Did you know that in the past decade, boot heel-related injuries have almost doubled? The stats are alarming as some of these bruises can turn out to be severe fractures.
Boots are meant to protect our feet from any catastrophic external factors and particles. They provide support and comfort while keeping the feet intact. However, things can take a wrong turn if the outsole or heel has a slippery texture.
The boots must have traction with surfaces- be it concrete or drenched or muddy. But if you are having a tough time balancing your heel boots, conform to the subsequent suggestions in making them anti-slippery.
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Causes of Heel Slippage
Whenever you pay a doctor’s visit, they would ask you about your symptoms and then explain the plausible cause behind it. This helps them in coming to elaborated and better The bottom lines and solutions.
Similarly, it is crucial to understand the reason behind the heel slippage. This will help us find solutions quickly.
Shoe Fitting
It is a well-established fact that shoe size is crucial while purchasing new kicks. However, specific problems can arise even after buying the right size.
As sizes differ from brans and material, the same size may feel different in two different kinds of boots. Moreover, some shoes might even require break-in time. During this period, the shoes’ material will try to adjust according to your feet’ contours. This can be distressing to your feet, causing possible slippage.
You can try to avoid such a situation by getting your accurate size. Do not buy tight shoes in hopes that the material will stretch. You could end up suffering from toe pain and blisters.
On the other hand, avoid buying long or large shoes. This can elevate the possibilities of heel slippage.
Besides the fitting, heel slippage could also happen due to an error from your side. You must wear shoes in the right manner. In other words, make sure that there is enough toe room, required support and cushioning, and a snug fit to avoid slipping.
Instep
Some people have lower insteps. This can be a potential hurdle as discomfort could be caused for people with flat feet. Your feet could slide out easily, causing heel slippage.
You can fix this by adding an internal tongue pad. As it could fill up the spaces, you should be able to get the required snug fit. Likewise, if you have low arches, get the shoes with arch support to steer clear of issues like plantar fasciitis.
Arches
Contrary to the low arches, some people could also suffer from high arches, also known as cavus feet. As such a structure can place extreme weight on the feet’ ball, it could lead to heel slippage.
If it situation gets out of hand, you must consult your podiatrist at once.
How Much Heel Slip is Normal in Shoes and Boots?
As mentioned earlier, a bit of breaking-in time is necessary and imminent in new shoes. This can also include heel slippage.
You might experience a heel slippage ranging from ¼” to ½”. This is unavoidable as new boots have a stiffer sole, and your heels are bound to rise up and down. But why does it exist in the first place? Well, because heel slippage allows the boots to enough room for your feet. Moreover, it decreases the possibility of blisters, thereby working in your favor after all.
Once you get used to the boots, the heel slippage will recede.
How To Heel Fix Slippage In Boots?
Now that we have gained some illuminating knowledge about the causes of heel slippage, it is time to get some solutions!
Even though heel slippage might go away on its own after some initial break-in time, you can fasten the process. Moreover, some types of heel slippage get “too uncomfortable” for some wearers. Hence, the following solutions can help you overcome that:
Get Well-Fitted Shoes
The most basic resolution to fix heel slippage is to get snug-fitted shoes. In simpler words, always get your size and not size up or down. Larger shoes are obligated to slip off with excessive foot movements. Smaller shoes can result in blisters and toe bruises.
Such a solution prevents facing the issue to begin with.
The next time you visit a shoe store, ask the professional to measure your foot size. You can do this at home with a measuring tape, but it is fitter to leave it to the experts for accuracy. They will measure your length as well as the width for a better fit.
Did you know that your feet are bigger in size post afternoon? No, this is not a made-up fact as it is scientific backing.
Body temperature increases due to humidity and hot temperatures. This can result in the blood vessels dilating to enhance circulation. All of this leads to your hands, arms, feet, and legs swelling. Generally, this happens with everybody, but the severity is subjective.
As this is a common phenomenon, it is advisable to purchase and try new shoes in the afternoon to get the right fit.
If you are changing brands, the same size might not fit in the same manner. So, always try on your shoes for good judgment.
Consider Changing your Walking Style
We are always in a hurry. Sometimes, we prefer sprinting to walking as it helps us cover more distance in a shorter period. But when you sprint, the balls of your foot touch the ground before your heel does. This can be a reason behind heel slippage.
You must ensure that the heel is the first thing to contact the ground while walking. Roll your feet forward to raise your foot. This is an ideal technique that can lessen heel slippage. Even though walking is a primary activity, the right method can make all the difference!
If you are accustomed to such a style, walk around in the house to kick in the instincts.
Proper Boot Maintainance
Boots are not self-sustaining. We need to maintain them for long-lasting functioning. The most amount of damage can be caused by moisture. If your shoes are wet, your feet can easily slip off. On the other hand, if you frequently dry them with a heat dryer, it can compromise the fabric.
The next time your shoes get wet, use safe techniques to dry them. You can use a reliable boot dryer that does not provide excess heat.
If you want to go with more natural methods, leave the boots in a ventilated area. But avoid placing them in direct sunlight.
Rice can work wonders to dry up the boots. Take a container and fill it with rick. Place the shoes in the middle and leave them overnight. The rice will absorb the moisture, leaving your boots fresh and dry.
Newspapers can soak the moisture quickly. Stuff your boots with crumpled newspapers. Once the papers start getting wet, replace them and repeat the process till the shoes are dried.
Lace your Shoes
Laces exist for a reason. Even if you get the right shoe size, laces elevate the comfort levels by supporting your feet. If you do not lace correctly, the shoes will come off as loose and uncomfortable. A little foot movement and the shoe will slip off due to heel slippage.
There are varied lacing methods like runner’s tie, rabbit hole, butterfly lacing, etc. The best lacing technique to prevent heel slippage is as follows:
Start lacing from the bottom of the second-last eyelet.
Lace over and down the top eyelet to form a visual of “bunny ear.”
Repeat the process for the opposite side.
Lace through the bunny ear on the opposite side.
This method allows you to get a comfortable and snug fit around the ankles and loose over the foot’s top.
Note: While lacing your shoes, avoid tying them too tightly as it can cause blisters.
Lace Locks
Lace locks are elastic shoelaces that require no tying up. They are tied up in advance for an improved fit. They help the shoes fit better around the contours of your foot, preventing blisters.
It is an additional accessory that you can buy if the need arises. As it creates friction between the laces around the ankle, the heel area and ankle remain snug and comfortable.
Shoe Tongue Pads
The tongue is the part that falls between the laces and the foot’s top. It acts as a protective layer, preventing the laces from bruising or cutting into your skin. Moreover, it allows you to have a snug fit.
Initially, the tongue can have certain fluffiness to it, but that is subjected to getting flattered over time. This can elevate the space in the shoes, leading to heel slippage.
This can be prevented by investing in shoe tongue pads. They are pads that are carefully placed under the flat tongue to add a bit of volume to it. It fills up space, thereby preventing heel slippage.
You can add more than one shoe tongue pad according to your condition.
Non-slip Insole Feature
Look out for non-slip insoles while purchasing shoes. This prevents your foot from slipping off. The extra lining in such insoles takes up the extra space to give a snug fit.
Most of the shoes come with this feature, and it is an easy way out to prevent heel slippage.
Non-Slip Socks
You must never wear your shoes without socks as they can elevate the comfort and absorb any moisture or sweat, keeping your feet dry and fresh.
But socks can lessen the traction between your feet and the insoles, allowing your foot to slip out quickly. This can be prevented by getting non-slip socks.
Such socks have a unique and innovative design that adds a rough texture to their surface, adding friction between the socks and the shoes. The resulted grip prevents any heel slippage.
As these socks are inexpensive and available in various designs, you are not compromising on anything while prioritizing comfort.
Heel Grips or Heel Liner Cushions
Heel grips act as a layer that sticks at the heel’s back and along the shoe’s backside.
They are made of leather that feels soft against the foot. Moreover, the soft leather does not lead to blisters or chaffing.
This can be a useful alternative if you end up with wrong-sized shoes. It comes with a strong adhesive that keeps the liners in place, irrespective of the feet’ movements.
Heel Slip Inserts from Your Podiatrist
At times, professional help is what you’ll need to get rid of heel slippage. There is always a possibility of an underlying foot problem like pronation, Plantar fasciitis, etc. There are no DIY techniques to deal with such issues. So you must visit your podiatrist at once.
As a podiatrist is an experienced personnel, they can provide accurate and long-term solutions for it. Generally, it will include a customized shoe heel slip insert to fit into your shoes. These will help you walk properly without worrying about heel slippage.
Second Pair of Socks
In case you are unwilling to invest in non-slip socks, you can just get yourself a pair of thicker socks. These can fulfill two purposes: extra warmth in the winter season and no space left for any slippage. As thick socks take up more area in the boots, you can get rid of any kind of slippage.
However, if wearing thick socks proves out to be uncomfortable for you, you can wear two socks at a time. This can get the job done.
Double-Sided Tape
If you are looking for a lightning-fast solution, just take a double-sided tape and press it between your foot’s heel and the shoes’ heel. This is a quick method that can work for a couple of hours. But if you are planning on undergoing rigorous movements, the tape might get undone. Moreover, excess sweating can also make the tape lose out its stickiness.
You can take an extra roll of double-sided tape in case the need arises.
Hairspray
If you are feeling adventurous, hairspray is, however unconventional, a useful trick to avoid heel slippage. Spraying hairspray on your socks can create a sticky texture over them that can work as an adhesive between the socks and boots’ heels.
The bottom line
There you have it, the thirteen best ways to avoid your heel from slipping out of your shoes while walking. Adhere to the ones that work on your part. As there are several alternatives, you can try and work with something that you are comfortable in.
William has hands-on experiences with construction sites, and the hazards employees face while working. He has been a dedicated worker since 1995 and is currently looked up to by many of his subordinates for the work he has done throughout his tenure. He has passed several certifications regarding safety at the workplace, including OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Silica in Construction Certificate, and the National Association of Safety Professionals Certification.
He has ample experience in woodwork and welding and understands the importance of a tough work boot in dangerous occupational environments. His achievements, experience, and knowledge allow him to be an expert in the field of work boots. He selects and tries all the products that he reviews and presents to his readers. As per him, the safety of the boot is beyond the beauty of it. He carefully scrutinizes each aspect of work boots, including flex, laces, length, breathability, strength, and more.
