To fix heel slippage in leather boots, make sure you get the correct size of boots, tighten your laces, or wear non-slip socks. If these methods don’t work, there are plenty more to try.
Heel slipping is an annoying experience that not only compromises your comfort but can also embarrass you. But don’t let this ruin your experience with your new leather boots. When your feet slip out of your boots for more than a week, you should find out how to fix heel slippage in boots.
We have compiled a couple of handy tips to help you prevent heel slippage in leather boots. Before we can look at each of them, it’s crucial to understand the real cause of heel slippage in boots.
Here’s a snapshot of ways to fix heel slippage in your boots:
- Get the right size.
- Tighten your laces.
- Wear liners or non-slip socks.
- Use several pairs of socks.
- Use a tongue pad or heel liner cushions.
- Adjust your walking style.
- Use double-sided tape.
- Hairspray might help.
What Causes Heel Slippage?
There are various causes of heel slippage. But the main one is extra-large or stiff footwear. If you are walking in stiff leather boots, the flex point will bend the foot. Generally, this is not a big issue, as the movement usually decreases after a few days.
So, before trying to fix the situation, wear your boots for at least a week. If the issue persists or you want to cope with the situation as you wait for the breaking-in period of the boots to end, then read on for tips on how to fix heel slippage in leather boots.
How To Fix the Heel Slippage in Boots
Method 1: Buy the Right Size
This seems pretty obvious, doesn’t it? Well, it’s perhaps the best way to avoid the pain of heel slippage. In most cases, heel slippage occurs because you wear boots that are a size too big for your feet.
To find out your proper shoe size, you can simply measure the width and length of each foot. Also, keep in mind that the size of your foot might change with time. Try to measure them at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest size.
Granted, you’re not always guaranteed to buy the right size of boots. Sometimes, you may have very wide feet that might require larger and shorter leather boots. Always check for brands that offer various widths outside the normal range.
If you have the right boot size but still struggle with heel slippage, your next line of correction is the laces.
Method 2: Lace Locking
Tightening the laces of your leather boots should keep your heel in the right place. Not only do they need to be tied tightly, but they need to be tied securely. Try a specialized lace knot to ensure your lace locks your heel in place. Here’s some ideas to try:
- Heel lock.
- Surgeon knot.
- Runner’s tie.
- Rabbit hole lacing.
- Lace anchors.
Method 3: Wear Liners or Non-Slip Socks
Most socks usually have a smoother outer surface. Non-slip socks, on the other hand, have rugged ridges on the bottom.
They are popular with folks who prefer walking shoeless across hard surfaces. But you can also use non-slip socks to increase the grip within your boots, thus keeping the foot in its place.
Besides non-slip socks, you can also try non-slip insoles. Boots with non-slip liners are usually more effective at controlling heel slippage than shoes with regular insoles.
These insoles grasp your feet firmly into the shoes, thus, preventing them from slipping out of the boots. In most cases, non-slip insoles come with a lining on the back. The lining cushions the heels as well as preventing them from slipping out.
Some work boots come fitted with non-slip liners. But if yours don’t have these liners, you can purchase them separately.
Method 4: Use Several Pairs of Socks
Did you know that one can put on more pairs of socks to reduce heel slippage in leather boots? People usually apply this hack before they can find permanent solutions to fix heel slippage problems.
The additional pair of socks will compensate for the extra space between the foot and the heel. These extra pairs might also come in handy during cold weather, as they keep your feet warm.
For some people, wearing several socks in leather boots is a challenge. If you are one of them, then you can invest in a pair of thicker socks.
The texture and thickness will hold the feet tightly to the boots. In some cases, your leather boots may have stretched, so you need to add some girth to the feet to fill up the empty space in the boots.
Method 5: Use a Tongue Pad or a Heel Liner Cushion
Do you have one foot that is slightly smaller than the other? Well, you can use a pad to fill the boots. Some clowns use this trick to keep their ridiculously large shoes from slipping off.
Stuffing your work boots with padding is generally cheap. All you need is a very thin rag or toilet paper. While you may want to try these paddings, tongue pads are usually ideal for heel slippage in leather boots. Moreover, they are relatively inexpensive and can fit most footwear.
These adhesive-backed accessories come with a padded foam that fits on the tongue of your boots. When fitted properly, tongue pads will tighten the heel to stay secure inside the heel counter area of the boots. You will no doubt enjoy them because they will increase your comfort levels.
If you’re not a fan of tongue pads, you can try other cushions such as heel liner cushions or heel grips. These accessories come in soft leather, which presses on your feet to stay in contact with the heel area.
Method 6: Adjust Your Walking Style
If you’re a fan of The Simpsons, then you’ll remember how Bart Simpson taught Lisa to walk using the heel-toe method without breaking the heels. The moral of the story is that you should know how to walk on your heel.
That aside, the way you walk can cause heel slippage. This problem often arises when you walk using the ball of the foot first. So, always try to touch the ground on your heels before the rest of the feet.
Method 7: Double-Sided Tape
If you’re looking for just a stopgap measure to fix heel slippage in leather boots, then double-sided tape may help. It’s not only quick, but it’s also a cheap way to fix the issue.
In fact, most celebrities use double-sided tape when walking the red carpet. Simply place a couple of pieces of double-sided tape on your heel or socks to make the boots stick to it.
This might inspire you to carry some double-sided tape around with you during your boot breaking-in period. But keep in mind that the tape will come loose when your feet sweat. This means that you have to make adjustments occasionally.
Method 8: Hairspray Might Help
Just like the double-sided tape, applying some hairspray is a temporary fix for heel slippage in leather boots, and will serve you for a short period. But the good thing is that it’s cheap and easy to find. Before wearing your leather boots, spray your feet or socks with hairspray, which will make them sticky.
Once again, this strategy will lose its effectiveness if your feet tend to get sweaty. You may also experience some abrasion if you use it for a long time, so think of it as a quick fix that will solve a day’s challenge.
FAQ
Should Your Boot Size Be the Same as Shoe Size?
Boots sizes are not necessarily the same as shoe sizes. The difference is caused by a number of factors, such as the origin of the boots and the manufacturer of the boots. Sometimes, the style of the boots may also cause confusion. That is why it is important to try before you buy.
How Much Heel Slippage Is Considered Normal?
For the most part, heel slippage in leather boots is normal, especially in the first few weeks. But your heel shouldn’t pass a half an inch in the boots, and it shouldn’t last longer than a few weeks—then you have a problem.
How Can I Know if My Boots Are Too Loose or Too Tight?
To know whether leather boots are too loose or too tight, you should note how your feet slide into them. Do you feel any sense of resistance or do you feel it is too loose? Once you have put on your boots, lace them up and try walking for a few minutes. From here, you can rely on your instinct.
Final Words
Heel slippage is an intolerable problem. While heel slippage may be a being issue, it’s not impossible to rectify or prevent it. Don’t let heel slippage ruin your day.
In any case, you should walk as naturally as possible in your boots with minimal effort. Understanding how to fix heel slippage in boots will brighten your walking experience.
In short, you should:
- Buy boots of the right size.
- Try lace tightening options.
- Change your walking style.
- If other options fail, move to paid options such as non-slip socks, tongue pads, and other cushions.
Hopefully, these tips will help you reduce the pain of heel slippage in your leather boots. The good thing is that these hacks are economical and practical.
