Ugh, the dreaded loafer blisters!
For most people, each new pair ofslip-onscomes with a rite of passage: breaking in thoseshoes until they stop blistering our heels.
But for some of us,loafers and Sperrysnever seem to "break in", and they slip and/or rubblisters onto our heels every single time we wear them.
Either our feet don't develop thick enough calluses to protect our skin, or the shoes simply aren't able to conform to our feet.
It's enough thatsome of us completelygive up onbuying or wearing slip-ons.
The reason for our blisters: our unique foot geometry
For thepainedsouls (get it? ha) among usfor whichslip-on shoes never seem to fit without rubbing or slipping off our heels—even after wearing them for a while—it's usually because our heels are a bit narrow.
When heels are either narrower than most, or else they're joined with feet whose toe boxes arewider than usual (creating more of a triangle shape in the foot), they simply can'tmake good pressured contact with the heel collar and counter.
The result: an air gap between the skin of the heel and the leather (or other material) in the heel of the shoe. This gap can prevent your heel from securely pressing into the shoe,leading to rubbing, blistering, slipping, and ultimately your heel even popping out of your shoe.
If this sounds familiar, you might be fortunate to find that shoes with laces fit a bit better, because tyingthe shoes upcan reduce some air gaps. This sometimes isn't enough even for laced shoes, but it's even worse with loafers and boat shoes, because the lacing is unsubstantial or nonexistent.
Hacks to ease heel blisters in slip-ons
Mostsolutions to prevent heel slipping and heel blistering in loafers or Sperrys involve hacking the shoes with pads or insoles.
Some people try using "moleskin" or band-aids orother artificial skin coverings that invariably come off with sweat.
For our founder, none of these slip-on blister hacks ever worked, and he set out to solve the problem another way: with Skinnysbespoke orthotic-like shoe liners, specially padded in just the right places to cocoon narrow heels while maintaining an invisible ultra-low-cut contour.
He spent 16 months with footwear consultants and designers, producing a dozen prototypes to finally find a solutionto prevent heel rubbing in slip-on shoes, and this is the result:
- 3x-thick heel cups, extra-padded with terry cloth (thickness compared to other no-show socks)
- 2x-poured silicone grip that wraps all the way around the heel cupto ensure a snug fit even on the sides of the heel (compared to other brands that only use a thin layer directly behind the heel, with nothing on the sides)
- Super-low cuttostay hidden in most slip-on shoes.
With Skinnys, we don't have to hack our shoes, and we don't have to apply adhesive bandages.
The perfect loafer solution
Unlikeconventional no-show socks, Skinnys are extra-padded exactly where we need them to be.Skinnys stay on your feet, and they keep your feet in your shoe, without rubbing or blistering, guaranteed.
Best of all, you can't even tell they're there, because they've beendesigned to hide underneath even the lowest-cut loafer, unlike most so-called "thick" low-cut socks.
Time to try Skinnys?
We'd love to have you try apair of Skinnys. (Or, even a 3-pack.) We think they'll work for you, because they worked for us. Andbecause 25% of our business is repeat customers, we're pretty sure they're becoming the best new tool in the arsenal to tighten people's step.
If you have any questions, please contact us. We're quick to respond, and we love talking to customers!
Photo at top illustrating blisters is licensed using the Creative Commons 2.0 license from Gunnar Aastrand Grimnes via Flickr.
FAQs
Most solutions to prevent heel slipping and heel blistering in loafers or Sperrys involve hacking the shoes with pads or insoles. Some people try using "moleskin" or band-aids or other artificial skin coverings that invariably come off with sweat.
How do I stop my shoes from rubbing and giving me blisters? ›
Top tips to stop shoes rubbing
- Try shoes on with the socks you intend to wear them with. ...
- Go shoe shopping late in the day. ...
- Always try on both shoes. ...
- Invest in insoles for extra comfort. ...
- Always break in your shoes before wearing them outside. ...
- Use Vaseline on the rubbing hotspots. ...
- Use a hairdryer on those problem areas.
Water shoes can easily convert into a limited version of a "hiking shoe." Just be sure to dry the foot completely (to prevent blisters) and to wear a well-padded hiking sock.
Why does every pair of shoes give me blisters? ›
Friction—the rubbing motion between the foot, sock, and shoe—creates heat and tearing forces, making the skin prone to blisters. If you reduce the friction, you reduce the blisters. One way to reduce friction is by lubricating your feet, so they slide rather than rub.
Does blister guard spray work? ›
This spray is amazing! I bought it after some shoes I have had for some time unexpectedly caused blisters. After using it before wearing the shoes again (as a test), no more pain or rubbing!
What's the best thing to do for blisters from shoes? ›
To treat a blister, dermatologists recommend the following:
- Cover the blister. Loosely cover the blister with a bandage. ...
- Use padding. To protect blisters in pressure areas, such as the bottom of your feet, use padding. ...
- Avoid popping or draining a blister, as this could lead to infection. ...
- Keep the area clean and covered.
The 6 Easiest Ways to Break in Your Shoes
- Wear Chunky Socks. Walk around your house with your new shoes while wearing your thick socks (or several layered pairs). ...
- Break in Shoes with Ice. ...
- Heat Up Your Shoes. ...
- Bend and Twist. ...
- Protect Your Feet with Moleskin. ...
- Shape the Insoles with a Spoon.
In many instances, these fluid-filled bubbles result from poorly fitted shoes. Shoes that fit too tightly or too loosely can rub against the skin. This causes friction, and as a result, fluid builds up underneath the upper layer of skin. Excessive moisture or perspiration can also trigger these skin bubbles.
Will thick socks prevent blisters? ›
A sock's thickness will also impact its ability to prevent or cause blisters; generally, the thicker a sock is, the more protection it will provide your foot. Another study showed that doubling up on your socks to increase thickness increases the resistance of your feet to the potential of getting blisters.
Do tight shoes prevent blisters? ›
Only when the foot fits snuggly in the shoe does the shoe provide the support it's able to and help prevent injury, like blisters. If your shoes are too loose: First make sure you've used the last pair of eyelets – the holes your laces go through.
Shoes that fit too small can cause blisters, calluses, runner's toe, and many more problems. Shoes that are too large allow the foot to move too much while running which causes unnecessary rubbing on areas of the foot known as “hot-spots” that can result in blisters and calluses forming.
What socks prevent blisters? ›
Cotton fabrics often stick to your feet while they absorb sweat, increasing friction that leads to blisters. But polyester, spandex, and silicone socks give your feet a smooth and sweat-free space to prevent any blisters.
Does putting Vaseline on your feet prevent blisters? ›
Use Vaseline
Many blisters are caused by friction, whether that be skin on skin or fabric on skin. By applying a generous amount of Vaseline to any problem areas of the foot (or other part of the body), you will reduce the friction and therefore reduce your risk of developing blisters.
Does hairspray stop blisters? ›
Antiperspirants or powders can be used to minimize moisture and Vaseline, blister pads, or hairspray can be applied to blister prone areas as barrier prevention.
What foot gel prevents blisters? ›
Aquaphor Healing Ointment. Aquaphor is a great alternative to BodyGlide, and unlike BodyGlide, it's available in most drugstores. Use it to help prevent the friction that causes blisters.
What is the best tape to prevent blisters? ›
If you always develop blisters when running or hiking, you can use ZINC OXIDE TAPE or KINESIOLOGY TAPE as a blister tape to prevent blisters from forming. Both tapes work by preventing your shoe or sock from rubbing directly against the skin. ZINC OXIDE TAPE is softer to the touch, so is more comfortable to wear.
Do anti slip socks prevent blisters? ›
Blister protection – innovative anti-slip technology on the bottom of the foot and toes reduces friction between the sock and the skin, minimizing blisters.
How do you prevent blisters on shoes without socks? ›
Break in the shoe slowly by wearing it sockless for a few hours at a time, and protect your feet from blisters using one of the many blister prevention products out there. There are many options: gels, sprays, balms, and moleskin bandages. Try out a few and find the one that works best for you.
Does Neosporin help blisters? ›
Keeping the blister clean is key to helping it heal, whether it is broken or intact. Use an antibacterial cream or ointment such as NEOSPORIN® Antibiotic Ointment Open link in new window to help the wound heal and reduce the risk of infection.
How do you walk in shoes with blisters? ›
Let it glide
Blisters occur because of friction, explains Weiss: "Skin layers separate, then fill up with fluid as protection." To minimize friction, Weiss recommends lubricating the area with petroleum jelly (or coconut oil) before heading out for a walk—apply it on top of the 2nd Skin or Band-Aid.
After some wears, the leather starts to soften up and mold to the shape of your foot, in all areas that the feet put pressure on the leather. This namely happens in the forefoot, the insole, and the heel area.
Is it better for loafers to be tight or loose? ›
How Much Room Should You Have in Loafers? You should have enough room in the toe box to wiggle your toes comfortably, but not so much that your foot is sliding around inside the shoe. The heel should fit snugly, with minimal slipping.
How long do loafers take to break in? ›
How long does it take to break in shoes? It usually takes around 3 to 4 weeks until your new shoes should begin to feel more comfortable.
Does 2 pairs of socks stop blisters? ›
One of the biggest benefits of purchasing double-layer socks is their ability to prevent blisters. Since they feature a snug inner surface and protective, hydrophobic layer, they reduce excessive heat and moisture. Since heat and moisture are the two main causes of blisters, these socks excel at preventing them.
What is the two sock method? ›
However, wearing two socks can help. The inner sock helps reduce friction with your foot. There is still friction occurring – it is just between the two pairs of socks and not your skin and the sock. The inner sock also helps wick away moisture from the foot.
Is it better to wear thin or thick socks for blisters? ›
Research: Research shows thicker socks reduce the chance of blisters and can be considered as a blister prevention sock feature.
How long do shoe blisters last? ›
Ill-fitting shoes or friction can damage the skin, and a blister forms to cushion the area from further damage as it heals. If the blister is left unpopped, the body gradually absorbs the fluid as the underlying skin recovers. This can take around one week.
Should I wear socks if I have blisters? ›
Invest in moisture-wicking socks. Protect your feet by wearing moisture-wicking socks that are made of polyester, nylon or merino wool. These socks are intended to pull moisture away from the skin.
Do you wear tight or loose shoes to prevent blisters? ›
To prevent blisters on your feet, wear nylon or moisture-wicking socks. If wearing one pair of socks doesn't help, try wearing two pairs to protect your skin. You should also make sure your shoes fit properly. Shoes shouldn't be too tight or too loose.
Should I wrap my feet to prevent blisters? ›
Taping is a mainstay of preventive foot blister management in athletes and active people. Its use is based on the premise that rubbing causes blisters, and that tape protects the skin from this rubbing and/or provides thermal insulation from the heat generated by rubbing.
As for shoe material: Leather has more give — and tends to be more breathable and comfortable — than canvas or pleather. Soft leather, particularly at points touching the heels and toes, can significantly reduce the frequency of blisters and other hot spots.
Is vaseline good for blisters? ›
Vaseline
Plain petroleum jelly is a favorite among dermatologists for the treatment of wounds. Although the blister itself will act as a covering for the wound, if it happens to break, a person can cover the area with Vaseline and a bandage. This may promote healing of the area.
