I’m pretty sure many of us have experienced this at least once in our lifetime- We have a favorite pair of shoes, and as time passes, you realize that they don’t fit perfectly! Or, you might have accidentally bought a beautiful pair of shoes that are a tad bigger than expected, which you can’t return anymore. Either way, it’s a tragedy, and may have you tempted to just give the shoes away.
But don’t! Before chucking the shoes, there are ways on how to make big shoes fit. What should you do, though?
Read on as I show you how to make big shoes fit well again.
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How to Make Big Shoes Fit
Isn’t it fine to wear shoes that are a few centimeters bigger than my usual size? While you might feel okay during the first few uses, it’s definitely not recommended to live with oversized shoes in the long run, even if it’s just by a few centimeters.
Why?
When you wear big shoes that don’t fit you, or without other support, then you may end up having unstable footing. Furthermore, larger shoes would glop around, so it risks injuries, such as twisting your ankles or falling from imbalance. Plus, no one likes the discomfort and inconvenience of having shoes that are too big on their feet, as it tends to slip off upon lift-off.
You don’t need to purchase brand new shoes or spend hundreds of dollars on equipment to make your shoes smaller. Instead, you can try these simple and quick tips:
1. Wear Thicker Socks
This is the easiest method to follow! Simply “bulk up” and wear thicker socks, or even multiple socks, which can help make your loose pair of shoes fit better.
Rather than wearing skin-tight dress socks or tights, use passed crew socks, or use two to three pairs. The thicker the padding is, the tighter your feet sit in your shoes.
This method is best used when using athletic shoes or boots, BUT it may be uncomfortable when you live in hot weather, and/or if you tend to have sweaty feet.
2. Stuff the Toes
This is another cheap and quick solution you can try anytime and anywhere. You can use any kind of soft material in a pinch, such as cotton balls, toilet or tissue paper, or thin rags. Fill in space from the tips of your shoes, which is a good option when your feet are sliding from the fronts while waking.
I recommend this method when wearing boots, flats, or close-toed heels. However, this is not for athletic shoes or long walks when you’re active or exercising. The filler material may begin to get wet from sweat and feel uncomfortable from the heavy use.
3. Use Insoles
Insoles are soft pads that are made of a foam or gel material. These sit under the feet of your shoes to provide more cushioning and support.
While insoles are made to help with discomfort and posture problems, they are also useful in taking up that extra space from your loose shoes. You can find insoles at a cheaper price in shoe stores.
This method is best for most shoes, even for open-toed shoes or heels. It’s best to test insoles before purchasing them to make sure that they are comfortable when wearing them. Plus, they should be made of high-quality material for them to last long, as well as be in the right size for further comfort and easy placement in your shoes.
4. Use Heel Strips
This is another partial padding option like the ball of footpads. Heel strips or heel grips are adhesive pads that are used to pad shoes that have uncomfortable or pinching heels. Because they have a strip-like design, you can place them anywhere around the shoes to take up extra space. This is optional for the odd pair of shoes if nothing else works.
I recommend trying heel strips for most shoes, particularly tight pairs of heels. However, it’s best to try them on before wearing them for long periods, as some people report blisters when using them.
5. Use Ball of Foot Pads
Do you feel awkward or uncomfortable while wearing full insoles? There are smaller cushioning devices like a ball of foot pads, which are sold in shoe stores as well. These devices would sit under the balls of your feet, being discreet and hard to see.
Ball of feet pads gives friction and a bit of support, which is best suited for flats or heels that are a TAD bigger but uncomfortable when wearing a full insole. You can find many colors to choose from, so select one that compliments your shoe for design or to make it less noticeable.
Wrapping It Up
I know how frustrating it is trying to get your shoes to fit after you find out they’re too big for your feet. With the right tips and advice, your shoes can fit snugly so you won’t have to worry about getting improper support. Not only will you feel better, but you save more in the long run compared to having to purchase new shoes your size.
The method you use depends on the type of shoes you wear, as well as what is most comfortable based on your preferences. Do you want to learn more about wearing the proper-sized shoes? This informative video can show you more:
I hope that these tips on how to make big shoes fit will help you ensure that your shoes feel comfortable as it supports your feet. If your shoes are feeling a bit bigger than usual, try these tips and see what works for you.
Do you have any questions or want to share your tips and experiences on how to make big shoes fit? Share them in the comments section below, all your thoughts are much appreciated!
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