Shrink Shoes with Water
Wearing shoes that are too big can be uncomfortable and may cause blisters or foot pain. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to make oversized shoes fit better. One effective technique is shrinking the shoes with water. This method is suitable for shoes made of materials like canvas, leather, or suede.
To shrink your shoes, start by dampening a clean cloth or sponge in warm water. Gently wring out any excess water so that the cloth is damp but not dripping wet. Next, thoroughly wipe the inside and outside of the shoes with the damp cloth. Make sure to cover all areas, including the toe box, sides, and heel. Afterward, place the shoes in a well-ventilated area to air dry. As the shoes dry, they will gradually shrink and mold to the shape of your feet.
Wear Thick Socks
Another simple yet effective method to wear casual men’s shoes that are too big is to wear thick socks. Thick socks can add extra cushioning and fill up some of the empty space inside the shoes, making them fit snugly. Opt for socks made of materials like wool or cotton, as they provide more bulk and insulation compared to thin socks.
Before putting on your shoes, put on a pair of thick socks. Make sure the socks are not too tight, as this may restrict blood flow to your feet. Once you have the socks on, carefully slide your feet into the shoes. The added thickness of the socks will compensate for the extra space in the shoes, providing a better fit. It may take some time to get used to the feeling of wearing thicker socks, but it can greatly improve the comfort and fit of your oversized shoes.
Try Insoles
If you find that wearing thick socks alone is not enough to make your shoes fit properly, you can try using insoles. Insoles are cushioned inserts that provide additional support and padding to your shoes. They are available in various thicknesses and materials, allowing you to choose the most suitable option for your needs.
To use insoles, remove the existing insoles from your shoes if possible. Place the new insoles inside the shoes, making sure they are positioned correctly and cover the entire footbed. You may need to trim the insoles to fit your shoe size. Once the insoles are in place, put on your shoes and check if they fit better. Insoles not only fill up the extra space in the shoes but also provide extra comfort and support to your feet.
Use Stuffing
Stuffing is another method you can try to wear shoes that are too big. It involves placing materials inside the shoes to fill up the empty space and improve the fit. You can use a variety of materials for stuffing, such as tissue paper, newspaper, or even old socks.
To use stuffing, start by crumpling up the material of your choice into small balls or rolls. Place the stuffed material into the toe box, sides, and heel of the shoes, ensuring that it fills up the empty space evenly. Keep adding stuffing until the shoes feel snug and secure on your feet. It’s important to note that stuffing may not provide as much comfort and support as other methods, but it can be a temporary solution for occasional use.
Use Balls of Footpads
Balls of footpads, also known as metatarsal pads, can be a helpful tool to wear shoes that are too big, especially if you experience discomfort in the front part of your feet. These pads are designed to provide extra cushioning and support to the balls of your feet, relieving pressure and improving the fit of your shoes.
To use footpads, remove any existing insoles from your shoes. Place the footpads inside the shoes, positioning them directly under the balls of your feet. Make sure the footpads are centered and aligned with the widest part of your foot. Once the footpads are in place, put on the shoes and check if they fit better. The added support and cushioning from the footpads can make a noticeable difference in the fit and comfort of your oversized shoes.
Add Elastic Band Inside
Adding an elastic band inside your shoes can be an effective way to wear shoes that are too big. This method works particularly well for slip-on shoes or shoes with elastic panels, as it allows for easy adjustment and a more secure fit.
To add an elastic band, start by measuring the length needed to comfortably secure your shoes. Cut a piece of elastic band to the appropriate size. Next, sew or attach one end of the elastic band to the inside of the shoe, near the opening or along the sides. Make sure to secure it tightly but not too tight to avoid discomfort. Repeat the process on the other side of the shoe with the remaining end of the elastic band. Once the elastic band is in place, you can stretch it when putting on the shoes and release it for a snug fit.
Use Shoe Fillers
If none of the previous methods work for your shoes, using shoe fillers may be the solution. Shoe fillers are specially designed inserts that fill up the empty space in oversized shoes, making them fit better and more comfortably.
To use shoe fillers, remove the existing insoles from your shoes if possible. Insert the shoe fillers into the shoes, making sure they fill up the extra space evenly. Adjust the fillers as needed to achieve a snug fit. Shoe fillers come in various shapes and sizes, so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs and the design of your shoes. With the help of shoe fillers, you can enjoy wearing your oversized shoes without discomfort or the fear of them slipping off.
Conclusion
Wearing athletic men’s shoes or any other shoes that are too big can be a frustrating experience, but with the methods mentioned above, you can make them fit better and more comfortably. Whether you choose to shrink the shoes with water, wear thick socks, use insoles, stuff the shoes, add footpads, insert an elastic band, or use shoe fillers, there are options available for various shoe types and preferences. Experiment with these techniques to find the one that works best for you and enjoy the perfect fit in your oversized shoes.