Have you ever experienced heel slip while wearing your favorite shoes? You’re not alone! Heel slip can be frustrating, but understanding its causes and prevention methods can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll explore into the world of heel slip, exploring the two types of heel slip, how to identify them, and most importantly, how to prevent and solve this common issue. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to ensure a comfortable and secure fit in your shoes.
Understanding Heel Slip
Before we probe the world of heel slip, it’s crucial to understand the basics. Heel slip occurs when your heel moves out of place while wearing shoes, causing discomfort and affecting the overall fit.
Types of Heel Slip
There are two primary types of heel slip:
- Shoes that are too big, where your heel falls out of the shoe, and
- Shoes that fit but have a stiff heel counter or slippery leather, causing slight movement in the heel area.
The key is to determine which type of heel slip you’re experiencing.
| Type of Heel Slip | Description |
| Too Big | Your heel falls out of the shoe |
| Fits but Stiff/Slick | Slight movement in the heel area due to stiff heel counter or slippery leather |
| Narrow Heel | You have a naturally narrow heel, making it challenging to find a perfect fit |
| BREAK-IN | The leather softens and molds to your foot over time, reducing heel slip |
Identifying Heel Slip
Around 80% of people can identify when a shoe is too big, but the tricky part is determining if the slight heel movement is due to the shoe being too small or just needing to be broken in.
Further, it’s crucial to understand that as you wear shoes, the leather softens, and the insole molds to your foot, which can affect the fit. So, how do you know when you’re experiencing acceptable heel slip or if the shoe is simply too big?
Causes of Heel Slip
If you’re experiencing heel slip, it’s imperative to identify the root cause of the issue. There are two primary reasons why your heel might be slipping out of your shoes.
Shoes that are Too Big
To determine if your shoes are simply too big, try tightening the laces all the way. If your heel falls right out, it’s a clear sign that the shoes don’t fit you properly. You should never be able to walk out of your shoes or pull them off without undoing them.
Stiff Heel Counter and New Leather
Below the surface, there are two critical factors that can contribute to heel slip: a stiff heel counter and new, slippery leather. Both of these elements can cause a bit of movement on your heels, even if the shoes fit well.
Due to the stiffness of the heel counter and the new leather, your heel may experience some movement, especially when you first start wearing the shoes. However, as you break them in, the leather will soften, and the heel counter will mold to the shape of your heel, providing a more secure fit. This process can take around 7-10 wears, and it’s a normal part of the break-in process.
Prevention of Heel Slip
Some of the most effective ways to prevent heel slip involve taking proactive steps when buying and breaking in your shoes. By understanding the importance of proper fit and the process of breaking in your shoes, you can minimize the risk of heel slip and ensure a comfortable, secure fit.
Importance of Proper Fit
For a comfortable and secure fit, it’s crucial to choose shoes that fit your feet correctly. Avoid buying shoes that are too big, as this can lead to heel slip and discomfort. Make sure to try on shoes before buying them, and walk around to ensure they fit comfortably. A proper fit is crucial in preventing heel slip.
Breaking in the Shoes
Proper breaking in of your shoes can also help prevent heel slip. When you first wear your shoes, the leather is stiff, and the heel counter is erect, which can cause some movement in the heel area. However, as you wear the shoes, the leather softens, and the heel counter molds to the shape of your heel, providing a more secure fit.
Shoes that fit well initially may still require some breaking in to achieve the perfect fit. As you wear your shoes, the leather will soften, and the heel counter will mold to your heel, providing a more secure fit. This process can take around 7-10 wears, and it’s crucial to be patient and not get discouraged if you experience some heel play initially. By breaking in your shoes correctly, you can enjoy a comfortable, secure fit and prevent heel slip.
The Role of Insole and Heel Counter
Now, when it comes to heel slip, two critical components come into play: the insole and the heel counter. These elements work together to provide a comfortable and secure fit, and understanding their roles is imperative in preventing heel slip.
Insole and Foot Imprint
Along with wearing your shoes, your body weight starts to imprint your feet onto the insoles, causing you to sink into your shoes. This process allows for a better fit overall, as you drop down a little, enabling a tighter lock on your heel area. When you’re higher up, even by 1mm, and closer to the top collar of the shoe, the heel can slip more than when you sink down.
Heel Counter and Material Molding
<p-One of the primary factors contributing to heel slip is the stiffness of the heel counter, particularly when the leather is new and slippery. However, as you wear the shoes, the material between the leather and lining starts to mold to the shape of your heel, providing a better grip.
Even when the heel counter is stiff initially, it will eventually take shape to your heel as you wear the shoes. Combined with your sinking into the footbed, you’ll start to get a better lock on your heel area. This process may take some time, but it’s a normal part of breaking in a new pair of shoes.
Determining the Right Fit
To ensure a comfortable and secure fit, it’s crucial to determine the right fit for your shoes. This can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to heel slip.
Trying on Shoes
At the store, try on shoes in the afternoon, as your feet tend to swell throughout the day. Wear the same type of socks or hosiery you plan to wear with the shoes. Walk around the store to ensure the shoes feel comfortable and don’t slip off your heels.
Accepting Slight Heel Play
Below the surface, a slight heel play can be a normal part of the break-in process. Don’t panic if you experience a bit of movement in the heel area. This doesn’t necessarily mean the shoes are too big.
Even if you feel a slight heel play, it’s crucial to remember that the leather will soften and mold to your foot over time. As you wear the shoes, the heel counter will take shape to your heel, providing a better lock on your heel area. So, accepting a slight heel play can be a normal part of the process, and it’s not always a sign of a poor fit.
Solutions for Narrow Heels
Keep in mind that having a narrow heel doesn’t mean you’re doomed to deal with heel slip forever. There are ways to combat this issue, and we’ll explore them below.
Custom Options
Against the odds of finding a perfect fit in RTW shoes, you might need to consider custom options. This could mean investing in bespoke shoes or working with a cobbler to modify your existing shoes to fit your unique foot shape.
Embracing the Imperfections
Options are limited when it comes to finding a perfect fit in RTW shoes, especially for those with narrow heels. Accepting that a small amount of heel play is normal can be a liberating mindset shift.
Plus, with time and wear, the leather will mold to your foot, and the fit will improve. Breaking in your shoes is a natural process that can help alleviate heel slip issues. By embracing the imperfections and being patient, you can find a comfortable and secure fit even with RTW shoes.
Conclusion
Drawing together the key points, you now have a better understanding of heel slip, its causes, prevention, and solutions. By recognizing the differences between a shoe being too big and a shoe having a stiff heel counter, you can make informed decisions when trying on new shoes. Remember to break in your shoes, as the leather will mold to your foot over time, providing a more secure fit. And, if you experience persistent heel slip, consider exploring custom options to find the perfect fit for your unique foot shape.
FAQ
What is heel slip, and how does it affect the fit of my shoes?
Heel slip refers to the movement of the heel within the shoe, which can be caused by either the shoe being too big or the heel counter being stiff and new leather being slippery. There are two types of heel slip: one where the shoe is simply too big, and the other where the shoe fits but the heel counter is stiff, causing some movement. Understanding the difference between these two types is crucial to achieving a comfortable and secure fit.
How can I prevent heel slip, and what are the solutions to this problem?
To prevent heel slip, it’s crucial to ensure a proper fit. If the shoe is too big, try tightening the laces. If the heel counter is stiff, break-in the shoe by wearing it regularly, as the leather will soften and mold to the shape of your foot over time. Additionally, consider the insole and heel counter areas, as they play a significant role in affecting heel slip. If you still experience heel slip after breaking in the shoe, you may have a narrow heel, and custom options might be necessary.
How do I know if I have a narrow heel, and what are my options?
If you experience heel slip with most shoes, even after breaking them in, you might have a narrow heel. In this case, finding a perfect heel fit without custom options can be challenging. Consider consulting a shoe fitter or exploring custom shoe options to achieve a comfortable and secure fit.
