My shoes and my heels separate when walking

January 20, 2013 9:41 AM

My heels come up out of these gym shoes when I walk. I can't return them because I took off the tags. Does anyone have any ideas? Thanks!
posted by Kazimirovna to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (12 answers total)

Buy some heel grips?
posted by pipeski at 9:43 AM on January 20, 2013 [1 favorite]

Does it happen regardless of the type of sock that you're wearing? You could try a second slim ankle sock over your regular sock to see if it increases the grip factor, or a thicker/higher gym sock. You could also try pulling the laces a little tighter, starting at the very bottom and tightening at every set of holes-- not too tight obviously because you don't want to cause blisters or circulation problems...
posted by jetlagaddict at 9:51 AM on January 20, 2013

- Tie 'em a little tighter.
- Purchase insoles from the drugstore. Just put them on top of what's already on the bottom of the shoe.
- Two pairs of socks.
- Give them to Goodwill and buy another pair.
- Take them back anyway, and ask for an exchange.
posted by carsonb at 9:51 AM on January 20, 2013

Payless has a 'we want you happy' return/exchange policy. Take them back to the store and ask for a pair that fits. Before you leave the store, try on the new pair. Put them on and tie them like you would at home. Walk up and down one of the aisles, several times. Pretend you are a soccer player once or twice. Do some squat thrusts. Make sure they fit. Then be on your way.
posted by carsonb at 9:54 AM on January 20, 2013 [1 favorite]

Lacing the shoes like this is supposed to help.
posted by artychoke at 9:55 AM on January 20, 2013 [8 favorites]

I'd double check that you can't actually return them. I've worked in sporting goods stores and authorized returns (or exchanges) of shoes for similar reasons. Any decent store should take them back if you explain and if you the wear on the shoe is minimal. They'll just send them back to the manufacturer.

There's also nothing you can really do to fix the fit. Heel grips will only work very temporarily.
posted by Kololo at 9:56 AM on January 20, 2013

Are you buying the right size? Perhaps they're too big?
posted by Thorzdad at 10:04 AM on January 20, 2013

heel grips are made for this. Insoles will just push your foot farther up out of the shoe.
posted by fingersandtoes at 10:09 AM on January 20, 2013

Seconding the lock-lace method artychoke linked. I lace my running shoes that way and it helps keep them snug at the ankle.
posted by Metroid Baby at 10:47 AM on January 20, 2013

I don't think heel grips will adhere to sneaker fabric for very long. I suppose you could DIY a little cushion and sew that in, but it wouldn't be easy. Have you tried thicker socks?
posted by acidic at 10:56 AM on January 20, 2013 [1 favorite]

I have narrow heels and this happens to me with the majority of shoes. It sucks and there isn't much you can do. I would definitely see if you can return them.
posted by radioamy at 11:23 AM on January 20, 2013 [1 favorite]

Do any shoes have combination lasts any more? I used to be able to buy 2A toes with 4A heels. Heel slip was never a problem. Is the problem cheaply made offshore shoes, or my buying shoes online where the choice is Medium or Wide?
posted by Cranberry at 12:09 PM on January 20, 2013