• Big shoes, how to make them smaller. What to do if the shoes are too big

    21.07.2019

    What to do if your sneakers are too big? Many people choose shoes by appearance, without thinking about its comfort, and then they feel uncomfortable because they purchased a pair of the wrong size. Shoes should not only be beautiful, but also comfortable. What should you do if, for some reason, your new sneakers turn out to be the wrong size or, on the contrary, too small? How can you make a pair smaller so that wearing it is pleasant and, most importantly, comfortable? In addition, we must remember that even a perfectly fitting pair will wear out over time and may become a little too big.

    How to reduce a size if your shoes are stretched? There are several ways to fix this. With the help of available means you can reduce it by a whole size.

    There are several enough effective ways how to make shoes a size smaller.

    In any case, if the shoes are large, they need to be sealed from the inside to reduce the internal volume.

    This can be done using materials available in the house:


    1. For decreasing leather shoes This method is suitable: moisten well with water and dry at room temperature - it will become a little smaller. It is not advisable to expose the pair to open sunlight or heating devices - this can ruin it. However, you need to remember that after the procedure, the sneakers will eventually return to their previous shape.
    2. You can place some soft material, such as foam rubber or cotton wool, in the toe part of the sneaker. Make sure that your toes are not crushed under any circumstances; they should only rest lightly on the placed material. This will help make the product about half a size smaller. As the cotton wool or foam rubber begins to clump, it must be replenished or replaced. You cannot use paper in this case. If you walk for a long time, it will cause discomfort and may even cause injury.
    3. To make sneakers fit better on your feet, you can put a seal in the heel area. Place the folded soft cloth or a napkin, and the shoes will stop slipping off your feet. Shoes are on sale in the store ready-made stickers on this part of the shoe, the purpose of which is to make the shoe one size smaller.
    4. A great way is to put thick extra insoles in your shoes. They should be such that the sports shoes fit tightly enough on the foot and are comfortable to wear. They need to be placed on top of the existing insoles. It must be remembered that silicone tabs require additional care, since sand and dirt easily stick to them.
    5. Sometimes an inserted whole insole can cause some inconvenience when walking, so it would be more advisable to use half-insoles or special strips for part of the foot. There are such half-insoles for sale in stores - perhaps they will be quite sufficient. There are also special stickers on the back of the shoe - with their help, the foot is firmly fixed and they prevent the sneakers from slipping.
    6. An additional strip of padding can be placed under the instep. This will help make the shoes much more comfortable to wear. Such strips (wide and narrow, small and larger) are sold in shoe stores. They can also be glued to the heel, which will prevent chafing.

    During the cooler months, you can wear extra warm socks on your feet. This will allow the shoes to fit more tightly on your feet. In addition, your feet will be significantly warmer


    It also happens that shoes stretch during wear. In this case, you can make the sneakers smaller in a simple way: Take them to a shoe repair shop. The master will easily give a decent look to a stretched or incorrectly purchased pair. Such a service costs little, but good specialist will be able to ensure that you feel comfortable when wearing.

    If the pair you bought turned out to be half a size or a size larger, then you can try using these methods. If the difference is more than two sizes, it is still better to return the pair to the store.

    Don't be tempted to buy the sneakers you like if they're too big for you. When purchasing shoes, always remember that, first of all, they should be comfortable. Now you know how to reduce the size of your sneakers if they are too big, and you can handle it yourself.

    Unlike clothes, shoes must be selected strictly according to size. A T-shirt, coat, jacket, skirt, pants and other clothes, being a couple of centimeters larger or smaller, are unlikely to spoil your image, and they will not cause discomfort when worn. With shoes, shoes, sneakers, boots, everything is not so simple.

    Anything can happen in life, including surprises that complicate life. If you have a question: “What should I do if I bought shoes a size too big?”– then it can be solved successfully, and in several ways.

    What if the shoes are a little big?

    According to the standard, shoes are “calibrated” by the length of the insole in centimeters. Minor deviations in "size scale"- this is when the length of the insole turns out to be no more than 1 cm longer than the length of the foot. The difference of about 0.3-0.5 cm is easily compensated for by an additional insole. This is easy to fix in closed shoes: boots, boots, sneakers, sneakers, shoes. A fairly thick (4-7 mm) insole will allow you to fix your foot and, although there will be a gap in length, it will not affect the comfort of walking.

    The insole can help out when the shoes are open, but here the question of aesthetics arises. In order not to spoil the appearance, you will have to try to match the tone and texture of the material. And it is very advisable to sew or glue an additional insole into the sandal around the periphery.

    It happens that new "tight-fitting" During wear, shoes expand in width and height, and compensation with an insole is also appropriate here. In general, when the shoes become too big during the process of breaking in, you need to do the same as if they are too long.

    If your shoes are too big, what should you do?

    One standard size can be 0.5 or 1.0 centimeters. If, for example, you got the 38th instead of the 37th, then the difference not in favor of the foot is no more than 0.5 cm, and if the 43rd instead of the 42nd, then 0.8 - 1.0 cm.

    The maximum difference is not a problem, but requires a “comprehensive 2in1 solution”:

    • lay a fairly thick insole;
    • insert a pillow made of porous material into the toe.

    The simplest, most convenient and readily available material for a pillow is foam rubber. You can use a kitchen sponge or a “stick” (“ribbon”) to insulate windows. Both workpieces are adjusted to size using ordinary household scissors.

    If the shoe is one size too large, the thickness of the pad should be greater than the gap between the toes and the toe of the shoe (shoe, boot). Usually, a twofold superiority is enough, that is, to compensate for 1 cm, you need to make a pad (roller) 2 cm thick, about 2 cm high and 4-7 cm long. The length depends on the shape of the shoe sock and the size of the toes. The thickness of the pillow depends on the density of the material - the thinner the foam, the more pliable it is.

    A compensating pillow made of porous material can last a whole month or just a few days, depending on the intensity of use and the quality of the foam rubber.

    If the shoes are a little too big, what should you do?

    When it comes to winter or sports shoes, then to compensate for its “extra” length or width, you can get by with thick socks and an additional insole.

    In dress shoes, these same techniques are also quite effective in terms of comfort, but only physical - it will be strange to show off in demi-season or stylish shoes with a “winter” toe sticking out.

    What to do if leather shoes are too big?


    The same as in the case of non-leather (sports, work, rubber). It just so happens that the comfort of our feet depends more on the appropriate size and cut than on the shoe material.

    What to do if the shoes are big in the heels?

    This question usually arises when you get shoes with too high an instep (even tightening the laces tightly does not help).

    Here can help:

    • soft insert in front;
    • insert under the lacing or under the tongue of the boot.

    In the first case, the toes will rest, the foot will move back, and the shoes will fit. In the second, the top of the shoe will adhere more tightly to the instep of the foot so that the foot is securely and comfortably fixed inside the shoe.

    The insert can be made from fairly thick fabric, leather or felt, including by using several layers. You can secure it with laces, that is, for each half-pair, make two things with holes for lacing. If there is only one insert (under the tongue), it is fixed with glue.

    The second option is to sew Velcro to the shoe tongue. In general, if the shoes are large in the heels, then the instep height needs to be adjusted.

    Special solution


    If none of the methods helps, then "backup option".

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

    Steps

    Simple Methods

      Wear thick socks (or several pairs of socks). This may be the easiest way to wear big shoes. For example, instead of wearing thin silk socks, wear thick cotton socks. You can also wear two or three pairs of socks (on top of each other) - the thicker the socks, the more comfortable your shoes will be big size.

      • Suitable for: sports shoes and boots.
      • Note: This method probably won't work if it's hot outside.
    1. Stuff the toe of your shoe with tissue paper, toilet paper or similar material to reduce shoe size. This is a great solution if your heel squishes when walking; Moreover, you can use it almost anywhere.

      • Suitable for: Solid sole shoes, boots, closed toe heels.
      • Note: not suitable for sporting events or long walks, as under intense use the “filler” will fall off and cause discomfort.
    2. 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 when walking. Most insoles are designed to improve posture, but they are also used to accommodate larger shoes. Insoles can be purchased at most shoe stores.

      Use arch pads. Sometimes full insoles make shoes uncomfortable. Therefore, there are small tabs that are placed directly under the arch of the foot. These inlays are difficult to see, so they are suitable for heeled shoes that are only slightly large and where full insoles would make them uncomfortable.

      • Suitable for: shoes with heels or solid soles.
      • Note: These inserts come in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that matches the color of your shoes.
    3. Use heel strips. These are special padded strips that stick on shoes with uncomfortable heels, but their design (with a pad) also allows you to comfortably wear large shoes (you can stick such a strip not only on the heel, but also anywhere else in large shoes).

      More complex methods

      1. Try reducing your shoe size with water. To do this, you need to wet your shoes and then dry them. If done correctly, you will achieve amazing results, but there is a risk of damaging your shoes, so check the shoe care label before starting the procedure.

        • First, wet your shoes. For leather or suede shoes, use a spray bottle. For any other shoes, simply place them in the water.
        • Let the shoes air dry 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 may be damaged.
        • After the shoes are dry, put them on. You may need to repeat this procedure several times if the shoes are still too big. If you're worried about your shoes getting too small, dry them on your feet so they fit properly.
        • On leather or suede shoes Apply a special conditioner (available in shoe stores).
      2. Use an elastic band, which will tighten the material of the shoe, causing it to shrink slightly in size. You will need a small elastic band, a needle and thread. It is better to use a tight elastic band.

        • Stretch the elastic along the inside heel of the shoe (in principle, you can sew the elastic anywhere on the shoe).
        • Sew on the elastic while it is taut. Pins will help you with this.
        • Release the rubber band. It will shrink and pull on the heel of the shoe.
        • You can use this method with one of the above methods.
      3. If all else fails, take the shoes to a shoemaker (they're rare these days, but the internet can help you find them).

        • Suitable for: high quality, expensive shoes.
        • Note: A cobbler's services can be expensive, so bring him shoes that are actually worth it (don't bring a pair of sneakers to a cobbler).

        What to remember

        1. Try to maintain good posture if wearing large shoes. Keep in mind that even if you manage to downsize your shoes on the inside, they will still be large on the outside, which sometimes leads to problems with posture and gait. Therefore, watch your posture if you wear large shoes. Read this if you want to improve your posture.

    Many men and women, buying large sneakers out of inexperience, ask the question: “What to do if the sneakers are too big?” The question is somewhat strange, because first of all, any normal person should have the thought of exchanging shoes in the store where they were purchased. If you haven’t worn sneakers yet, then they will definitely change them for you, but if you have already used the shoes, then they can no longer be exchanged.

    In this case, both male and female sneakers should be sealed from the inside so that they do not slip off your feet. You should purchase special silicone Velcro inserts at a specialized store or pharmacy, which are glued to the surface of the shoes. Sneakers large sizes, male or female, will be very uncomfortable, your foot will always slip in them, which can cause you to get injured.

    Unfortunately, most people still prefer to choose sneakers based on their appearance, without paying attention to the functionality and practicality of the shoes. Some people try to rely on commercials about good sneakers, but they may not be suitable for you due to the characteristics of your feet. So far, there are many brands that produce high-quality sports shoes. If you need sneakers for a specific sport, this is the type of shoe you should buy.

    The most global and practical material is Genuine Leather, it does not wrinkle or tear the first time it gets wet or dirty. For example, the sole for street shoes is much thicker and more resistant, for the gym - thinner and lighter.

    How to choose right size sneakers?

    Don't assume you know the correct shoe size from a previous purchase. Always try on sneakers in a store as if it were your first time deciding to find out your exact size.

    When trying on, be sure to stand in the sneakers so that your feet fit naturally in the shoes, after which you can correctly determine your size and the desired shoe size.

    Always try on several shoe models from different manufacturers at once. And even if you prefer to wear just one brand, the recently released new product may not suit you for several obvious reasons.

    Only go to the shoe store in the afternoon, as this is when your feet are normal size due to swelling - in the morning your feet will be smaller, which means that at this time you risk buying small shoes.

    Be sure to try on a pair of shoes, not just one shoe - only then can you determine the correct size. Stand on a shoe stand and see if your foot rests freely on the insole. If you took the shoes suitable size, then there should be at least 0.5 centimeters between the toe and toes. Try on only the socks you usually wear when working out or walking. And remember: under no circumstances should socks be too thin or too thick and rough.

    Inspect the inside of the sneakers and check if they have a soft insole - they take up a lot of space, muffling the natural sensation of contact with the surface on which you are going to walk or run.

    Once both shoes are on, walk behind the store, jump in your shoes, and do some squats. Do not lace your shoes too tightly when trying them on. If you have wide feet, choose male models, even if you are a woman. Still, most likely it is in men's shoes you will feel comfortable.

    For some, this is just a way to protect their feet from negative influence environment, for some - a technique for self-expression, and for a number of consumers - even an indicator of the status of the owner. And all this is about one thing - about shoes. And men and women of different ages at least once, but were faced with the fact that the purchase beautiful couple Already made, but impossible to wear: the size is too big. So what should we do? Return it to the store (and if you bought it second-hand, what then?), give it to a friend (and be jealous, imagining yourself in his place) or try to deal with the problem at home? Let's choose the latter and see if we can reduce the volume and size. Moreover, sometimes shoes simply wear out and become too big, so the first two solutions certainly won’t work.

    Right 14 days

    According to current legislation, you can return shoes that do not fit in size or for other reasons within 14 days from the date of purchase. But the product must meet a number of parameters:

    • be without signs of being worn outdoors or indoors;
    • have a marketable appearance (that is, without creases, abrasions, etc.);
    • be in the original configuration (that is, in a box, with heels, insoles, etc., which was available at the time of purchase).

    For correct design To return (or exchange, if possible), the buyer must provide a cash receipt (or a copy thereof), a warranty card for the shoes and a passport.

    Myth or reality

    First you need to find out what characteristics the pair does not fit in size. First, shoes can be longer than your feet. Second: the shoes may not fit the width of your feet. So, is it possible to make your downsizing dream a reality? Of course yes. Moreover, there are even 2 approaches for this.

    • Contact the workshop. Professionals will use full or partial constriction, that is, they will separate the heel and sole, and attach the upper to the last the right size. This is if the shoes are not the right length. If the pair is wide, they will sew it up or choose another way to solve the problem.

    This is interesting. Not all shoemakers will take on a non-leather pair, much less sneakers or sneakers that have a special cut. But sandals, clogs or flip-flops can only be narrowed in a workshop, where the straps are carefully stripped, shortened and sewn into place.

    • Try to take advantage folk wisdom. This is where there are no restrictions on the quality of shoes. Only according to the material, although there are methods suitable for all types. Let's start with them.

    Universal ways to reduce shoe size at home

    Photo gallery: Special shoe inserts

    Shock-absorbing insole - best way out to reduce the length and volume of sports shoes Toe pads are indispensable for high-heeled shoes This unusual insole can actually reduce your shoe size.

    • Special insoles. An additional insole is inserted into each shoe, and if it is still uncomfortable, then 2 are possible. This technique is only possible for closed shoes, but insoles can be for “different seasons”: made of foam rubber, synthetics or wool. Using this method has another bonus: the insoles protect delicate skin feet from calluses and chafing.

    This is interesting. This downsizing method is especially good for sneakers and other athletic shoes, as it adds a cushioning effect.

    • Silicone heel pad. Despite the fact that the main task of such “half-insoles” is to protect against chafing and prevent slipping, they do an excellent job of reducing shoe size.

    This is interesting. For shoes with a heel height of more than 7 cm, silicone heel pads increase the risk of ankle injury.

    • Shock-absorbing finger pads. This method is just the solution for amateurs high heels, as it allows you to achieve not only a reduction in size, but also saves you from fatigue when walking for a long time in stiletto heels.
    • Cotton wool, fabric or paper. A primitive method that our grandparents used if the shoes did not fit in length: soft material is stuffed into the sock (and if you have paper at hand, you can use that). The main thing is not to rub your fingers.

    This is interesting. This size reduction option is only possible for closed shoes.

    • The secret of models. The beauties on the catwalks not only present their outfits gracefully, but also know the secrets of how to make shoes fit like a glove, even if they are a couple of sizes too big. To do this, they glue double-sided tape to the inside of the sole - the foot is glued and does not slip. One important nuance: the pair should only be worn on bare feet.

    This is interesting. The most progressive and effective of the universal techniques is the option with silicone pads.

    Leather shoes

    Genuine leather is a very pliable material, which clearly proves the theory of compression under the influence of sudden temperature changes.

    Hot water and washing powder

    Instructions:

    1. Dissolve in a bowl of hot water (about 50 degrees) washing powder(as for regular washing).
    2. Lower the shoes for 3-5 minutes.
    3. Dry in direct sunlight or near a radiator.

    After drying, spray with leather shoe break-in product and immediately put on. It is important to observe the soaking time in water and not to dry out the shoes, otherwise the result may not be at all what you expected.

    This is interesting. An alternative may be when the inner surface of the couple is moistened with a spray bottle of water and dried near heating devices. This option is perfect for reducing the size of leatherette shoes, for which prolonged contact with water can be destructive.

    Result: the skin will become very soft and will sit on the leg.

    This is interesting. You can reduce patent leather shoes yourself only with insoles or overlays.

    Ice water and hairdryer

    Instructions:

    1. We put a pair on our feet.
    2. Place in a bowl of ice water and leave for 2-3 minutes.
    3. We take off our shoes and dry them with a hairdryer or near a radiator.

    This is interesting. The procedure is quick, but only for closed shoes, otherwise you may catch a cold.

    Thread and needle

    You can reduce the length of a pair made of leather or faux leather using an elastic band sewn on the inside of the heel.

    Instructions:

    1. We secure the elastic on one side of the heel with pins.
    2. We stretch and attach the second end to the other side.
    3. We sew it on, trying to grab the insole.

    This is interesting. This method is only suitable for thin leather, since thick material will be difficult to pierce with a regular needle.

    Video: What to do if your shoes fall off

    Suede shoes

    As with leather, suede will shrink when exposed to temperature changes. This time you need to hold the shoes over steam and then put them in the freezer.

    This is interesting. Fans of this material know firsthand how capricious suede is. So it won’t be surprising for them that there is only one “home” option for reducing her size. And even that guarantees only that your shoes or boots will lose their presentation.

    It is best to leave the reduction of the size of suede (as well as patent leather) shoes to professionals, that is, take it to a workshop.

    Sneakers and sneakers

    Leather sports shoes can be made smaller by adding an extra insole by tightening the laces. With fabric sneakers the situation is a little more complicated: another insole may simply leave no room for your feet. There is an option to wash the pair in hot water - the fabric will shrink a little. But literally after an hour or two of wearing it, it will expand again. So there's only one thing left to do: lace it tight.

    Boot tops

    Despite the fact that the heroine of the famous film Eldara Ryazanov convinced that accordion-shaped tops are fashionable, and we know that fashion repeats itself periodically, there are ladies who like the top to fit tightly around the leg. Most the right way To achieve this, go to the workshop. Among the risky, but real, options, there are 2:

    • Sew several elastic bands on the inside in a circle, securing one edge and pulling the other.
    • Use a sewing machine and stitch the fold at the back.

    This is interesting. You won't be able to do any of these things without good sewing skills.

    Video: How to narrow the tops of boots without a sewing machine

    Optical illusion, or how to make shoes look smaller

    Silicone pads (on the heel or toe) are perfect solution several problems at once: your shoes will not fly off when walking, you will reduce the heel, the volume of the shoes, and in general you will ensure that your pair will definitely decrease by one size. But there are a few more tricks that create the effect of an elegant leg:

    • high heels (and not only stilettos, but also massive thick heels visually reduce the size);
    • rounded noses (taboo on long and pointed noses);
    • dark or rich colors(light and pastel colors make your legs look bigger);
    • relatively thick straps in moderation, if we are talking about sandals;
    • buckles, bows, pull tabs and embellishments create a little shoe look.

    Video: Secrets from Evelina Khromchenko on how to visually make a leg more elegant

    Video: Reducing the internal volume of shoes

    You can reduce your shoe size at home, but only if you act thoughtfully and consistently. The simplest and reliable way- go to a shoe store for special silicone inserts. These can be pads under the heel or under the toe. You will get many more benefits from these devices, for example, your feet will not slip, your shoes will stop rubbing. If you are not a supporter of additional insoles or inserts, then when choosing a way to narrow your shoes, you need to start from the material from which the pair is made.

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