourself against abrasions in advance. You can do this while purchasing the shoes. All you need to do is choose footwear made of high-quality materials, e.g. leather. Are you wondering how else you can prevent blisters? Check out our list of the most effective methods!

First, choose shoes in the right size

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

Secondly, do not wear new shoes for long walks

If you are dealing with a new purchase, do not immediately wear it for long walks. Remember that new shoes are usually stiff and take time to adapt to the shape of your foot. Try to break in your shoes at home, making sure you feel comfortable once you hit the road.

Third, provide a layer of protection for your heels

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

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

Under no circumstances should you put 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 getting out of the water. Before putting on your shoes, dry your feet thoroughly with a towel, including between the toes.

How to stretch your shoes effectively?

In most cases, the solution to rubbing shoes is to stretch them. Breaking in the shoes will make the shoes more flexible and, as a result, they will adapt to your feet, providing them with the comfort they deserve.

If you are dealing with suede or leather shoes, you can use heat to influence the plasticity of the shoes. For this purpose, you will need a hairdryer and a pair of thick socks. First, put on your socks and then run the dryer on a relatively warm setting, keeping it at a safe distance from the shoe. When the material heats up, it will become more flexible and adapt more effectively to the specific characteristics of your feet. Then walk in the shoes until they cool down completely. Repeat this process until you achieve maximum comfort.

What to do when your shoes get dirty?

Bearing in mind that caution is always safe, when going for a longer walk in new shoes, be sure to have plasters, disinfectant, and, if possible, also a spare pair of comfortable shoes. 

If you feel your shoes are rubbing while walking, be sure to stop, take them off and assess the situation. In some cases, it will be necessary to disinfect the wound. If you must continue moving, apply a plaster to prevent the painful abrasion from getting worse. But don't forget to take it off when you get home. This way, your skin will be able to breathe freely and the wound will heal much faster.

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