Getting blisters from continuous rubbing on the little toe is not only painful it is annoying as well. It can sometimes prevent you from wearing your favourite pair of shoes. So, what causes your shoes to rub the pinkie toe? And how to stop shoes rubbing your little toe?
There may be many reasons behind the rubbing shoe. To get the solution to this problem you need to find the right reason. It can be a fixable solution, or you may have to change your shoe pair to avoid the problem. So, let’s find out how you can stop shoes rubbing your little toe and treatment for the problem, and how can you prevent it from further happening in the future.
How to Prevent Shoe Biting
The best way to prevent shoe biting is to choose the right shoe for your feet. Buy the pair that has enough cushioning, is comfortable to wear, wide enough to wear, and has a thumb-size toe space.
However, if you already own a pair that causes shoe bites, here are some measures you can take to avoid getting shoe bites further.
Take steps to reduce rubbing
Rubs or frictions result in blisters or calluses in your toes. So, preventing friction can reduce the chance of getting blisters or hard skin.
Wear Socks
Wear socks to prevent rubbing. But if you have toe caps or toe protectors, you can wear them as well when the problem is around the toes. The main purpose is to give a cushion between the skin and the shoe and reduce friction.
Use tape
A common and handy tool to prevent blisters is paper tape. If you’ve already developed a blister or the affected area is about to develop one, apply a layer of paper tape on the spot. If the adhesive is too sticky then use a small piece of tissue or paper towel on the first layer, then use the tape.
Sole pads
Use sole pads in shoes to prevent friction around the heel and provide impact support.
Make the shoes comfortable
If the shoes you’re currently wearing cause trouble, make them comfortable instead of running to buy another pair. So, these are the steps you can take-
Shoe Shaper
The chance of creating painful blisters and discomfort is more when the shoes are new. So, use a shoe shaper to stretch them and make them flexible for your feet. You‘ll find plastic or wooden shoe shapers on the market. However, it may cost you a few more bucks but pick the wooden one. It’s not only eco-friendly, but it’ll also have a longer service life.
Hair Dryer
If you can not access the shoe shaper right now, try the hairdryer method. Put on a pair of winter socks that are thick. Then wear the shoes. Now, turn on the hairdryer. Hold the running machine on the tight spots for 30 seconds. Once you’re done with the whole shoes, give it a round walk immediately while they’re still warm. When you’re done walking, put off the socks and check out the shoes if they now fit perfectly.
Neatsfoot Oil
This thing is used as a conditioner and softening agent for leather shoes. So, if you own a pair of leather boots or shoes that rubs your pinkie, this technique is for you. You can use other types of oils, like- coconut oil, mink oil, olive oil, or leather conditioner for a safer effect. Apply the oil on the edge of the shoe where the feet or toe hurts. Hopefully, it will soften the leather within a few days.
How to Treat Shoe Bites
Here are some home remedies that will solve your toe rubbing problem-
- First of all, stop wearing the shoes that are causing the hurtful situation until it is healed properly so that it doesn’t create more problems.
- Wear a pair of shoes that do not rub the affected area.
- Apply a bandage to the affected area to prevent it from getting infected.
- To treat it, apply some natural honey to the infected area. Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to heal wounds faster and in an effective way.
- You can also apply aloe vera gel to the affected area if organic honey is not available. Aloe gel has the same healing properties as honey.
- Rub some petroleum jelly on the spot. This thing is available in every household. This product has healing and antimicrobial properties.
How to Pick Shoes That Don’t Rub Against the Toe
It is difficult to find shoes that don’t rub against the feet. Or it is something that you can’t predetermine. But we’ve some tricks that you can use to find the right pair of shoes that won’t rub your toes.
- Pick your shoes with wide feet that perfectly go around the feet but are not too wide that you can move the feet inside.
- Choose shoes with toe space. Toe space or toe room gives you the flexibility to move or take steps any direction you want. It helps you to run downhill and uphill as well. If the shoes that you’ll wear do not have toe space, you may face difficulties in comfortable walking and it can cause you long term injury.
- Pick shoes with better sole support and cushioning. It prevents your feet from rubbing against the hard sole of the shoe.
Conclusion
I hope you have found your answer to ‘how to stop shoes rubbing your little toe?’ Taking preventive measures against anything is the best solution to any problem. If the time has already passed, take care of the matter immediately before it’s too late.
Shoes are a part of our lifestyle. They enhance our outlook while protecting our feet from heat, cold, and dirt. So, before buying a pair consider those things as well rather than the look only.