How many of us have shoes in our wardrobe that we would love to wear, but simply don’t (or can’t) , as they are too uncomfortable?
The vast percentage of us have bought a pair of shoes, worn them once and then banished them to the back of the wardrobe for fear of being in pain again, or sustaining rubbing, pain and blisters.
We’ve all fallen foul of a lovely pair of shoes which we probably should have broken in before we wore them for a sustained period. However, footwear shouldn’t hurt — period — even in the name of fashion.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do to address the problem. Read on for helpful hacks and tips on how to make shoes more comfortable.
1. MAKE SURE YOU’RE WEARING THE RIGHT SIZE AND WIDTH
The best way to ensure your shoes feel good on your feet is to get the proper size and width. You may think you know your size, but research indicates that more than half of adults wear shoes in either the wrong length or width.
It’s worth measuring your feet to determine your correct size. Even if you’ve done this in the past, you may want to check again, as feet can expand over the years for various reasons.
You can have your feet measured professionally, but see below for our size chart, which may help.
At Vionic, we understand the importance of finding the right fit, which is why we offer a wide selection of wide shoes for women.
2. WEAR MOISTURE-WICKING SOCKS
Cotton and wool socks absorb sweat and moisture, so they tend to stay damp inside your shoes. Moisture-wicking socks can make a big difference.
Moisture-wicking socks, on the other hand, are made of synthetic materials, which help transfer wetness to the outer layers. Some pairs are even treated to fight odour-causing bacteria.
3. TRY DEODORANT
Another thing you can try is deodorant—yes, on your feet. Antiperspirants block sweat ducts, soak up moisture and, of course, reduce body odours. Applying underarm deodorant to your feet can prevent slippage and chafing, which ultimately helps you avoid blisters and other uncomfortable conditions.
Powdered formulas tend to be more effective than gel deodorants. Talcum powder can also work. Dust it around the entire surface of your foot before slipping into your shoes to absorb moisture and minimise rubbing.
4. BE MINDFUL ABOUT BREAKING NEW SHOES IN
While you might be tempted to wear your new shoes to the office, on a night out or on holiday, right off the bat, we recommend wearing them for only a few hours the first time you do so.
When you buy new shoes, take your time breaking them in. This even includes the comfortable podiatrist-designed orthotic footwear like Vionic. We provide advice on breaking in a new pair of shoes in the description of every pair of shoes on our website, to help avoid any issues.
If you bought wedding shoes or a pair for another special occasion and want them to be fresh for the event, try wearing them around your home to break them in. If you’re wondering how to break in shoes quickly, a pair of thick socks can help move things along.
Wearing stiff or tight shoes to work? Pack an additional pair to change into halfway through to avoid sore feet at the end of the day.
5. CONSIDER SHOE STRETCHERS
Shoe stretchers can also work for breaking in footwear. If your new shoes feel a little tight, these handy gadgets will help expand the material. Bear in mind that shoes are best broken in by the natural shape of your foot, though this solution can give you a head start.
6. BREAK THEM IN WITH A BLOW DRYER
One of the fastest ways to break in new leather shoes or boots is with a blow dryer. Just slip them on and turn on the hairdryer, holding it 8 to 10 inches away from the material. Point the hot air in the direction of your shoes, focusing on areas that feel particularly tight, stiff or uncomfortable.
Blast your shoes for a few minutes each. Then walk around your home and wear them standing up for a little while. The idea is that the heat softens the leather, allowing it to conform to the shape of your feet in very little time.
The blow-dry method works on full-grain leather, suede and patent leather shoes. It can make your shoes more comfortable the first time you wear them out and about, and it’s super convenient when you’re in a pinch.
But please make sure you don’t try it on synthetic materials or fabrics, as this may cause damage.
7. TAPE YOUR TOES
If you want to know how to make shoes more comfortable for standing, try taping your toes. This might sound strange but bear with us. High heels and heeled boots for women can put pressure on the ball of your foot.
There are a ton of nerves connected to the ball of your foot and they can become inflamed when standing and walking around in certain types of footwear.
Much of this irritation crops up between your second and third toes. Taping them together can be helpful in alleviating some of the tension. Almost any type of tape can work, but masking tape or athletic tape are your best bets.
8. GET ORTHOTIC INSERTS
Footbeds have a lot to do with your overall comfort when standing, walking around, and exercising. Closed-toe shoes typically have removable insoles. If yours are notably flimsy, flat or just plain uncomfortable, you should definitely look into getting orthotic shoe inserts.
You can get custom orthotics from a podiatrist, but they’re also available over the counter, like the options we carry at Vionic. Our insoles can be placed in virtually any shoe—pumps, dress shoes, sneakers, flat shoes, boots, you name it—and have the same comfort-focused technology as our orthotic footwear.
Vionic’s Active Series insoles are designed to support your stride in trainers, walking or running shoes. Our Relief Series is engineered to alleviate discomfort in casual, professional, and fancy footwear.
We carry full-length orthotics and ¾-length options for men and women. No matter which shoe insoles you choose, your feet will be supported, cushioned, and ready to take on what’s ahead.
9. TRY HEEL GRIPS
Heel grips are a type of shoe insert, but instead of going in the footbeds, they stick into the back of the heel (where your Achilles tendon meets the material). They’re often made of moleskin, gel or another type of thin cushioning. If you’re wondering how to make shoes not hurt the heels of your feet, heel grips are a great solution.
Some shoes are designed with cushioned heels, but many leave your feet hanging, which can cause discomfort, blisters, calluses, and heel pain. The right pair of heel grips can make a world of difference.
10. INVEST IN PROPER FOOTWEAR
There are many ways to make shoes more comfortable and if you have a pair in your wardrobe that you’re dying to wear, these methods are definitely worth trying. That being said, you can avoid all the fuss by investing in proper footwear.
We’re talking about orthotic designs with built-in arch support, deep heel cups, cushioned footbeds, generous toe boxes and stable outsoles with shock absorption like those we carry at Vionic. These styles can help bring balance to your life.
If you think this means they can’t possibly be fashionable, think again. Our comfortable shoes for men and women come in tonnes of contemporary, fashion-forward styles and classically versatile silhouettes.
STYLISH ORTHOTIC SHOES FOR MEN AND WOMEN
Vionic delivers Vio-Motion™ Technology in every pair and there is a sense of wellness in every shoe.
Vionic believes that balance is a force within each of us. When we are in balance with ourselves – physically, emotionally and mentally – and with the world around us, we are unstoppable.
Vionic’s unique comfort technology delivers a difference you can feel. Each pair of Vionic shoes combines a podiatrist-designed orthotic insole with a flexible, cushioned outsole and a lightweight, breathable upper.
Vionic harnesses science to make every day better – science that gets you in motion – creating shoes that bring balance to your life and enable you to enjoy the Great British coast in total comfort.
You can move purposefully in every step in a pair of beautifully-made Vionic shoes, whichever style you choose. Balance begins with Vionic – footwear to balance the whole you.
EXPERIENCE A NEW LEVEL OF COMFORT
When it comes down to it, our comfortable shoes speak for themselves. You’ll instantly feel the difference when you slip into your first pair.
Wearing Vionic footwear for a few hours the first time will help the material mould to your feet. It’ll also give you time to adjust to the orthotics and ultimately provide you with the greatest comfort throughout the lifespan of your shoes. Within a week or two, you’ll reach a whole new level of foot comfort.
Shop our men’s and women’s collections today!
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