This will also work on other areas that cause chafing. If the area is inside your shoe, cut out a small circle or oval that is slightly larger than the area getting chafed. Peel off the backing and stick the moleskin to the offending area. You can also stick the moleskin directly onto your foot, and peel it off at the end of the day.
You probably do not want to apply this to existing blisters. Instead, consider buying some blister treatments instead. They look like oval band-aids and go over the blister. They help cushion the blister and keep it clean so that it does not get infected.
If you have a pair of heeled sandals that have a strap between the toes, consider getting a heart-shaped cushion. The rounded parts of the heart will fit to either side of the toe strap. [3] X Research source
Arch supporting insoles are usually labeled as such; if you are having troubles finding some, look for something that is thicker in the middle of the insole—right where the arch of your foot would go. Placing an insole in a tight shoe may make your feet feel overcrowded and uncomfortable. If this happens, try a thinner insole
Keep in mind that some materials are easier to stretch than others. When you’re buying shoes, try shopping at the end of the day, when your feet are at their largest. That can help you avoid accidentally buying shoes that are too small. [5] X Expert Source Penny SimmonsShoe Care Specialist Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
There are different types of shoe stretchers available, including ones for high heels. A two-way stretcher might be the most useful, as it can stretch both the width and the length of your shoe. Some shoe stretches have attachments for ailments like bunions. Insert these attachments before using the shoe stretcher. [7] X Expert Source Penny SimmonsShoe Care Specialist Expert Interview. 19 November 2020. Shoe stretchers can only break in shoes and loosen them so that they do not feel so snug or tight; they cannot make your shoe whole size bigger. Shoe stretchers work best on natural materials, such as leather and suede, which have some natural stretch to them. They’re not as effective on materials that don’t stretch, like canvas, plastic, or rubber. [8] X Expert Source Penny SimmonsShoe Care Specialist Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
This helps stretch shoes out to some extent because water expands as it freezes. This will only work on natural materials, such as leather, suede, and fabric. It may not have much effect on plastics and pleather. Keep in mind that if your leather or suede shoes become damp, you may see some staining. Consider wrapping your shoe with a towel to protect it.
Athletic socks are tighter in the arch area. This helps offer arch support, and makes them ideal for athletic and running shoes. Moisture wicking socks will help remove sweat from around your feet. This will help keep your feet dry and prevent blisters. Running socks have extra padding on the underside, This will help absorb the impact your foot makes when you run. Toe socks are like gloves, but for your feet instead. They cover each toe separately, and may help prevent blisters between toes. Consider the material. Some materials, such as cotton, soak up sweat too easily, which can lead to blisters. Acrylic, polyester, and polypropylene help remove sweat, leaving your feet dry.
Use silicon flip-flop inserts. They are shaped like ball-of-foot cushions, except that they have a little cylinder that sticks up near the front. Place the insert in the front of your flip-flop, then slip the thong part into the cylinder. The cylinder will help prevent the thong from digging in between your toes. Wrap the thong area with some adhesive moleskin. The will be especially effective on plastic or rubber flip-flops. It will help cushion your foot and soften any sharp edges. Wrap some fabric around the thong. You can even continue wrapping the fabric around the straps for a colorful, personal touch. Secure both ends of the fabric to the shoe with a drop of shoe glue.
