Tips from our Shoe Guru

What to do about new shoes that are hurting your heels.
I have been seeing this happen more frequently lately. You my have noticed that most of the leathers used on new shoes today are a lot stiffer than in past years. I have also noticed that the counters (the ridged area that shapes the heel of the shoe) are also much harder.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to detect if a new pair of shoes will give you this problem while trying them on in the store.

Normally it will take some time wearing your new shoes before the discomfort begins. Therefore, the best advice I can offer is if you feelthe slightest bit of discomfort in your heel while trying on new shoes do not purchase them. Assume that the discomfort will become significantly worse the more time that you spend wearing the shoes.

People often ask if the heel can be stretched. The answer is no. The reason for this is that the counter itself is not a stretchable material. It is more like the consistency of molded fiberboard and it is not pliable.

Here are some remedies:
1. Holding the shoes from the back, press down on the top of the counter with your thumbs then bring them back to their original shape. Continue to repeat this process until the counters soften.

2. Add a heel cushion inside of the shoe. This will lift the heel of your foot from the area that is causing the irritation.

3. Stretch the vamp (front portion of the shoe). This will create more room inside the shoe and will allow your foot to slide forward easing the pressure in the heel area.
Bring your Shoe to Mr. Pronto.