How to Fix Shoes That Are Too Big

Are your shoes feeling a little roomy lately? Shoes that are too big can be uncomfortable and may even cause foot injuries. If your shoes feel too big, it is important to find a solution to fix the problem.

How to Fix Shoes That Are Too Big

In this article, we’ll be sharing some clever hacks for fixing shoes that are too big. Whether you’ve outgrown your favorite pair or just got a bad fit at the store, we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves to help you make your shoes fit like a glove (or at least closer to it). So if you’re tired of tripping over your own feet or dealing with blisters, read on for some easy solutions to your too-big shoe woes.

Why Shoes Become Too Big

There are several reasons why shoes may become too big:

Natural foot growth

As we age, our feet can grow in size and shape. If you have been wearing the same pair of shoes for a long time, it is possible that your feet have grown and the shoes no longer fit properly.

Wearing the wrong size

It is important to wear shoes that fit properly. If you wear shoes that are too large, they may feel too big and may cause discomfort or even injuries.

Poor-fitting shoes

Some shoes may fit poorly and feel too big even if they are the correct size. This can be caused by a number of factors, including the shape of your foot, the design of the shoe, or the materials used to make the shoe.

Wearing insoles or inserts

If you wear insoles or inserts in your shoes, they may take up some of the space inside the shoe and make it feel too big.

If your shoes feel too big, it is important to find a pair that fits properly. Wearing shoes that are too large can cause discomfort and may even lead to foot injuries.

Dangers With Wearing Shoes That Are Too Big

Wearing shoes that are too big for an extended period of time can lead to a variety of foot injuries. Some common injuries that may result from wearing too-large shoes include:

blisters

Blisters

Shoes that are too big may cause the foot to slide around inside the shoe, leading to friction and the development of blisters. These can be painful and may become infected if left untreated.

Calluses and corns

Wearing shoes that are too big may cause the foot to rub against the inside of the shoe, leading to the development of calluses and corns. These thickened areas of skin can be painful and may require treatment to alleviate discomfort.

Sprained ankles

Shoes that are too big may cause the foot to move around inside the shoe, leading to a higher risk of tripping and falling. This can result in a sprained ankle, which is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments in the ankle are stretched or torn.

Arch pain

Shoes that are too big may not provide sufficient support to the arch of the foot, leading to pain and discomfort. This can be especially problematic for people with flat feet or overpronation.

Toenail injuries

Shoes that are too big may cause the toes to rub against the inside of the shoe, leading to the development of ingrown toenails or other toenail injuries.

toe nail injury

It is important to wear shoes that fit properly to avoid these and other potential foot injuries. If your shoes feel too big, it is important to take steps to fix the problem or get a new pair of shoes that fit properly.

Fixing Shoes That Are Too Big

There are several options for fixing shoes that are too big:

Use insoles or inserts

Using insoles or inserts can help to take up some of the extra space inside the shoe and make them fit more snugly. There are many different types of insoles available, including ones that are specifically designed to make shoes fit more snugly.

Arch support insoles

These insoles are designed to provide extra support to the arch of the foot, which can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by flat feet or overpronation.

Cushioned insoles

Cushioned insoles are made with soft materials that provide extra cushioning and shock absorption to help reduce the impact on the feet when walking or running.

using shoe insoles if your shoes are too big

Orthotic insoles

Orthotic insoles are designed to correct specific foot conditions, such as overpronation or plantar fasciitis. They are often prescribed by a doctor or podiatrist and may be more expensive than other types of insoles.

Heel support insoles

These insoles are designed to provide extra support and cushioning to the heel, which can help reduce pain and discomfort in the heel and ankle.

Gel insoles

Gel insoles are made with a soft, gel-like material that provides extra cushioning and shock absorption. They are often used by athletes or people who stand for long periods of time.

Use heel grips or liner socks

Heel grips or liner socks are thin, adhesive strips or socks that can be placed inside the heel of the shoe to help prevent your foot from slipping around inside the shoe. These can be helpful if your shoes are slightly too big but not so large that you need to go down a full size.

How to apply heel grips or liner socks

  1. Start by cleaning the inside of the heel area of your shoes to remove any dirt or debris. This will help the heel grip or liner sock adhere more effectively.
  2. Peel the backing off the heel grip or liner sock and apply it to the inside of the heel area of your shoe. Make sure it is positioned correctly and that it covers the entire heel area.
  3. Press down firmly on the heel grip or liner sock to ensure that it sticks in place.
  4. Wear your shoes and see if the heel grip or liner sock has helped to reduce the slipping and sliding inside the shoe.
heel grips needed

Potential drawbacks to using heel grips or liner socks

  • They may not work for everyone: Heel grips or liner socks may not work for everyone, depending on the fit and shape of your shoes and your foot.
  • They may not be a permanent solution: Heel grips or liner socks are not a permanent solution and may need to be replaced over time.
  • They may not be comfortable: Some people may find heel grips or liner socks to be uncomfortable, especially if they are not applied correctly.

It is important to follow the instructions carefully when applying heel grips or liner socks and to pay attention to how they feel when you wear your shoes. If they do not seem to be helping or if they are causing discomfort, you may want to try a different solution.

Use moleskin or other padding

Moleskin is a common type of padding that can be used to fill out extra space inside shoes that are too big. Moleskin is a soft, padded material that can be cut to fit inside the shoe and help fill out any extra space. It is often used to help prevent blisters and chafing caused by shoes that are too large.

Other types of padding that can be used for the same purpose

  • Foam padding: Foam padding is made from a soft, spongy material that can be cut to fit inside the shoe and help fill out any extra space. It is often used for the same purposes as moleskin.
  • Gel padding: Gel padding is made from a soft, gel-like material that can be cut to fit inside the shoe and help fill out any extra space. It is often used for the same purposes as moleskin and can provide additional cushioning and shock absorption.
  • Insole padding: Some insoles come with built-in padding that can help fill out extra space inside the shoe. These insoles may be a good option if you are already using insoles for other purposes, such as arch support or cushioning.
use moleskine

It is important to choose the right type of padding for your specific needs and the fit of your shoes. Some types of padding may be more effective than others, depending on the amount of extra space inside your shoes and the shape of your feet. Experimenting with different types of padding may help you find the best solution for making your shoes fit more snugly.

Consider getting a smaller size

If the above options do not work or if your shoes are significantly too big, it may be necessary to get a new pair in a smaller size. It is important to wear shoes that fit properly to avoid discomfort and potential foot injuries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, shoes that are too big can be uncomfortable and may even cause foot injuries. There are several options for fixing shoes that are too big, including using insoles or inserts, heel grips or liner socks, a shoe stretcher, moleskin or other padding, or getting a smaller size. Each of these options has its own pros and cons, and it may be necessary to try a few different methods to find the best solution for your needs. It is important to wear shoes that fit properly to avoid discomfort and potential foot injuries.

Want to read more shoe care articles? Visit our shoe care and shoe storage page.

Patricia Merken

Interior design blogger

Neat freak and shoe lover. American expat in Switzerland.
Blogger and mom. Blogs at Footweardrobe.