There is nothing worse than when you have uncomfortable shoes, especially if your job involves lots of moving around. The pain from issues such as rubbing on your foot can be intense, and might eventually make life unbearable.
So, we take a look at how to stop shoes from rubbing the back of your ankle?
Well, the best way to stop shoes from rubbing the back of your ankle would be for you try proven methods and techniques. Plus, you also have to be well informed when buy suitable footwear for your needs. However, we shall look at choosing the right shoes in a different guide.
Best Ways to Stop Shoes from Rubbing the Back of Your Ankle
There are various ways you can use to stop this problem. Below is an in-depth guide you can use:
1. Wear Thick Socks or Double Socks
In some cases, just a single pair of socks won’t suffice to stop the rubbing on your ankle. The shoe material might be too rigid and dense, so you have to go for a material that will provide a better buffer.
Consider a pair of thick socks, which you shall put on during the winter season. If you don’t have many options in this category, consider wearing up to three pairs of socks simultaneously.
If this technique works for you, get some more pairs of socks or compact socks. The main reason for doing this is that you can adjust to the specific structure of your foot, shoes, and more.
2. Invest in Some Insoles
You probably have a wider and dense heel than your ankle. Thus, insoles will be important in aligning your foot along with the structure of the footwear. The heel will function as an excellent stopper, provide the shoes provide an excellent fit. Insoles are an important aspect of buying good shoes.
Plus, insoles will provide a significant lift, which is crucial in setting the collar of your shoe lower than your feet. If the collar gets low enough, it’s less likely to get out of place during your daily activities.
Remember to use this approach with any new shoe that touches your ankle.
3. Have you Tried Some Moleskin?
Moleskin material has a soft texture, making it comfortable on the skin, even when used with some socks. Furthermore, moleskin also offers high levels of longevity, so this makes it an excellent alternative for your ankles
Get some superglue, and use it to set the moleskin to the collar section of your inner shoe. If you are experienced with needles, you can sew the moleskin to ensure they don’t move around.
Plus, with the moleskin set, the shoes might still cause some slight friction on the back of your ankle. However, the discomfort won’t be intense.
4. Stretch the Shoe Using Heat
The process of stretching the back of your shoe is simple, and you have to focus on this area alone. While it may not work well for materials such as canvas, it works well for most other materials. A few steps involved in stretching the shoe using heat include:
- Use a hairdryer and heat the back section of your footwear.
- After a few minutes, wear the shoes, and wait for the back section to cool down,
- Repeat this process, until you notice the rubbing has ceased.
5. Duct Tape
Its not easy to come across any list of problems that does not include duct tape as a solution. And this is why we recommend as part of fixing shoes that cause ankle discomfort. While the duct-tape is not a remedy for this problem, it works well for controlling its occurrence.
A few ways to use the duct-tape to stop the rubbing can include:
- Place on the insider collar of the shoe. Even this is likely to be unsightly, its an excellent technique for controlling the rubbing.
- Put it on your socks. Using this approach is convenient, but might require constant re-application for the best results.
- Place it on your foot. This method also requires re-application, but its better than the discomfort rubbing can cause to your feet.
6. Be Mindful of Shoe Materials
Most shoes typically feature materials such as mesh, synthetic textiles and fabric. These materials are often likely to cause friction, which will eventually lead to issues such as blisters. However, the shoes made natural materials are less likely to cause such issues. Even if we suggest wearing shoes in, never expect them to stretch. Choose that feature high quality materials and are also comfortable.
A few natural materials for you to consider include:
- Suede – a type a leather that textile companies make using animal skin. If you want to buy suede shoes, ensure the fit from the first moment, and try them on with some socks.
- Leather – leather can be tough, and inflexible with several unforgiving edges. A good suggestion if you to wear them around the house before wearing them permanently. Conditioning and cleaning the leather will also help make the material supple.
- Canvas – even canvas is comfortable and soft, its also a leading cause or rubbing around the ankle. That’s because many people wear these shoes without socks. The best recommendation is to wear these shoes around the house, and stretch your feet inside.
- Rubber – these types have a tendency to trap and rub moisture around the ankle area. Such issues can soften the skin area, and even lead to irritation issues. So, if your shoes feature rubber predominantly, go for socks that provide optimal padding.
7. Control the Moisture in Your Shoes
Wet or damp feet increases the likelihood of experiencing blisters. Aside from excess friction due to slipping, moisture can soften the skin around your foot, and increase the likelihood of experiencing damage.
People who prefer breathable and water-resistant shoes should consider finding ways to control the shoe moisture levels. Remember that the foot contains over 200,000 sweat glands, and these can be overly active during the warm months.
A good suggestion for you would be to use products such as talcum for sweaty feet. Its an excellent product for keeping the insides of your shoe dry. Alternatively, you can go for socks that provide better breathability and sweat wicking properties.
Side Effects of Shoes Rubbing Your Ankles
There are various side effects of your shoes rubbing on your ankles. Being aware of these causes is important in making you informed when choosing solutions. A few common causes include:
- Friction blisters – these are painful and fluid filled raised sections of the skin, which will occur due to the friction from rubbing. Plus, they are some of the most common issues people face due to this form of rubbing.
- Achilles tendonitis – which refers to an inflammatory issue due to a shoe rubbing on feet constantly. Plus, the issue sometimes requires solutions such as orthotic foot-beds.
How Can I Soften the Back of My Shoes?
The best way to soften the back of your shoes depends on various factors. Even softening the back shoe section is beneficial, its only useful when you have to use the shoes on a regular basis. The best way to “soften” the back section is to ensure that its sits far from your foot or ankle section.
You can do this by performing material stretches using specific types of materials. And since you are probably cramped up for space inside the shoe, even a few millimeters of space will suffice. Some few helpful products to use include:
- Coconut oil.
- Alcohol.
- Vinegar.
- Kerosene.
FAQs:
- How do I Stop Shoes from Rubbing the Back of My Heel?
The best way to stop shoes from rubbing the back of your heel would be to ensure you adjust properly to this problem. You have several options for solving this issue, and the most suitable type relates to your specific needs.
- How Do I Stop Shoes from Rubbing My Achillies?
You can stop shoes from rubbing your achillies through various techniques. For instance, using products such as deodorant and antiperspirant can be exceptional for solving this problem. It’s an excellent to stop issues such as your she rubbing the heel.
- How Do I Stop Shoes from Rubbing My Heels?
There are various techniques you can use to stop shoes from rubbing your heels. The first technique would be use a pair scissors, cut a piece of moleskin and place it around your heel. Then, remove the protective backing, and set the moleskin around the affected area on your heel.
