Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Simple Methods
• Method 2 of 3: More advanced methods
• Method 3 of 3: Things to Remember
• Tips

Imagine that you have just returned from the mall with a pair of new shoes and suddenly find that they are too big for you. In this case, do not despair! There are many ways to wear big shoes and not look stupid.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Simple Methods

1. 1 Wear heavy socks (or multiple pairs of socks). This is probably the easiest way to wear big shoes. For example, wear heavy cotton socks instead of thin silk socks. You can also wear two or three pairs of socks (on top of each other) - the tighter the socks, the more comfortable you will be in oversized shoes.
   • Suitable for: sports shoes and boots.
   • Note: this method will most likely not work if it is hot outside.
2. 2 Stuff the sock of your shoe with tissue paper, toilet paper, or similar material to reduce the size of the shoe. This is a great way if the heel squishes when walking; what's more, you can use it almost anywhere.
   • Suitable for: shoes with a solid sole, boots, shoes with heels with a closed toe.
   • Note: not suitable for sporting events or long walks, as the “filler” collapses under intense load and will cause inconvenience.
3. 3 Use an insole. An insole is a soft insert in a shoe (usually made of special foam or gel) that cushions and supports the foot as you walk. Most insoles are designed to improve posture, but they are also used to wear oversized shoes. The insoles are available at most shoe stores.
   • Suitable for: any footwear (including shoes with heels and open toes).
   • Note: If possible, test several different insoles before purchasing and make sure they are comfortable. Dr. Scholl and Foot Petals are very comfortable and durable, but any insoles will work for large shoes. Expensive insoles can cost upwards of RUB 3,000, but they provide unmatched comfort.
4. 4 Use the instep tabs. Sometimes full insoles make shoes uncomfortable. Therefore, there are small tabs that are placed directly under the arch of the foot. These tabs are difficult to see, so they are suitable for high heels that just a little big and which the full insoles make uncomfortable.
   • Suitable for: shoes with heels or solid soles.
   • Note: These tabs come in a variety of colors, so you can choose a tab to match the color of your shoes.
5. 5 Use heel strips. These are special strips with a cushion that are glued to shoes with an uncomfortable heel, but their design (with a cushion) also allows you to comfortably wear large shoes (you can stick such a strip not only on the heel, but also anywhere in large shoes).
   • Suitable for: any shoe, especially for shoes with a hard heel.
   • Note: If possible, test your heel strips before purchasing, as some people have reported rubbing their feet.

Method 2 of 3: More advanced methods

1. 1 Try shrinking your shoes with water. To do this, you need to wet your shoes and then dry them. Done right, you will achieve amazing results, but there is a risk of damaging your shoes, so check your shoe care label before starting the procedure.
   • First, wet your shoes. For leather or suede shoes use a spray bottle. Just put any other shoes in the water.
   • Let the shoes dry outdoors or dry them with a hair dryer; however, do not hold the hair dryer too close to the shoes, as some of the materials from which the shoes are made can be accidentally damaged in this way.
   • After the shoes are dry, put them on. You may need to repeat this procedure several times if the shoe is still too large. If you're worried about your shoes getting too small, dry them on your feet to make them fit.
   • Apply conditioner (available at shoe stores) to leather or suede shoes.
2. 2 Use an elastic band. It will allow you to pull off the material from which the shoes are made, which will lead to some reduction in its size. You will need a small elastic band, needle and thread.Better to use a tight rubber band.
   • Stretch the elastic along the inside of the heel of the shoe (in principle, you can sew the elastic anywhere on the shoe).
   • Sew on the elastic while taut. Pins will help you with this.
   • Let go of the rubber band. It will shrink and pull off the heel of the shoe.
   • You can use this method with one of the above methods.
3. 3 If all else fails, take the shoes to the shoemaker. If you are unable to find a local shoe shop nearby, please ask online.
   • Suitable for: high quality, expensive shoes.
   • Note: shoemaking can be expensive, so bring him shoes that really worth it (don't carry a pair of sneakers to the shoemaker).

Method 3 of 3: Things to Remember

1. 1 Try to maintain your posture by wearing large shoes. Keep in mind that even if you have managed to reduce the size of the shoe on the inside, it will still be large on the outside, which can lead to problems with posture and gait. Therefore, watch your posture if you are wearing large shoes. Read this article if you want to improve your posture.
   • Straighten up. Straighten your shoulders and raise your head. Look straight ahead.
   • When walking, roll from heel to toe. Begin each step with your heel in front of you, then move to the arch of your foot, then to your toes, and finally push off the ground.
   • While walking, try to tighten your abdominal and buttock muscles. These muscles help to straighten and support the spine.
2. 2 Be careful not to trip over. Large shoes are larger than what you are used to wearing, so when walking, you need to carry your feet above the ground slightly higher than usual; otherwise, you will trip or hit a stone or other object.
3. 3 Don't wear big shoes on long walks. Even if you find a way to wear large shoes, they will never be as comfortable as wearing the right size shoes. Therefore, do not wear large shoes when you are going to walk for a long time (for example, on a hike). This will protect your feet from calluses and other injuries.
   • Moreover, this way you will save yourself from injury. For example, the ankle is often injured if a person wears large shoes (especially when playing sports).
4. 4 Avoid oversized shoes. The above methods are only applicable in situations where the shoe is only slightly large. If the shoes are 1-2 sizes larger, no tricks will help. Don't risk damaging or injuring your feet - just buy another pair of shoes that are the right size. Even an old, worn pair will work better than a new but larger shoe.

Tips

• Don't forget the heel and ankle straps. Some shoes (sandals, shoes with heels, sneakers) are equipped with straps, with which you can adjust the shoes according to the fullness of your leg.
• Always try on shoes before buying. It is better to find that the shoes are great for you in the store than at home.