I don’t know if everyone has such troubles, but I bought a pair of black dress shoes to match with formal attire. However, after wearing them all day, two blisters have already worn on my heels – this is probably the third time I have fallen into the ‘curse of new shoes’.
If you, like me, have a Wide Width foot shape, you can probably understand this pain: why do you always feel like you’re being punished when you wear classic and versatile black dress shoes? Today we will talk about this heart wrenching topic.

Why Do Black Dress Shoes Always Hurt My Feet?

There are many reasons why black formal shoes can wear your feet, including improper fit, inadequate hardness, wear and tear, and prolonged wearing. Most formal shoes are designed with standard foot width, and the forefoot of wide footed individuals will continuously rub against the inner stitching of the shoe upper, just like making a fist while wearing a smaller size leather glove. Another factor is foot shape. If your feet are too wide, the big toe and little toe will simultaneously squeeze the shoe upper, causing a feeling of discomfort like your feet are tied up.

Wide Feet Savior: How to Buy Blister-Free Black Dress Shoes

To choose suitable black dress shoes, one must first know their foot shape. Barefoot standing on white paper, using a pen to draw the outline of the foot shape vertically, then measuring the widest horizontal distance (usually at the raised position of the forefoot) with a tape measure, and measuring the distance from the highest point of the instep to the sole of the foot. Currently, based on online data, the difference in foot size between most people’s left and right feet is within 0.5 yards, so the larger foot should be considered when making a purchase. If the difference exceeds one size, it is recommended to customize or choose adjustable shoes.

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After knowing your foot shape, you can choose shoes that are suitable for you. After choosing the style you like, try on this pair of shoes first. Try inserting your index finger between the heel and the upper of the shoe. If you can easily insert one finger (about 1-1.5cm gap), it is the ideal state. If your finger cannot fit in at all, it means it is too tight, or if you can insert more than two fingers, it means it is too loose and easy to wear your feet.

Then try walking for a few more minutes, doing a deep squat, going up and down stairs. If there is no discomfort, it means these shoes are suitable for you.

First Aid Guide: Can You Fix Rubbing Dress Shoes?

What should you do if you already have your favorite black dress shoes, but they rub your feet? Here are a few ways to help you.

Wet and knead the old newspaper into a ball, squeeze out the moisture, then stuff it into shoes, press firmly, and let it sit overnight. Newspapers can effectively support shoes, making them more in line with the shape of the feet and reducing foot wear.

Applying adhesive tape or band aids to the areas where shoes and feet rub can effectively reduce friction. It is recommended to purchase adhesive bandages or medical grade tapes specifically designed for anti-wear feet, which are more snug and less likely to come off.

Wide Feet Revolution: Good Shoes Shouldn’t Torture You

Choosing suitable shoes is the key to preventing foot grinding pain. When purchasing shoes, special attention should be paid to the width and length of the shoes to ensure comfortable wearing. In addition, regularly checking the wear and tear of shoes and replacing severely worn shoes in a timely manner is also an important measure to avoid discomfort in the feet.

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