Footwear care
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
To stretch leather shoes, fill ziploc bags halfway with water, place them inside, and freeze overnight for 8-10 hours.
- This method failed for one person, causing insoles to detach and damaging cheap shoes.
- It will not work on pleather because it is essentially plastic.
4 people, independently
Know your Euro shoe size, as it is more consistent across brands than US sizing.
It is far more consistent from brand to brand.
one person who lived it
Wear socks that cling tightly to the middle of the foot to prevent movement inside the shoe.
This stops the sock from moving within the shoe, which can prevent blisters.
one person who lived it
Buy socks rated for work rather than cheap thin socks to prevent blisters.
Cheap thin socks caused severe blisters in one person's experience.
one person who lived it
Cut pantyhose to ankle height and wear them under regular socks to create a non-stick sliding surface.
It creates a sliding nonstick surface.
one person who lived it
Wiggle toes and flex foot muscles while standing to keep blood flowing.
It helps keep blood flowing.
one person who lived it
Get your feet professionally measured using a Brannock device or similar tool to determine accurate length, width, arch height, and instep dimensions.
Feet often differ in size, width, and arch structure, leading to pain when wearing standard sizes.
- Brannock devices provide only a ballpark idea of sizing.
- Shoe sizing is not universal across brands.
2 people, independently
Get custom-made foot levelers from a chiropractor based on a foot scan.
One person reported this saved their walking comfort.
one person who lived it
If powdering does not work, examine the bumpers for splits and repair them with Gorilla Glue, following the directions.
One of the bumpers may have split from the side.
one person who lived it
3 more on this
Gradually increase barefoot walking and running over several months to harden the skin on your feet.
Tougher feet prevent blisters.
one person who lived it
If your sneakers squeak from friction, try pouring baby powder or talcum under the insoles.
- Your socks may become dirty if you remove your shoes afterward.
- The powder might absorb sweat and develop an odor quickly.
3 people, independently
Consult a physiotherapist to analyze your walking posture and habits.
People develop bad walking habits and posture issues over their lifetime.
one person who lived it