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Are you tired of shoes or boots that quickly cause painful sores or blisters due to heel slippage?
Is there any way to avoid this frustrating problem?
The answer is yes. You can learn how to fix heel slippage in shoes and boots when you first understand what causes it to happen and then take steps to fix the issues.
Luckily, I put all the information to stop heel slippage down below, so you can comfortably wear all your new or old footwear without pain!
What is Heel Slippage?
When shoes or boots fit improperly, the heel doesn’t stay seated inside the back of the shoe and instead lifts and rubs along the material when walking or running.
It only requires a few moments for this rubbing to generate the friction and heat that forms blisters.
What Causes Heel Slippage in Shoes?
Common reasons shoes slip in the heel are:
- Laces that stretch or loosen
- Wearing thin, slippery, or no socks
- Improper size and width
- Thin or no tongue padding
- Insoles that shift
- New shoes that are stiff
- The way you walk
If you are prone to heel slippage and the resulting foot pain or injury that occurs, you need to take precautions with new and existing footwear.
Many people ask, “How do I fix a slipping heel on my boots?”
Boots for fashion typically have zippers or are without laces, so it’s easier to control heel slips. Boots made for work or hiking are even more critical to do what you can to prevent heels from slipping as it can quickly ruin both long and short excursions or even lead to a dangerous situation.
Keep reading to learn how to fix heel slip problems the right way in both shoes and boots.
How to Fix Heel Slippage in Shoes and Boots
Prevent loose laces
Buy the Right Laces
The first place to begin to fix heel slippage is to only buy shoe or boot laces that are made of a material that won’t easy slip loose or untie.
Cotton laces “grab” onto each other when knotted, which increases the chance they will stay tight during hours of walking.
Use Lace Lock Tying
Lace locking is the best method to keep laces tight on shoes or boots, so they stay secure, and your heel won’t slip.
1. Lace the footwear in a criss-cross pattern as usual from the bottom, leaving the top two eyelets open.
2. Crossing over the shoelace to the opposite side, take it under and up through the second-from-top eyelet. Next, feed the lace down through the upper eyelet toward the inside of the shoe, leaving a bit of loop between the two eyelets. Duplicate the same procedure on the other side.
3. Individually bring one lace forward diagonally and pull it through the opposite “loop” from the top. Repeat the routine on the other side. Now both laces are on the top side of the shoe placket and lay outwards.
4. Pull the laces together to the front, snug them up and tie as usual.
Using this method locks the upper laces in position and holds the ankle tight so your heel won’t slip, but also keeps the laces comfortable along the rest of the foot.
If you find the instructions confusing, a quick internet search on lace locking for heel slippage will reveal pictures or short videos that are helpful to follow.
Wear the right socks
Only wear non-slip socks that have a rubbery pattern on the bottom, or thick wool socks when heel slippage is problematic.
Both types of sock work to reduce movement of the foot within the shoe or boot. The thicker material and texture grips onto the insole and upper inside material so your heel stays put.
Wear the right size
Purchasing a shoe even a half-size too large can rub against your foot while walking. Your heel should almost “pop” into the concave area at the back of the footwear, but never feel tight.
Always shop for shoes and get a proper measurement in the late afternoon, when feet are at their largest.
Add tongue padding
Many shoes or boots offer little tongue padding. Adding a thick tongue pad holds the shoe more securely and comfortably to the top of your foot.
The extra padding also helps to push the heel backward, reducing any gaps that can allow the heel to slip upwards.
Invest in quality insoles
Insoles that conform to your specific arch shape can keep your foot aligned inside the shoe so your heel won’t move forward and slip upwards.
Insoles with a thick cushioning also deter movement by filling small gaps between the foot and shoe material, which also help prevent heel slippage.
Allow new shoes to break in
All new shoes will “break in” at the sole and stretch a bit during the first several wearings, which will reduce or eliminate any heel slippage caused by stiff material and soles.
Wearing new shoes around the house for 30 minutes at a time until broken in will prevent the formation of blisters from heel slips so you can wear them all day without issue.
Examine how you walk
When you walk without landing your heel on the ground first, your foot automatically pushes forward in your shoe. This sliding action is even more noticeable when wearing boots, especially those without laces.
By walking heel to toe, the downward force automatically helps the heel to stay in the correct position, which dramatically reduces the chance of heel slippage.
Many people are unaware of their gait while walking, so test out your walking style and make changes if necessary. This method to stop heel slippage is the easiest to try, and the cheapest as well!
Walk in Comfort
There is no need to risk getting blisters or sores from heel slippage in your shoes and boots.
Fix heel slippage for good by using one or all of the tips above, and never suffer with painful or bleeding heels again!
