How To Fix Shoes That Rub Heel

How to stop shoes rubbing is something we've all Googled after a cute new pair (very annoyingly) leaves us with blisters. Breaking in new shoes can be a painful affair, so how do you go about stopping it?

Flip flops, sandals, strappy high heels – all these favourites can wreak havoc on the condition of our feet – and that can sometimes be enough to cut short a fun night out. And that's the last thing we want, now that lockdown restrictions are finally lifting.

Thankfully, with these footwear hacks you and your toes can be in a happy place…

1. If you have to wear closed shoes for work… and they get hot or sweaty, put them into a carrier bag and in the freezer overnight. This will kill all bacteria that can cause problems such as fungal infections, says Heidi Meckler MSc, HCPC registered Podiatrist for Strive Footwear.

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2. Choose wedges or block heels over stilettos where possible… as these offer more support under foot, Heidi says.

3. If you do insist on wearing six inch heels… try spraying some deodorant or applying some vaseline to the inside of the heel area to help avoid blisters, Heidi says. Or, pick up a Compeed Anti-Blister Stick. For just £3.80, you get a small, purse-friendly stick that applies an invisible lubricant to stop painful rubbing.

Annnd strut!

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4. Learn how to walk PROPERLY in high heels… and we don't mean just perfecting walking without falling over. One of the main reasons high heels are painful on the balls of the feet is because all of our body weight is thrown onto the small joints of our toes. Standing up straight and concentrating on putting the weight through your heels will give you immediate relief from the balls of your feet, Heidi says.

5. And if rubbing does occur… make sure you have some surgical tape with you to apply to any areas that begin to rub – it'll prevent blisters and won't cost you an arm and a leg, Heidi says. Or, try the highly-rated Compeed Hydrocolloid Blister Plasters from Boots.

6. Choose well-supported sandals over flip flops… flip flops can have a negative impact on your feet, posture and body so ditch them in favour of a more supportive, well-fitting sandal to avoid longer-term problems, Heidi says.

7. But if you're a flip flop fanatic… look for styles which contour towards the bottom of the foot with a thicker strap to hold the foot in place, and avoid thin soles, Heidi says.

Ahhh, comfy shoe bliss

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8. Hairspray can help your flip flops from sliding… it won't completely prevent slippages from occurring, but will help your grip.

9. Use an old toothbrush to clean the flip flop grooves… bacteria and sweat can build up on the bed of your flip flops and begin to smell, beat this with some water mixed with alcohol and an old tooth brush.

10. If your feet are naturally pongy… socks and sandals are IN right now. Make the most of it.

11. Waterproof your espadrilles… because as gorgeous as they are – canvas shoes and the unpredictable British summer weather are NOT a great mix. Water = damp feet which can lead to infection and nasty smells.

12. If your sandals do get damp… sprinkle some baby powder into your shoes and let them soak up all that horrible moisture. If the weather's nice, leave them outside in the fresh air for added circulation.

13. If your stilettos give you dry or cracked heels… try rubbing them twice a week with a foot file and apply Vaseline after a bath. Follow by putting on a pair of cotton socks to allow the Vaseline to soak in, Heidi says.

14. Wear in your shoes before you wear them… by heating up some thick socks with a hairdryer, putting them on inside the shoes and walking around the house in them.

15. Brand new shoes? Use some sandpaper on the soles to give you a better grip.

Maddy Alford Shopping Editor Maddy is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan and Women's Health, where she styles photoshoots, creates shopping content, and covers celebrity fashion online.

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