How to Fix Shoes That Are Too Wide

Many of us are familiar with this scenario: you just acquired a new pair of shoes as a gift from a loved one, or you might have purchased one online. However, amidst all the excitement of getting a new pair of shoes, you discover that the shoes are oversized. This is not only saddening but annoying because you are stuck with a pair of shoes, and you have no idea what to do with them. But not to worry, I have been in this situation before, and no, I did not dispose of my shoes, nor did I hand them down to someone else. I was able to make my wide shoes fit better. In this article, I will let you in on the best way to fix shoes that are too big. All you have to do is sit back, read, and learn.

How to fix shoes that are too wide

Walking on big shoes is not even an option; discomfort, pain, and blisters are just a few of the difficulties you may face. To escape these difficulties, you can employ any of the eight hacks below to fix your wide shoes.

Insoles

Also known as Inserts. Insoles work like magic. It is a shoe’s inner sole, fixed at the bottom of the inside. Insoles are usually made of a soft gel material, leather, or foam that is gentle on the feet. They are used for various reasons, but the one peculiar to us is that they can improve the fit of your shoes. When you place insoles inside your shoes, it takes up extra space, making the shoe smaller. It is also very excellent that insoles come in different sizes. So, if your shoe is big across the length of your foot, you should get a full insole. If your shoe is wide only at the toe-box area, go for a half-fit insole. Insoles are very comfortable; you can use them in flats, open-toed shoes, and even heels.

Ball of foot cushion

The ball of foot cushion was initially designed to help with several foot-related problems. However, it also comes in handy in fixing wide shoes. This device sits directly under the balls of your feet. It adds extra padding to your shoes and also cushions the feet at the same time. A ball of foot cushion is your best bet when using an Insole is not convenient.

Heel strips

Heel strips improve your favorite shoes’ overall fit and comfort. You have to peel off the paper backing on the strip and apply it to the inside of the shoes’ back. The heel strip tightens the shoe fit and prevents your feet from moving around inside your footwear.

Stuff your shoes

If your shoes are broad in the toe-box area, it is a good idea to fill in the space at the tip of your shoes. You can use a toe filler or substitute it with cheap materials like toilet paper or thin cloth. This method is best suited for enclosed shoes.

Wear thicker socks

I recommend wearing very thick socks, thick enough to take up much space in length and width in the shoe. This method is also best suited for enclosed shoes like boots.

Shoe tongue pads

Remove the paper on the adhesive backing and place the pad slightly lower than your shoe’s tongue. The shoe tongue pad prevents pain caused by pressure and provides cushioning effect. It also prevents heel slippage and sliding off your feet. This device works best in enclosed shoes.

The “Shrinking” method

In this process, you make the shoes smaller by wetting them and drying them. Ensure to be careful while wetting the shoes. If you are trying to get a leather shoe wet, use a spray bottle. This is to ensure that water doesn’t damage the leather. If your shoes are still wide after drying them, you need to repeat this process until you achieve the desired results.

Visit a cobbler

If you have tried the options above and they do not work, the best thing is to see a cobbler. A cobbler is a professional who repairs shoes. They are very experienced in how to fix shoes that are too wide.

It is not advisable to wear oversized shoes because the effect is tremendous, ranging from discomfort and blisters to pain in the foot and joints. Each method of making shoes that are too wide to fit better is peculiar. It is important to choose the method that best suits your shoe type. It is also important to note that if you have wide feet, you should avoid big shoes. If you own an oversized pair of shoes and have wide feet, try any of the hacks discussed above. Also, wearing heeled shoes over flats, round toes over pointy toes, and dark-colored shoes instead of light-colored ones will make your feet look smaller and prettier.

How to fix shoes FAQs

1. What happens if your shoes are too wide?

Walking on oversized shoes can lead to many painful foot conditions like corns and calluses, metatarsalgia, and bunions, to mention a few.

2. What is the easiest and cheapest way to fix your wide shoes?

The easiest way to fix your wide shoes is by wearing thick socks or stuffing your shoes’ toes. Both methods do not necessarily cost you money.

3. Is stuffing the toes of your shoes always a good idea?

This is an excellent choice if your feet keep slipping off your shoes. However, its use is limited. It is not advisable to stuff your shoes if you are walking a long distance because the filler would become gross with sweat.

4. Is shrinking the shoes with water a good idea?

This method is effective when done right. However, we advise you always to check the shoe’s care label before beginning.

5. Can I use the shrinking method on leather shoes?

Yes, as long as you only use water sparingly on the leather. Refrain from soaking your leather shoe in the water, as it will ruin the leather.

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