How To Fix Heel Slippage In Boots: What Will Really Work?

how to fix heel slippage in boots

Introduction

The primary function of boots is to secure your feet, keep them comfortable, and to provide much-needed stability when you’re hiking rough surfaces or walking around in your day to day life.

There are several causes for heel slippage, but they are mostly triggered by there being too much space in the boot.

Having problem strolling is just among the numerous problems that boot slippage can cause.

Fortunately, we’ve put together this guide on how to fix heel slippage in boots for you.

1. Break-In Your Boots

how to fix heel slippage in boots

The first thing you need to do is break in your boots, especially if they are brand new.

After breaking the shoes in, the flex point of every shoe bends or breaks whenever you walk.

Once the set starts bending with your feet movements, heel slipping starts decreasing.

Some boots slip at first, and this is entirely reasonable. The slippage vanishes after wearing them for a few days.

One thing you can do is try wearing your boots in your home as you go about your day to day business – cooking, cleaning, taking out the trash, and more.

This will help you break in the shoes in a controlled environment, and you won’t have to worry about heal slippage happening while outside!

However, if your heel continues to slip even after you have broken in your shoes, you will probably need to do something about it to fix your shoes.

2. Pick The Right Sized-Shoes

how to fix heel slippage in boots

When it comes to heel slippage, the most important thing you can do is prevent it from happening by picking the right sized boot.

It should be neither too small nor too large.

No doubt, the smaller size boot will help prevent heel slippage. However, it compresses your feet and continues squashing your toes.

A bigger size set will increase the instances of the heel slippage.

Try to find the right-sized fit, which will prevent heel slippage from occurring most of the time.

That being said, if you are reading this guide, it is probably already too late!

Fortunately, we’ve put together this guide on how to fix heel slippage in boots, so don’t worry!

We ask that next time you pick a proper fitting boot so you can avoid heel slippage in the first place.

3. Utilize Inserts Or Soles

Dr. Scholl’s Extra Support Insoles Superior Shock Absorption and Reinforced Arch Support for Big & Tall Men to Reduce Muscle Fatigue So You Can Stay on Your Feet Longer (for Men's 8-14)
If your boot slippage doesn’t naturally go away after breaking in your boots, you can try lining your boots with inserts, insoles, or cushions.

This will make your feet fit comfortably and prevent them from slipping.

If you work on your feet all day, it probably makes sense to get a high-quality pair of inserts or soles to help provide support anyways.

Your feet will thank you, plus, the added material will help prevent slippage, making this a win-win.

We recommend utilizing Dr. Scholl’s Extra Support Insoles.

4. Use Tongue Pads

pedag Supra | German Handmade Shoe Tongue Pads | Soft Suede Leather and Memory Foam Shoe Padding | Solves Loose Shoes Problem | 1 Pair, Small/Medium Size
Tongue pads work by slightly pushing back on your foot into the backside of the shoe, thus preventing heel lift.

This is an excellent fit if you are comfortable with the support and “feel” of your boot, but still have issues with heel slippage.

This is because tongue pads are less invasive than using pads or insoles, thus making them useful for anyone whose shoes are slightly too big, but not dramatically so.

These are also a great option if one of your boots is too big and causing heel slippage.

This will be less dramatic than having an insole in one of your boots, and not the other.

5. Lace Your Boots Up Correctly

There is a lot of information out there about using unique knots and lacing techniques to fix heel slippage.

In my estimates, most of these do not provide a ton of tangible benefits.

Plus, if you are inexperienced with fancy knots, you may do it incorrectly, thus leading to more heel slippage in your shoes!

Instead, we recommend slowly and deliberately relacing your boots. The goal is here to make the lacing as tight as possible without hurting your feet.

You can try using a surgeon knot to help secure the top of your foot in place.

This lacing is easy enough for a beginner to utilize, and will definitely help keep your feet in place to prevent heel slippage.

It’s definitely worth trying, but if you are intimidated by it, then stick to the basics – just make sure your lacing is tight.

6. Pick Up Some Non-Stick Socks

RATIVE Anti Slip Non Skid Slipper Hospital Crew Socks with grips for Adults Men Women (Medium, 3 pairs-assorted)
If you do not want to change your boots by using inserts tongue pads, your other option is to alter your socks.

One of the best ways to help prevent heel slippage is by utilizing non-stick socks.

A good pair of nonslip socks can make your feet stay comfortably in the boot, and thus prevent slippage from occurring.

If you remain in the practice of wearing boots without socks, you should seriously think about changing it.

Get multiple pairs of thick, non-stick socks, and your heel slippage issues will be over!

The problem with this method, however, is that you need to remember to wear them every time you wear your boots.

For some people, this won’t be an issue at all. However, for others, it will prove to be a problem, and sometimes they will forget.

7. Walk With Your Heels

walking correctly help heel slippage

A lot of people walk in a way that puts their toes down first, driving up the heel.

This is something you want to avoid for several reasons – it can lead to toe and foot pain and heel slippage.

Instead, try to focus on putting your heel down first, followed by your upper foot.

Practice walking around your home this way, and soon it will become second nature. It will go a long way to help to prevent heel slippage.

8. Keep Your Feet Dry

keep your feet dry heel slippage

Heel slippage increases whenever your socks and feet are wet.

Frequently, this is due to people sweating while working or hiking, and not wearing proper moisture-wicking socks.

Or they have an old, ragged pair of boots with holes developing in them – this leads to water seeping in whenever it rains.

It’s crucial that you do whatever you can to prevent your feet some getting wet.

9. Don’t Be Afraid To Get New Boots

Irish Setter, Ashby, Men's, 6', Soft Toe, Work Boot, Brown, 10 D (Medium)
If you have tried all of these methods and your boots are still slipping off, it might be time to get new shoes.

We’re big fans of Red Wings, specifically Red Wing Irish Setter Work Boots.

This is an unfortunate reality, but sometimes it just happens – your the new boots you bought simply aren’t the right fit, or your old boots are past their prime and need to be gotten rid of.

That’s okay! It’s time. If you need more recommendations, check out our guide on the warmest hunting boots.

Should I Use Hair Spray To Stop My Heel Slippage?

There are guides out there that recommend using hair spray to prevent your heel slippage.

The rationale is that if it’s good enough for your hair, it’s good enough for your feet!

Thus, hair spray will help keep your feet “stick” to the heel of your boot, stopping the slippage.

We do not recommend using hair spray. First of all, it is just a temporary solution, so you will have to respray your shoes constantly.

Secondly, you may ruin your boots. Hair spray is not meant for shoes, and you may inadvertently end up damaging the soles or leather.

Finally, the hair spray will be soaked up by your shoes, and then possibly by your feet. This is obviously not something you want to do.

What Are The Downsides Of Heel Slippage In Boots?

how to fix heel slippage in boots

There are two main downsides of heel slippage that are worth considering.

First of all, it can lead to your boots sliding off, which is annoying while on a job site, camping, or hiking in the woods.

Secondly, it can lead to the development of painful blisters. This can be a complete pain and completely derail your hiking plans.

If you work on your feet all day, this is going to be a major issue, because it will it extremely painful to do your job, plus you won’t have time to heal.

Instead, you’ll be back on your feet again the next day, causing that blister to get worse!

Can I Shrink My Shoes?

Yes, you can definitely shrink leather shoes that are too big by utilizing the wet and dry trick, which is essentially wetting the part of the shoe that is too big and then blow-drying them.

Unfortunately, this same system doesn’t work on boots, because they tend to be treated, and they’re too bulky.

Instead, if your boots are too big, we recommend following the steps in this guide to make them comfy and prevent heel slippage.

How Can I Fix Heel Slippage In Cowboy Boots?

how to fix heel slippage in cowboy boots

Fortunately, the tips and tricks used in this guide can also help you with fixing heel slippage in cowboy boots.

That being said, you obviously need to avoid the section on lacing up your boots correctly. Instead, focus on insoles, tongue pads, and picking the right-sized shoe.

Conclusion

There you have it! We hope you have enjoyed this article on how to fix heel slippage in boots.

You are now armed with enough knowledge to fix your heel slippage and get the comfortable boot-wearing experience you deserve.

We wish you the best of luck! Hopefully, now your heel slipping, blister-causing days are behind you!