Foot pain prevention guide: How to stop your shoes from rubbing

At Rieker, we know foot pain can be a massive roadblock in our daily lives, and rubbing shoes that compound this feeling can make things worse. Comfortable footwear is essential in preventing short-term aches and sores, as well as preventing blisters forming over time and other long-term worries.

It can be difficult to wear a new pair of shoes in, and often, buying footwear is more of an investment than just a purchase. With this in mind, you want to be making the most out of what you’ve paid for. So, rather than abandoning a new pair because you’re suffering teething issues, follow our guide on how to fix the issues that cause your shoes to rub and how to properly prepare your feet for an outing in your new kicks.

Table of Contents

How should shoes fit?

The main purpose of our footwear is to provide protection, support, and comfort for our feet, so it’s important that you get the right fit and feel when you’re picking out a fresh pair of shoes.

Not only can a pair of ill-fitting shoes cause discomfort while walking, but they can potentially lead to longer-term issues such as stress fractures, bunions, and hammertoes. Doing everything to prevent these is crucial, as long-term injuries can impact balance and movement quality over time.

What makes shoes rub?

Before getting stuck into shoe-rubbing solutions, we need to know what exactly makes them rub. There are several reasons your feet begin to sore from your shoes, and we’ve collated the key factors that leave your feet in pain.

They’re brand new

The most common cause of sore feet is when you’re sporting a pair of brand-new shoes. Rubbing and blisters are almost always present with new shoes as your feet become accustomed to the new material they’ll carry around, and some take longer to wear than others. Take care when wearing heavier and heeled shoes that are fresh out of the box, as your feet will need some time to adapt.

They’re too big

In larger shoes, it can feel like your feet are sliding back and forth, and often, that’s because they are! This constant movement and bashing around heightens the risk of friction and, eventually, blisters. Your toes constantly sliding forward in your shoes can also potentially result in blackened toenails due to the impact.

They’re too small

We’ve all tried on shoes that are too small and felt instant discomfort, but persisting with ill-fitting footwear like this can contribute to a lot of rubbing and sore feeling across your feet. Blackened toenails are a risk due to the pressure your toes are under in a tight space.

Heat

When the temperature rises, your blood vessels can expand due to the pressure of excess body heat. This causes fluid build-up in tissues, mainly in your lower legs, ankles and feet. If you’ve been out and about in the heat, this build-up can expand your feet and tighten the space in your shoes. Rubbing begins due to the lack of room, and the severity will differ based on your activity.

Excess water

Water filtering through your shoes on rainy days or even wearing shoes that haven’t fully dried since the last wash or wear can lead to your feet feeling the effects of rubbing shoes. Your skin will soften when in contact with water and become more vulnerable to blistering and a general sore feeling. Friction and painful sores are also common if your socks get damp.

How to stop shoes rubbing

Now you know the causes of your shoes rubbing, we can run through the preventative actions and solutions to stop the soreness impacting your daily life. The following are key to consider when buying new shoes and wearing your next pair.

  • Don’t rely on stretching - While some retailers will insist that their shoes will stretch over time, it isn’t sensible to take that as gospel. Find shoes that fit well from the first try, shortening the strenuous wearing in period.
  • Pick the right socks - When trying on new shoes, wear the socks you intend to wear with them. Trying on boots with ankle socks won’t give you an accurate impression of how they will feel once you’ve bought them. Appropriate sock choice is just as important after purchase.
  • Know your size - While many of us think we know our shoe size from age 16, there’s still a chance it could change. The best time to measure your feet is after a long day on your feet or a lengthy walk. Your feet may have expanded throughout the day, which will be an accurate measurement for your next pair.
  • Wear tape or plasters - When wearing a new pair of shoes, it’s sensible to take preventive measures to avoid blisters or sore rubbing. As well as appropriate socks, we recommend applying a small amount of tape or plasters to your heel or other areas you feel are at risk of rubbing. Tape will help provide a barrier between your skin and the new material, making the transition easier.

Tips for different types of shoes

No two pairs of shoes are the same, so it's important to know how to tackle different types of shoes that are causing you soreness and pain. We've put together some tricks to help combat rubbing for your collection's different types of footwear.

Leather shoes

A timeless classic that boasts great durability, leather shoes are a must-have for any wardrobe. Leather shoes can often feel rigid, contributing to their longevity, so they can take time to get used to.

We recommend wearing your new pair around the house for a while before going out and about to loosen the leather. In the long term, proper maintenance and cleaning help your leather shoes look sharp and slightly soften the material for a more comfortable fit.

Rieker's selection of leather brogues provides a spacious fit with plenty of flexibility so you can wear them immediately with confidence.

Suede shoes

Suede shoes tend to pose a lesser risk of rubbing due to the soft interior of many designs. If your new suede pair doesn't fit quite right, we have some tips to make them slightly comfier.

Opt for thinner socks when wearing suede shoes, as thicker socks can alter the fit, potentially leading to some discomfort. We also recommend using a shoe stretcher should the sides of your suedes feel somewhat stiff. A high-quality stretcher will expand the width and provide an easier feel.

Wellies and rubber shoes

A festival favourite, a pair of wellies or other rubber shoes are ideal for wet and muddy conditions. Easy to clean and designed to keep water out, wellies can begin to rub over time due to sweat created by the non-porous material.

Unlike suede shoes, wearing thick socks is the sensible option for wellies as they'll offer protection from any rain that does seep in. The thickness will shield your sensitive skin and prevent rubbing. Rubber shoes can lose shape over time, so a good method to combat this is to stuff them with old newspapers. This will keep the shoe's shape and maintain a comfortable fit.

Canvas shoes

A popular choice year-round, canvas shoes are a stylish and often soft option that suits every casual occasion. Despite their softness, canvas shoes can rub against your feet, especially when brand new. Once you've got the right fit, there are many ways to feel comfortable in no time.

Performing simple stretches and movements in your new canvas shoes can go a long way in loosening the material. Put on your new pair and simply lean on your toes, followed by your heels, and repeat to loosen the feel of the shoes. Re-lacing your canvas shoes is also important. They are often flexible, and you can lace them to your comfort.

Comfortable shoes at Rieker

Finding the right fit for your shoes is the most important factor in preventing rubbing and soreness. We believe comfort is key, and the shoes we make reflect that.

At Rieker, our shoes are designed with antistress technology, emphasising comfortability and reducing the strain on your feet. Life can be full of unwanted stress, but footwear shouldn’t contribute to that. Our antistress technology is built on four properties - lighter, reflexibility, roomier, and shock absorbing. All these elements combine for one long-lasting effect: walk easier, live easier.

Shop comfortable Rieker shoes with antistress properties for a comfortable and flexible feel.

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