What to do if your shoes rub? 15 ways to solve the problem!

If you bought a new pair of shoes, or recently started wearing an old one, then the issue of foot rubbing is increasingly current. It is these shoes that cause calluses to appear on your feet, which prevent you from experiencing true pleasure from new clothes. Let's look at the main reasons for shoe rubbing and tricks to avoid it.

Causes of shoes rubbing

The first reason why shoes start to rub is the wrong size. If boots, sandals or shoes are small for you, then they will have a mechanical effect on the skin, damaging it. If the pair is larger than you need, then the heel will not lock onto the heel and will constantly slide off, creating friction with the foot.

Another possible reason why friction may occur is rough or hard material. For example, if you bought moccasins with a rough back, then they will rub your heels a lot. The cause of chafing can also be the wrong shoe model. Remember that the shoes should fit well to the foot, but not squeeze it - it is necessary to take into account the fact that the foot will be constantly in motion, and in the evening it may swell.

To evaluate how well a pair of shoes fit, you need to try placing a finger between your foot and the material. If it fits in there without any problems, then the model will most likely suit you. And, the last fourth reason why shoes rub is an increased level of swelling. This is especially true in the summer, but can also occur after a long walk or when staying in one position. In some cases, the cause is impaired kidney function.

Shoes are rubbing - what to do?

1. You need to purchase a special product at a specialized shoe store that is intended for stretching shoes. Often such compositions are created in the form of a spray.
2. You can purchase a special last that needs to be placed inside the shoe - this way you can stretch it a little.
3. If leather shoes have shrunk a little during non-use, you just need to lubricate the material with baby cream or fat, leaving it overnight - put on your shoes in the morning and be surprised that they have stopped rubbing.
4. If the heel material is too hard, you can soften it a little with a hammer - you need to wrap the shoes in a soft cloth and tap it with a hammer in the places where they come into contact with the skin.
5. Don't forget about the amazing properties of water. Everyone knows that water increases in volume when it freezes, and this feature can be used for effective and safe stretching. You need to take a bag, fill it with water and place it in your shoes or boot so that the last is completely filled. Place the steam inside the freezer and leave it overnight - take the ice pack out in the morning and let it melt a little. Do not use this method for shoes made of delicate materials that are susceptible to temperature changes.
6. Ordinary vinegar will also come to your aid, because... the acid is able to penetrate the material and soften it. It is necessary to lubricate a piece of cloth or a towel, and then place it in the shoes. Remember that after such a procedure there may be a not entirely pleasant smell, so you need to ventilate the couple immediately after treatment. 
7. If your shoes rub a lot and cause discomfort, you can lubricate the heel with wax or dry soap. This product significantly reduces friction, minimizing the risk of calluses. This procedure should be carried out not once, but periodically.
8. You need to tear, crumple and wet the newspaper, and then place it in your shoes. When it dries, you will need to put on a pair and walk around in it for at least an hour. The wet material will stretch and will definitely become molded to your foot, stopping rubbing.
9. You need to take a rag and wet it with hot water, then place it in your shoes for 15-20 minutes. Take it out and put your shoes on over your socks to stretch them.
10. Alcohol will also help in the fight against chafing - you need to soak thick socks in it, put them on, and then put on shoes that chafe. Continue this way until the alcohol has completely evaporated. When you take off your shoes or boots, you will see that they have stretched and become softer, so they will not press. If the shoes are made of suede, then it is advisable to use a less strong drink, such as beer. But beer leaves a characteristic smell. Alcohol may have a negative effect on the color of the material.
11. If you have an unnecessary box, then you need to put a pair in it overnight - under the influence of moisture, the material will soften and will not rub your foot.
12. For rubber shoes everything is much simpler - you just need to take advantage of the properties of such a material. It softens significantly when exposed to heat, therefore, you can simply pour hot water into the boots - about 60-75 degrees, and then wait a little. Pour out the water and quickly put on your shoes with a thick sock.
13. To stretch your shoes so that they no longer rub, you can try heating the material. Start by putting thick or warm socks directly on your shoes or other shoes that are rubbing. Now you need to take a hairdryer and start warming up your shoes. To enhance the effect, you can spray with plain water, alcohol or vinegar.
14. To minimize the chance of blisters, you can spray the side of your foot and heel with deodorant. This will reduce the level of sweating, minimizing the chance of chafing.
15. You can use vegetable or castor oil to lubricate the entire surface of the shoe, then wipe it well.

If you follow these recommendations, you can forever get rid of such uncomfortable and unpleasant shoe rubbing.

Prevention of shoe chafing

You can also follow simple rules to prevent chafing. To prevent shoes, boots or shoes from shrinking over the year you wear them, you just need to place crumpled newspaper or rags inside before storing them. In this case, they will retain their shape, and the material will remain the same during wear. Always choose the right shoes - decide on the size and do not need to buy shoes to grow. Shoes should be comfortable; wear them on slightly swollen feet or keep in mind that they swell in the evening.

Do not buy shoes that are made from highly rigid materials. You need to stick a patch on the most vulnerable places in advance in order to wear your shoes without damaging your own feet. It is necessary to give preference only to natural and elastic materials. You can buy exactly these shoes in the World of Shoes online store. We offer only certified and high-quality products from well-known brands. We will always help you make the right choice so that the shoes you buy do not rub. We deliver goods anywhere in Ukraine.