Have you ever been gifted a pair of shoes, only to be disappointed when they’re too big to get away with? Or, maybe you’ve come to realise your favourite shoes have stretched over time?
Although it’s always best to buy footwear that fits correctly (not just styles that look good on your shoe rack), we get that sometimes you can’t resist those dream shoes, even if they’re slightly too big for your toes. If you’re unable to exchange them for the next size up, don’t worry. We’ve put together our favourite tips and tricks on how to make shoes smaller (or at least seem that way) with insoles and other genius products.
1. Insoles are your new best friend
An insole is a soft pad insert (usually made from a foam, gel or leather material) that you place inside your shoes to provide support, cushioning and even warmth for your feet. But, can insoles make shoes that are too big fit? Although often intended to help with posture problems and other discomfort, insoles are also useful to make shoes smaller by taking up extra space in footwear that’s a tad on the big side.
Full insoles are a fantastic solution if your shoes are too big across the length of your foot. They come in a variety of materials, styles and sizes to suit your needs:
- Foam insoles: if you’re after general stability and snug-fitting shoes, foam insoles are ideal for making things more comfortable. You could also treat yourself to a pair of impression insoles that mould perfectly to the shape of your foot for extra comfort.
- Gel insoles:Â these will give relief to your joints and help distribute pressure in your feet with their shock-absorbing, cushioning gel.
- Thermal insoles: you can feel the warmth and comfort of home with thermal insoles. Made from a padded foam and soft wool blend, they’re ideal for keeping your toes warm in chilly weather.
- Leather insoles: a pair of leather insoles will ensure your shoes are breathable and moisture-free. With charcoal to absorb odour, these are an everyday essential.
- Odour-destroying insoles: if you struggle with foot odours and tired, working feet, these insoles are a great way to combat the problem and feel comfortable at the same time.
Just pop them into your favourite footwear and you’re good to go!
2. Heel grips are handy, too
If your shoe style is pretty much perfect but you’d prefer a slightly snugger feel, heel grips are the way forward for you. This small, padded strap is simply secured onto the back of your shoe to provide extra grip and support when walking, and reduce the chances of nasty blisters appearing. Heel inserts are also ideal for shoes that are too big.
Discover these lifesaving solutions in a variety of materials, from silicone and gel to latex and fabric. Whether you have a pair of flats that painfully dig into the back of your feet or some strappy heels that let your feet slide around, this handy trick is an affordable way to improve your fit when your shoes feel slightly too big.
3. Toe inserts not toilet paper
In the habit on stuffing tissue or toilet paper into the front of your shoes? Well, for a more durable and comfortable option, opt for some toe inserts instead! Also known as shoe fillers, these small cushioning devices will make for an even snugger fit to help prevent your feet from sliding when you walk. You can pair these shoe inserts for shoes that are too big with ball cushions or full insoles for ultimate comfort.
4. Ball cushions for bounce
Still wondering how to make big shoes fit smaller? Get yourself some ball cushions. These small inserts go under the ball of your foot for a thick layer of support and extra padding, while providing friction for a better grip.
Perfect to use in sandals and pumps that are too big and a great option for heels to ease the pressure on the ball of your foot, ball cushions keep your foot from slipping and sliding inside the shoe and can also be used alongside a heel cup or heel liner.
5. Heel cups can help
Shoes that are too big are a total tripping hazard, especially for the clumsier ones among us! This is where heel cups come in to play. A larger cushioning device placed under your heel; the cup pushes your foot to the front to occupy the empty space inside the shoe. Most often made from a gel-like material, heel cups range from casual wear to heavy-duty shock-absorbers!
Alongside stabilising your foot, this option is also great if you suffer from heel pain (or plantar fasciitis) as you’ll receive extra support to help reduce pressure on pain points.
6. Heel liners for a slip-free stroll
Attached to the inside of the back of your shoe, heel liners are ideal for making the length of your footwear that bit shorter, as well as providing support to your heel to keep it from slipping. These liners are great for increasing the overall comfort of your shoe, as well as helping to prevent blisters!
Perfect for a range of shoes, heel liners are discreet so can even be used on those open-toe slip-ons. Just secure to the inside back of the heel and you’re good to go.
7. Shoe tongue pads for pressure relief
Switching it up and providing a pad to the top of your foot is another brilliant way to help make shoes smaller. These pads are usually a thick material which stick to the inside of the roof of your shoe. Helping to make wide shoes narrower, shoe tongue pads can be paired with any other form of insole that is placed beneath your foot.
8. Stack up your socks
It may seem like the most obvious idea for making shoes smaller, but the solution to your big-shoe nightmare may be lurking right under your nose – in your sock drawer! Wearing thicker socks or even doubling up with a couple of pairs is a genius way to make big shoes fit. The thicker the padding, the more tightly your feet will sit in the shoe.
This may not be the best option if you’re wearing sandals or open-toe heels, but it works well for boots and trainers (especially if you’re wearing trousers that cover them). No-one will ever know you’ve layered four pairs of bright socks underneath!
9. Go to the professionals
Perhaps you’d prefer a more permanent transformation or maybe your shoes are simply too big for our previous solutions.
Take your shoes to a cobbler and they will be able to conceal heel grips, tongue pads or insole padding underneath the lining. Although this will cost you more, it’s well worth the one-off payment for a pair that you wear regularly.
10. Don’t buy shoes that are too big for you
It would be remiss of us to not mention that, as always, prevention is the best cure! However tempting it may be, if the pair of shoes you’ve been lusting after are not the right fit, it’s best they don’t come home with you. Poorly fitting shoes can lead to injuries and just aren’t worth the risk.
We hope our tips and tricks have given you some inspiration on how to make your shoes smaller. If you’ve tried all our ideas to no avail, treat yourself to a new pair from our affordable selection of footwear for men and women.
Likewise, if you’re struggling with shoes that are too small, follow our handy guide on how to make shoes bigger.
