How to make big shoes fit smaller

Have you ever found the perfect pair of shoes, only to realize that they’re a bit too big for your feet? Maybe you’re in-between sizes, or maybe you found a great deal on a pair of shoes that were slightly too large. Whatever the reason, wearing shoes that are too big can be uncomfortable and even dangerous, as it can cause blisters, calluses, and even lead to foot injuries.

Luckily, there are several methods you can use to make big shoes fit smaller. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the most effective ways to do so. We’ll cover everything from stuffing the toe box to using insoles and adjusting the laces. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how to get the best fit for your shoes, so you can enjoy them to the fullest without any discomfort or pain.

Stuffing the Toe Box

One of the easiest ways to make big shoes fit smaller is by stuffing the toe box with extra material. This method works particularly well for shoes that are slightly too long, but otherwise fit well.

To stuff the toe box, you’ll need some material to fill the space. Tissue paper, socks, or foam inserts are all great options. Here’s how to do it:

1. Take the material you’ve chosen and wad it up into a ball.
2. Stuff the ball into the toe box of your shoe, making sure to push it all the way up to the front of the shoe.
3. Repeat with more material until you’ve filled the toe box snugly.

Keep in mind that this method may not work as well for shoes that are too wide, as it won’t do anything to reduce the width of the shoe. Additionally, stuffing the toe box may cause the shoe to feel tighter around the toes, so it may not be the best option if you have any foot conditions that make tight-fitting shoes uncomfortable.

Overall, stuffing the toe box is a quick and easy fix for shoes that are slightly too long. Just be sure to choose a material that won’t slip around or become lumpy inside the shoe, and adjust the amount of material as needed to get the perfect fit.

Using Insoles

If your shoes are too big due to a lot of extra space inside, using insoles can be a great way to make them fit better. Insoles are padded inserts that can help fill up the extra space in the shoe and provide additional cushioning for your feet.

To use insoles, follow these steps:

1. Choose the right type of insole for your needs. There are many different types available, including gel insoles, foam insoles, and arch-supporting insoles. Look for one that provides the right amount of support and cushioning for your feet.
2. Remove any existing insoles from your shoes.
3. Place the new insoles inside the shoes, making sure they lie flat and fit snugly against the bottom of the shoe.
4. Try on the shoes with the new insoles to make sure they fit comfortably. Adjust the insoles as needed to get the perfect fit.

Using insoles is a great way to make shoes fit better without altering the appearance of the shoe. Plus, you can easily swap them out between different pairs of shoes for added versatility. However, keep in mind that using insoles may not work as well for shoes that are too wide, as they won’t do much to reduce the width of the shoe. Additionally, using insoles may take up additional space in the shoe, so they may not be the best option if your shoes are already snug. Read our article about Superfeet insoles here.

Adjusting the Laces

Adjusting the laces of your shoes is another easy way to make them fit better. This method is particularly useful for shoes that are too wide or too loose around the middle of your foot.

To adjust the laces, follow these steps:

1. Start by loosening the laces all the way, so your foot can easily slide into the shoe.
2. Put on the shoes and adjust the tongue so that it lies flat against the top of your foot.
3. Starting from the bottom of the laces, tighten each set of eyelets in turn, pulling the laces snugly across your foot.
4. Once you reach the top of the laces, tie them in a knot or bow to keep the shoe secure.

You can also use different lacing techniques to adjust the fit of your shoes. For example, the “heel lock” lacing technique can help keep your heel from slipping out of the shoe, while the “loop lacing” technique can help reduce pressure on the top of your foot.

Adjusting the laces is a quick and easy fix that can make a big difference in how your shoes fit. Plus, it’s a great option if you don’t want to add any extra materials or make any permanent changes to the shoe. Just be sure to adjust the laces evenly on both sides to prevent any discomfort or uneven pressure on your feet.

Using Inserts or Adhesives

If you’ve tried the previous methods and your shoes are still too big, using inserts or adhesives can be a more permanent solution. Inserts and adhesives are materials that can be added to the inside of the shoe to reduce its size and provide a better fit.

Here are some of the most common types of inserts and adhesives:

1. Toe inserts: Toe inserts are small cushions that can be added to the toe box of the shoe to reduce its length. These are a great option if your shoes are too long but fit well otherwise.
2. Heel grips: Heel grips are small pads that can be added to the back of the shoe to prevent your heel from slipping out. This is a great option if your shoes are too wide or loose around the heel area.
3. Adhesive strips: Adhesive strips can be added to the inside of the shoe to reduce its width. Simply cut the strips to the right size and stick them to the sides of the shoe to make it more snug.

When using inserts or adhesives, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that they are installed correctly. Additionally, keep in mind that using these methods may permanently alter the shoe, so they may not be the best option if you want to preserve the original appearance of the shoe.

Using inserts or adhesives can be a great way to get a more permanent fix for shoes that are too big. Just be sure to choose the right type of material for your needs, and be prepared to make some permanent changes to the shoe.

Conclusion

Having shoes that are too big can be a frustrating problem, but luckily there are several easy solutions to make them fit better. Whether you choose to stuff the toe box, use insoles, adjust the laces, or use inserts or adhesives, there are plenty of options to choose from depending on your needs.

Before trying any of these methods, it’s important to assess the fit of your shoes and determine which areas need the most attention. For example, if your shoes are too long, stuffing the toe box may be the best option, while adjusting the laces may be more helpful if your shoes are too wide or loose.

Remember that the right fit is key to keeping your feet comfortable and healthy, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different methods until you find the one that works best for you. With a little bit of creativity and effort, you can make even the biggest shoes fit like a glove.