Remedies for the Size-Too-Large Shoe Closing the Gap in the Back of Heels

Here's a dilemma that most shoe lovers have faced: you find an amazing pair of shoes on sale but the only size they have is slightly too large for your feet. That space between your heel and the back of your shoe is unsightly and makes walking incredibly difficult. If you've been in this situation and were tempted to snag that hugely-discounted, but size-too-big shoe, you're in luck. There are a couple of sneaky tricks that will take your shoes from too large to snug and fitted.

Young woman trying on high heels while sitting on a couch. (Image: Leonard Mc Lane/Digital Vision/Getty Images)

Rubber Shoe Strips

Shoe strips are specifically made to solve the problem of a gap in the back of your shoes. You can find packs that contain multiple strips at most drugstores. To get the fit right, slip on your shoes and walk around your house for a bit so you can determine exactly how large the space is. Stick a strip on the inside back of your shoe and slip your shoes back on. If there's still a space, simply continue to layer until your shoe fits.

Insoles

Insoles can work in conjunction with your rubber strips or can be worn alone. They easily slip right into your shoe. Not only do they help to fill in the space but they also provide a cushion to make walking a lot more comfortable. You can find full cushions that cover the entire bottom of the shoe or you can opt for smaller ones that fit just under the balls of the feet.

Ask a Professional

Some shoes can be professionally altered to fix sizing issues. Bring your pair to a shoe repair shop and ask if they take in the material for a better fit. Having your shoes taken in to fit your feet may cost a bit more than using insoles and strips, but this permanent solution will mean you'll never again have to worry about your feel sliding out of your shoes.

Buying Too Big

While shoes that are only slightly too large for your feet can be adjusted, there may not be much you can do if your shoes are overly large. When you go to buy, if you can comfortably fit your finger into the space between your heel and the back of your shoe, they're probably just too large, and even shoe pads and insoles won't guarantee to completely fix the problem.