Beauty is not pain, and it definitely shouldn’t involve scabs, blisters, and broken skin from the backs of your shoes rubbing against your ankles.

If you find that most of your shoes are causing discomfort by rubbing your ankles, I have a few tips and tricks to help you prevent this issue.

A little late to avoiding blisters? No problem!

Maybe you arrived at this article and already have a blister from a pair of shoes. 

Good news: this article will help you avoid getting another one in the future and give you a couple tips on healing your current one. 

P.S. If this is your first time reading my blog, hello! My name is Lisa, and I’m the founder of Womads, a quality shoe company specializing in handmade, high-quality leather flats, oxfords, and accessories. Comfort is one of the most important qualities in the shoes I wear, and I’m here to help you find the most comfortable options possible.

Choose the Right Size

Every shoe can fit just a little differently. Trying on shoes and being attentive to their fit is crucial. 

Let’s discuss how to properly measure your foot, step by step:

1. Stand up straight and place your foot on a blank piece of paper. If you have a friend, roommate, partner, or family member around, ask them to trace the outline of your bare foot. Tip: Measure your foot at the end of the day, our feet actually swell and change sizes as we stand throughout the day.
2. Using a measuring tape or ruler, measure diagonally from the longest point of your foot to your heel. The longest point varies for everyone; for me, it’s my big toe, while for one of my friends, it’s the toe next to the big toe.
3. Usually, one foot is bigger than the other, so be sure to use the larger foot to determine your shoe size.

Remember that every shoe brand might feel a bit different on your feet. If you’re usually an 8 in one pair and find the next pair a smidge too small, size up—no big deal!

Now that you know your foot size, you can start looking for your next pair of shoes. If you’re shopping online, refer to the shoe size chart for that specific pair.

As a shoe designer, I’ve worked alongside many shoe experts. I work closely with Jessica Gomez, a leather designer who was trained in Arsutoria in Milan. She helps me source and produce my Womads so I asked her for a bit of advice and this is what she would like to offer: 

“Width is important, but it’s harder to get reliable information because it depends on the volume of the shoe. Some people have higher arches and/or insteps. If that’s you, leather shoes might stretch out to give you more space if they are not reinforced. Womads are not reinforced, allowing the shoes to stretch more and making the leather softer and more flexible.”

Keep Your Feet Dry

Moisture buildup is common on hot days, especially after going on a walk, hike, or run. A little sweat is fine, but excessive moisture can cause blisters and swelling. 

If your feet increase in size, your ankles will start to rub against the backs of your shoes, leading to more pain and discomfort. 

What should you do? Keeping your feet dry with foot powder or even baby powder from your local drugstore will help reduce moisture and keep your feet feeling fresh (and keep your shoes from smelling). 

If you find most of your everyday shoes are rubbing and building moisture check out my article on my favorite comfortable shoes. Your everyday shoes should be the most comfortable shoe you own (not including slippers!), since they are on your feet all day and are the ones taking you through your day.

Invest in High-Quality Material

When it comes to quality, you get what you pay for. 

Choosing the right high-quality material will provide much more comfort. When I developed Womads, comfort was my priority, so selecting the right material was key. 

I chose high-quality authentic leather because it’s breathable and does not retain moisture. The buttery soft leather will not only feel soft against your skin but it's the only material forming the shoe backing. Many shoes have rigid plastic or cardboard, making them less comfortable on your heel and can cause uncomfortable rubbing on your ankle. 

Investing in high quality material can also go further than just comfort, they look and feel more elegant. If you’re a bride this year, part of a bridal party or heading to a wedding, grabbing a pair of shoes that are comfortable but elegant is crucial. 

As always, I got you covered with a wedding shoe guide! 

Mold your shoes to your feet

If you’ve just purchased a new pair of shoes that are on the stiffer side, breaking them in is a great idea to avoid any rubbing on the backs of your ankles. 

Jessica Gomez is my go to girl, she helps me design fantastic leather shoes and gives me the best advice, which I will always share with you. 

To mold leather shoes to your foot, put on a couple of pairs of thick socks and hit the shoe, especially the tight spots of a hairdryer on the highest setting for a few minutes. Wait until the shoes have fully cooled before removing the socks.

You can also walk around your house or wear them while watching a movie or working from home to break them in before taking them out for a spin.

If you’ve picked out a dress shoe for a wedding or an event it would be a great idea to break these in as you’ll be dancing and on your feet for a while. If you’re still on the hunt for a comfortable pair of dress shoes I have a list of recommendations for you! 

By molding dress shoes to your feet, your night will be much more enjoyable and so will the week after when you don’t have blisters and scabs!

Ditch the first aid kit, pick up socks

Socks are a fun way to help alleviate rubbing on the backs of your ankles, and they’re trendy! 

You can pair your peep-toe flats or favorite booties with a white pair of ruffle socks or style your oxfords with a fun patterned print. 

For a preppy look, high socks will perfectly complement Oxford shoes or your favorite booties.

Buy with intention

Buying the right pair of shoes starts at the store. Here are a few tips to pick a pair that will keep your feet happy and your ankles blister-free:

1. If you’re wearing socks to try on shoes, be sure to wear socks you would actually wear with those shoes. This way, you’ll know how they will fit and how much room you’ll have.
2. Know your foot like the back of your hand. Understanding which foot is longer before getting to the store will help you pick the right size and fit.
3. Try shoes on later in the day for a more accurate fit. Our feet swell over the course of a day, so trying on shoes later will help you find the most comfortable fit. If you try on a shoe in the morning and it fits just right, it might start rubbing your ankles as your feet swell throughout the day.
4. Be aware of rough edges that could rub against the backs of your feet and check the lining of your shoes. Sometimes, the seams and layers of material at the back of the heels can be rough, with stitching coming loose or being uneven. 

Choose your material carefully

• Suede: When choosing a suede shoe be sure to get the right fit from the start, and don’t compromise with the socks you select. This can be done by knowing which foot is longer and going half size up for all day comfort. 
• Leather: Leather can be hard and inflexible with unforgiving edges, so taking the time to break them in or mold them to your feet is important. Also taking the time to clean and condition our leather will also help them become softer and more flexible. Check out this article on how to effectively take care of your leather. High quality leather, like Womads, is soft and flexible, breathable and does not retain moisture. 
• Canvas: While soft and comfortable, canvas can be a common source of rubbing, especially when worn without socks. Wear these around the house, bend them back and forth, and feel free to adjust your lacing if they’re feeling too tight or loose. If you are choosing Canvas be sure to play around with different sock options to protect your ankles. 
• Rubber: Rubber has a greater tendency to rub and trap moisture, which can irritate the skin and make you more vulnerable to skin breaks. If your shoes are predominantly rubber, ensure you’re wearing good, padded socks. 

Beauty is comfort

Shoes are meant to fit our feet, we are not meant to fit into shoes. Take the time to understand your foot size and what you need from a shoe so you can protect your ankles and protect your peace.

Scabs, blisters and broken skin from wearing the wrong size shoe or a poorly made shoe is not fun, investing a higher quality material, taking them time to buy your perfect size and breaking them in (if they need it) will help you cruise through your day. 

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