It can happen to anybody, and with almost any pair of shoes. When your footwear chafes against the back of your ankle, pain and misery are never far behind. You might think that you can simply purchase better shoes in order to do something about this, but this doesn’t always work. How badly your shoes chafe against the back of your ankle depends upon the kind of shoes (some kinds, of any quality level, will have this problem) and the shape of your feet.
When your shoes start rubbing against the back of your ankle or heel, the friction can damage the skin, forming blisters. This can be very painful and can make wearing your shoes for even a short period of time particularly uncomfortable. Especially for those traveling or hiking, doing something about this is almost essential. You will not get very far on your hiking trip if your feet are in this kind of pain; and having blisters on the back of your feet is a sure way to make any traveling experience miserable.
Top Tips to Combat the Pain
Luckily, there is very certainly something you can do about this problem, and without having to buy a new pair of shoes. Not only that though, but the following tips are also highly effective. The problem doesn’t so much lie in the effectiveness of these remedies, but more in neglecting to apply them. Shoe care company ShoeFresh advises that there is a modicum of diligence involved. Follow these tips before any extended period of shoe wear, however, and you quite literally will have nothing to worry about.
Get the Right Insoles
If your shoes are continually causing you pain, there is no need to buy a new pair. Rather, focus on getting the right insoles and protect them against degrading. Insoles lift the foot slightly, decreasing the surface areas of the shoe in contact with your ankle and heel. They also make the shoes fit more snugly, reducing motion. Once the insoles begin to degrade though, these benefits can be rendered null and void. Be sure to always have well-fitting insoles in your shoes, and air them out every now and again to aid preservation.
Double Up Your Socks
This involves simply wearing two pairs of ordinary socks, but a better way to do it (that will also be more comfortable) is to wear a thicker pair over a thinner pair. The two socks will slide over each other and reduce the amount of friction on your skin.
Add Moleskin
Moleskin is a fabric that can be picked up at any drugstore. Simply cut it to size and adhere it to the heel. This soft cotton substance will create a comfortable padded area and reduce rubbing.
Apply Heat
Applying heat to the back of your new shoes will make them slightly malleable. By wearing them immediately after, the material will mold better to the shape of your feet. A hair dryer is ideal for this purpose.
Air Out Your Shoes
Internal moisture is not your friend here, but your pesky feet have a habit of producing it. Do something about this by airing out your shoes regularly. And while you’re at it, applying a shoe deodorizer spray is a terrific way to deal with the smell that always accompanies this moisture.
At the end of the day, there really is no reason to suffer. One, two or a combination of several of these tips should be effective in dealing with friction between your shoe and ankle. Comfort awaits.