I would love to wear slingbacksandals, but I have a serious problem. When I try them on, the heel strap slips right off my heel. It doesn’t matter what size I try on or how tight I buckle the strap, it slips right off the moment I take a step.
Now, I have this problem with non-sandal shoes too (backs slipping off), which is why I only wear shoes with straps or laces across the instep, or altogether backless shoes. If I’m forced to wear a (how do you put this?) regular shoe, I can use heel inserts along the back of the shoe to grip my heel better. They don’t always work, and sometimes I have to use them in lace-up shoes anyway (…and then they may still not work and my heel will still slip out).
My question is – do you know if they make similar type inserts for slingback heels (little tiny ones, I’m guessing), and/or is there any other trick that you know of to keep the heel straps on? I think double-sided tape would hurt too much, otherwise I’d try it.
I used to think I just had very narrow heels, but now I’m wondering if the back of my heel is just completely flat where other people have a little bone shelf to grip the straps or something. I’ve lovingly illustrated this difference here for your enjoyment.
But seriously, any help is welcome! I’m going to a wedding in July and already have my dress, and this style of shoe would go perfectly with it if only I could wear them…
ALSO, since I’m here: I have a similar problem with ballet flats – when I try them on in the store, my foot slips right out. I know I could use heel inserts after I bought them, but I can’t even try them on to see if they’re comfortable in every other way, because I can’t walk in them at all without them falling off after the first step. Do any of you have this problem, and how have you solved it?
Let me stress again, going down a size does not help at all. I wear an 8-8.5, and I’ve tried on size 7.5s and even 7s, and my foot will be pinched all over and the shoe will still slip off my heel when I take a step. All these cute shoes that I can’t wear…sniff
I stick moleskin cushions on the ball of the foot area (in the shoe!) to stop my foot from sliding forward. Maybe you could take a patch of it with you when you shop to add some bulk and slip resistance at the heel when you’re trying on shoes.
I have similar issues, and my solution is generally to wear strappier sandals. Sometimes that means a strap low around the ankles, which doesn’t work for you, but skinny straps across the top of the foot are also good. Some examples are here, here, here and here. (I went searching for a pair of silver sandals I’ve worn to both of my siblings’ weddings that meet these criteria, which is why these are all silver. I think mine are related to the second David Tate pair.)
I have a very similar problem, although when I’ve tried really sizing down my ankle won’t slip, though I’ve never bought super tiny shoes because they’d obviously be terrifically uncomfortable.
Here’s what I do for sandals/wedges/heels/this issue in general: a small piece of moleskin. In sweaty, outdoor weather it won’t last a whole afternoon, so my purse will have a small extra pre-cut piece of moleskin that I slap on when the first piece becomes sweaty and wrinkly. Don’t go anywhere without it, just as I wouldn’t leave the house without lactose pills. Before applying, swab the area with a little alcohol pad (also include one in your purse) and let it air dry. This will ensure maximum stickiness and maximum usage time. Use both a long and a tall piece; practice will get you choosing the right size.
Compounding my problem is that I have a slightly wide forefoot. Most people with wide feet have wide feet all over, but no, I’ve got a narrow heel.
But yes, you’re right; our heels are flat and most people have a ridge that holds shoes in place.
Oh, one more thing - get the brand name Dr. Scholls moleskin. If I’m running or using the elliptical (rare for me nowadays), I use the cheap generic stuff. But if you’re sweating and the moleskin is visible, it will work for longer and be less of a pain in the neck if you get the real Dr. Scholls stuff.
I’m not sure what you do for a living but if you’re in a white collar or office job I’ve found Anne Klein loafers to be as close to a “normal” shoe as we’re ever going to find. And Asics as the best sneakers.
ETA: You want to position the moleskin very carefully. Feel for that bone in the lower 1/3 of your ankle. That’s what should be thicker on our feet, so apply there. Don’t apply over the stretchy ligament.
Thanks for the suggestion, though!
