7 Ways to Make Shoes More Comfortable, According to Experts

Here’s a common shoe conundrum: You buy a pair that pinch just a little too much, thinking they’ll loosen up with time. Only they don’t. And you’re left hobbling 20 minutes out the door. So many of us do it, according to a 2018 meta-analysis of studies published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research. The researchers found that as many as 72% of people worldwide wear ill-fitting shoes. And doing so can be more than an annoyance, experts say.

Why Comfortable Shoes Are Important

Although aesthetics usually drive our fashion choices, shoes are meant to provide support and cushioning, helping distribute your body weight evenly across your feet, explains Jacqueline Donovan,  a doctor of podiatric medicine (DPM), a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (FACFAS), and a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon at Erie Foot & Ankle Center in Beachwood, Ohio. “This balance reduces stress on specific areas, minimizing the risk of conditions like plantar fasciitis and joint pain,” Dr. Donovan says. Ill-fitting shoes can lead to injuries as well as bunions, hammertoes, and calluses. 

Suzanne Levine, DPM, board-certified podiatric surgeon and author of My Feet Are Killing Me, says many of her patients’ body aches stem from bad shoes. “Patients who wear uncomfortable shoes are more likely to develop hip, knee, and back problems compared to those who wear supportive, comfortable shoes and walk regularly,” she says. 

Have kicks that you can’t bear to donate? There are a few fixes to help make them more comfortable. 

Make Sure Straps Are Snug (But Not Tight) 

“Adequately tightened straps are crucial for comfort,” Dr. Donovan says. When straps are too loose, your foot may slide forward, causing pressure on your toes, leading to blisters from the friction caused by constant movement, she says. Straps that are too tight can be bothersome and cut into your skin. If your shoe straps don’t have enough holes, try adding additional ones (you can find tools online for this purpose) to ensure a proper fit. 

Spend Time Breaking Them In

It’s easy to fall victim to ill-fitting shoes if you shop online or spend a few seconds trying them on at the store. Before wearing any new shoes out, it’s best to break them in slowly, advises Damian Roussel, DPM, FACFAS, a board-certified foot and reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon at the Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics in Maryland. He recommends wearing them for short periods around your home—you can build up the amount of time you wear them over several days—before taking them out for a full day. This helps to gradually mold the shoes to the shape of your feet,” Dr. Roussel says.

Soften Stiff Shoes

Hard leather footwear may look great but they can leave your feet wrecked. Your foot moves in three directions: up and down, side to side, and in a rotational motion, explains Dr. Levine. “Hard leather restricts this natural movement, causing discomfort, stiffness, and potential blisters,” she says. 

Dr. Donovan says you can make shoes more flexible by:

• Using leather conditioner: Apply a product especially made for leather shoes or mink oil to help loosen the material. 
• Carefully bending your shoes: Gently moving them back and forth with your hands can help relax stiffness.
• Moisturizing with petroleum jelly: Rub a small amount on stiff areas.
• Misting with rubbing alcohol and water: Spray a mix of 50 percent water and 50 percent alcohol on the inside of the shoe, which helps loosen fibers. Be sure to test a small area first to avoid damaging your whole shoe!

Stretch Too-Tight Footwear

This won’t work with shoes that are a full size too tight. But you can widen shoes slightly to get a little extra space. To try this, walk around your home wearing thick socks with your shoes or purchase a shoe stretcher, Dr. Levine advises. Alternatively, you could consult with a cobbler for a professional opinion.

Wear the Right Socks

Socks can be an afterthought, but they shouldn’t be. “Socks act as a buffer between your feet and the shoes, reducing friction and absorbing moisture, which helps prevent blisters and discomfort,” he says. Ill-fitting socks can bunch up, causing pressure points and irritation, he says. Pick socks that conform to the shape of your foot without being too tight. Wearing socks that adequately protect your feet can help you avoid some common causes of foot pain.

Here are a few things to consider when getting dressed:

• Thin, breathable socks should be worn with snug-fitting shoes, Dr. Donovan says.
• Thick, padded socks can be more comfortable to wear with boots or sneakers, but only if your shoes aren’t snug, because the extra material could make your shoes tight. 
• Dr. Donovan says that heel and toe cushioning can soften some of the impact on your feet and help with conditions like plantar fasciitis. 
• Moisture-wicking fabrics help keep your feet dry and reduce blisters, Dr. Donovan says.
• Cotton socks are best for casual wear, says Dr. Donovan, because the material can trap moisture, leading to blisters. For sweaty activities, choose moisture-wicking materials.
• Compression socks can alleviate swelling and are good for people with varicose veins or poor circulation, according to Dr. Levine. 
• Seamless socks can help minimize the risk of chafing, Dr Roussel says.

Tape Your Toes

Even heels that claim to be comfortable rarely are. But taping your third and fourth toes together may help alleviate some of that pain. “This method works by reducing the pressure on the nerve that runs between these two toes, which often gets compressed and causes pain when wearing heels,” Dr. Roussel says. “By taping them together, you can redistribute your weight more evenly across your feet, potentially decreasing the strain on the balls of your feet.”

Or you could purchase a silicone metatarsal pad (available at most pharmacies), according to Dr. Donovan, which is her preferred method. “They provide cushioning to the ball of the foot, reducing pain and preventing feet from sliding forward,” Dr. Donovan says. 

Keep Your Feet Moisturized

Soft feet are happy feet—and they can help reduce your chances of getting blisters. “Keeping your feet moisturized can reduce friction and prevent blisters. Use a good foot cream or lotion regularly, especially if you have dry or cracked skin,” Dr. Roussel says.