Mastering the Art of How to Fix Heel Gap: A DIY Guide

If you’ve ever experienced a heel gap in your shoes, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only can it lead to discomfort, but it can also affect your posture and walking efficiency. Fortunately, with the right techniques, you can fix heel gap issues and make your shoes fit properly again. This DIY guide will walk you through the steps, tips, and tricks to effectively address this problem. Whether you’re dealing with a pair of new shoes or trying to fix an older pair, this guide will help you achieve a better, more comfortable fit.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Heel Gap Problem

The term “heel gap” refers to the space or gap that appears at the back of a shoe when your heel doesn’t fit snugly inside. This often happens with shoes that are too big, too wide, or not the correct shape for your foot. The gap can lead to discomfort, blisters, and even improper walking mechanics. Understanding why a heel gap occurs is the first step in fixing it effectively.

Common causes of heel gaps include:

Improper shoe sizing: Shoes that are too large or too small may create a gap at the heel.
Incorrect shoe shape: Some shoes may not be shaped properly for your foot, leading to instability.
Worn-out shoes: Over time, shoes can lose their structure and elasticity, causing gaps to form.
Foot shape changes: Feet can change shape due to weight gain, weight loss, or aging, leading to heel gaps.

How to Fix Heel Gap: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fixing a heel gap requires a combination of techniques, from using simple inserts to making more permanent adjustments to your shoes. Here’s how to tackle the problem effectively.

Step 1: Assess the Problem

Before you begin any fixes, take a good look at your shoes and your feet. Is the gap caused by a shoe that is too large, or is it a result of your foot shape? Consider the following:

Check if the heel area of the shoe is loose, even when your foot is fully inserted.
Try wearing the shoes with thicker socks to see if the gap reduces or disappears.
Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as stretched-out materials or worn soles.

Step 2: Use Heel Grips or Cushions

One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to fix a heel gap is by using heel grips or cushions. These are small inserts that you place at the back of your shoe to fill in the gap and prevent your heel from slipping.

Heel grips: These are adhesive strips that stick to the inside of your shoes. They come in various sizes and shapes to fit different types of footwear.
Gel cushions: Gel-based inserts provide added comfort and help stabilize your heel, preventing slipping.
Foam pads: Similar to gel cushions but typically softer, foam pads also add comfort while reducing the heel gap.

To use these, simply place the cushion or grip at the back of the shoe where the heel is slipping. This will fill in the space and provide a better fit.

Step 3: Try Heel Lifts

If your shoe is too large in both the heel and the overall fit, using heel lifts may help. Heel lifts are designed to raise the height of your foot inside the shoe, effectively reducing the gap.

Heel lifts are available in various materials, including:

Rubber: Provides firm support and stability.
Foam: Softer and more flexible, but can compress over time.
Leather: Durable and breathable, ideal for dress shoes.

To use heel lifts, insert them into the heel section of your shoes. If you have a significant gap, you may need to experiment with different thicknesses of lifts until you find the right fit.

Step 4: Adjust the Lacing Technique

Sometimes, the heel gap can be corrected simply by adjusting the way you lace your shoes. Tightening the laces around the ankle and the arch can prevent excessive movement and reduce the heel gap.

Use the “heel lock” lacing method: This method involves looping the laces around the top eyelets to create a tighter fit around your heel.
Cross-lacing: This method crosses the laces in a crisscross pattern and can help to provide a more secure fit.
Elastic laces: These allow for a more flexible and snug fit, perfect for shoes with a significant gap.

Step 5: Consider Professional Shoe Repair

If the heel gap issue persists, it might be time to take your shoes to a professional. A cobbler can make adjustments to the shoe, such as adding padding or adjusting the structure to better fit your foot.

In some cases, they may even be able to take in the heel or toe area to ensure a better fit. Although this option can be more costly, it is an excellent solution for high-end shoes or for those who want a long-term fix.

Troubleshooting Tips for Heel Gap Issues

Despite your best efforts, you may encounter persistent heel gap problems. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you resolve them:

Check the shoe construction: Some shoes are simply not designed to fit all foot shapes. If your foot is unusually narrow or wide, you may need to look for shoes specifically made for your foot type.
Try different socks: Sometimes, thicker socks can help fill in the gap. Experiment with different sock thicknesses to see if this helps.
Don’t ignore blisters: If you’re experiencing blisters due to a heel gap, take immediate action to address the gap. Continuously wearing shoes with a heel gap can lead to more serious foot issues.

If you continue to have trouble, consider visiting a podiatrist for a professional evaluation of your foot shape and gait. They can recommend custom orthotics or specific adjustments that can help alleviate heel gap issues.

Conclusion: Achieving a Better Fit

Fixing a heel gap doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you choose to use heel grips, heel lifts, or simply adjust your lacing technique, there are plenty of DIY solutions available. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can find the best solution to make your shoes more comfortable and better fitting. Remember, a proper fit is crucial not only for comfort but also for maintaining good foot health and posture.

If you’re still facing challenges with heel gap issues, don’t hesitate to visit a professional cobbler or podiatrist for additional support. A little attention to detail can go a long way in ensuring that your shoes fit perfectly, allowing you to walk comfortably and confidently every day.

For more shoe-related tips, check out our comprehensive guide on finding the right shoe size and learn how to make sure your shoes fit perfectly every time.

Need additional help? Visit the Shoe Repair Guide for expert advice and solutions to all your shoe-related problems.

This article is in the category DIY Tools and created by DIYCraft Team