Why are tight shoes dangerous? How to quickly carry tight shoes at home: rules

Most people complain of pain in the legs, attributing it to some kind of disease - rheumatism, gout. In fact, no one even thinks that the cause of pain is inappropriate shoes. Therefore, first of all, you need to choose the right shoes. And don't buy tight or uncomfortable shoes if you really like them. Taking care of her health, a woman should choose shoes with wide and comfortable heels of moderate height. The inner shape and size of the shoe must match the shape of the foot and the size. It is very harmful to wear both tight and loose shoes. Tight shoes make it difficult for blood circulation, and in adolescents and children, such shoes interfere with the development of the legs and proper growth.

Why you can't wear tight shoes

Many women ignore the fact that high-heeled shoes are dangerous. The emerging swelling, pain in the knees and ankle joints, back, women do not want to associate all this with wearing high heels for a long time. However, these symptoms very often lead to serious illness. The constant wearing of high-heeled shoes can lead to menstrual irregularities, and in the future to the inability to get pregnant. Due to improper selection of shoes, diseases such as varicose veins and thrombophlebitis can develop.

How to choose the right shoes

  • If you want to be healthy and not chase fashion, there are some rules to follow when choosing your shoes.
  • You should always have several pairs of shoes, for the street, for the house, for sports and for work. Shoes should be worn alternately.
  • In high heels, you can walk only 3 kilometers a day and even if the last is comfortable.
  • If you cannot live without heels, choose a heel 5-6 cm high. If a heel is 10-12 cm, you should not wear it every day.
  • When choosing sandals, you need to make sure that the heel does not slide out.
  • Do not choose tight shoes in the hope that they will stretch, it will be harmful to your health. The legs will swell and get tired, and posture will be disturbed.
  • Choose models made from natural materials so that the heel and toe are firm.
  • When walking, the size of the foot changes, so the internal parameters should not be much more than in a calm state. Make sure your fingers are free to wiggle.
  • Shoes should be chosen during the day, when the leg is well-groomed.
  • By choosing the right footwear, you can avoid many of the imperfections on your feet, like calluses and crooked toes. After all, calluses, rubbed twice in one place, can develop into chronic ones.

Today it is hard to believe that people used to walk barefoot at any temperature and on any terrain. Nowadays, the abundance of shoe stores and the wealth of designer pieces are daunting. In pursuit of fashion trends, people buy shoes that do not fit them in the shape and size of the foot. And the female half, in an effort to reduce its size, wears too tight shoes, which subsequently cause corns, bursitis and deformation of the fingers. Buying the right shoes is not just a matter of personal style, but a vital factor. Let's take a look at the consequences of wearing tight shoes and the easiest way to carry around already purchased tight shoes.

On average, a person walks 185 thousand kilometers in a lifetime. With each step he strains his legs more and more, so the shoes must protect and support him. Unfortunately, many simply do not understand the importance of the comfort of the shoe. Women's legs suffer from an overabundance of hormones during pregnancy, which leads to an increase in size. Puffiness also occurs from taking medications that retain water in the body. Even in young people, legs become swollen by the end of the day through long walking and exercise.
Tight shoes have short and long term negative consequences that affect a person's performance.

Short term leg problems:

  • Calluses are caused by prolonged pressure on a specific area. They have a point, discrete shape and show pain when pressing on the site. Calluses can be hard or soft when they are between the toes and contain blood vessels or nerve fibers.
  • Ingrown toenails and fungal infections provoke too tight shoe socks. In addition, constant pressure can cause the nail bed to lift away from the skin of the finger. Excessive cramped conditions also create a moist environment in which fungal spores develop.
  • Epidermophytosis of the foot is caused by dermatophyte fungi that live on the skin. Constantly moist and sweaty areas of the feet, especially with excessive proximity of the fingers, provokes redness, whitish peeling, blisters and cracks.
  • Constant impairment of blood circulation causes fatigue and swelling of the legs, which leads to varicose veins.

Tight shoes can cause permanent damage not only to the feet, but also to the entire body.

Long-term problems:

  • Flat feet often present with tightness in the Achilles tendon and muscles while walking. Deformity in the ligaments that support the arch of the foot loses its springiness, so the entire load is transferred to the knee and hip joints. With flat feet in a person, the spine suffers significantly and posture is impaired.

  • Tight shoes, especially with heels, cause frequent lumbar pain. When walking in this way, the dorsal muscles act more strongly, which leads to their overexploitation and postural changes.
  • Prolonged overloading of the legs can cause arthritis as well as knee pain, especially in the case of high heels.
  • Tight shoes can also lead to bone deformities such as bursitis (swelling of the big toe) or heel growth.

Why do feet freeze in tight shoes

The physical cause of circulatory disorders and metabolic failure in the legs lead to rapid cooling of the limbs. Another factor is the minimum presence of air with low thermal conductivity, i.e. tight shoes are a low heat insulator. Only oversized boots can keep warmth from your feet.

Tight shoe effects on toes

Long-term wearing too tight shoes can provoke deformation of the bones and cause the following diseases:

  • Claw deformation of the fingers (usually the second or third) is manifested by twisting of the phalanges. They are in a compressed state, and the incorrect distribution of pressure causes corns.

  • Increased risk of ingrown toenails. Often, tight shoes have a narrow toe, which puts increased pressure on the nails.
  • Bunion is an enlargement of bone or tissue around the joint at the base of the big toe. It can pivot towards the second toe and cause swelling and pain when walking.
  • People with diabetes often suffer from nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy) in their legs without feeling skin irritation. Tight shoes lead to blisters or sores that progress quickly.

Calluses from tight shoes

Shoes that are too tight, when worn constantly, cause chafing, blistering and even calluses on sensitive skin. Callous lumps cannot pass by themselves. They usually do not cause any pain, but the fingers do not look very pretty. Plastering the corns with a patch will not solve the problem, and ignoring it can lead to infection or serious complications.
Calluses develop from a clump of dead skin cells to form thick, rough areas. They contain a tapered core with a dot that can press on the nerve, causing pain. Calluses tend to form on the tops, sides, and tips of the toes, as well as on the feet.
There are several types of thickenings: dry, ingrown, old, internal and bony. They also divide into soft (blisters) and hard (corns and heel spurs).

Callus symptoms:

  • a thickened, rough patch of skin;
  • keratinized tubercle;
  • pain under the skin when walking;
  • dry or waxy skin.

Bumps on the feet tight shoes

Not only tight shoes, but also an unnatural position of the foot with high heels, can cause hallux valgus, in other words, a bump, big toe or little toe. The crooked finger comes out of the joint, forming a tubercle in this place. The constant pressure of the shoe causes the bony protrusions to grow and sore. The lump gradually moves the thumb to the side, causing pressure, friction and inflammation in the other phalanges, resulting in aching pain when walking.
The growth of cones, in addition to tight shoes, provokes overweight and various ailments of the joints, feet and ligaments. The fight against this insidious phenomenon should be started at an early stage of deformation.

Tight shoes hurt your toe, what to do

The nature of the pain (weak, severe or aching) can determine the severity of the injury to the finger. In such cases, the timing of the onset of pain plays an important role: when walking, exercising, or in the morning / evening.

Main causes and treatments:

  • Pinching your toes with narrow noses or inappropriate shoes can lead to swelling, redness and even numbness in the limbs. The solution to the problem will be the selection of comfortable shoes. Puffiness of the fingers can be removed with a cold compress or contrasting baths. To improve blood circulation, the legs are dipped for 5 minutes in a large bowl or bucket of cold water, and then in hot water for the same time, after 5 minutes the action is repeated.

  • Fatigue and aching pain after exertion are removed with a special exercise. Lying on your back, your knees should be directed upwards, your toes should be lifted up, while the heels are not lifted off the surface. Repeat the exercise up to 10 times to rest the fingers and strengthen the legs.

  • The blisters caused by friction disappear when shoes are changed, but prolonged pressure on these areas erases the thin upper layer of skin, the blister bursts and fluid oozes out of it, which can pose a risk of infection and the development of a deeper wound. Do not try to drain the blister, puncture or cut the skin. When it breaks naturally, the area is washed with soap and water, dried gently using an antibacterial ointment, and covered with a bandage.


How to expand tight shoes at home

Here are three quick ways to stretch your shoes at home.

Method number 1 Freezing

You will need:

  • two large plastic bags with a fastener;
  • water.

Packages are opened and placed inside each other (additional security measure). The plastic is inserted into the bottom of the shoe, holding the corners with your hand. Then gently fill the bag with water until it fills the entire inside of the shoe. Close both bags carefully. The boot is placed in a freezer and left there until the water freezes completely. When it expands (about 9%), the shoe will stretch.

Method number 2 Rub with alcohol

You will need:

  • medical alcohol;
  • a pair of warm socks;
  • spray bottle.

A small amount of alcohol is poured into an empty spray bottle. Spray the inside of the shoe until it becomes slightly damp. They put on warm socks on their feet, put on boots and walk until the alcohol dries. Repeat as needed.
You can go the other way: soak socks in alcohol, wring out, put on your feet and put on tight shoes. Repeat several times if necessary.

Method number 3 Hair dryer + socks

You will need:

  • a pair of thick socks;
  • hairdryer.

The socks are put on the feet, put on shoes and direct hot air to narrow areas of the shoe. It is advisable to move your fingers during heating. The hair dryer is turned off and the shoes are put aside until the material has completely cooled. They take off their socks and try on their shoes.

How to carry tight leather shoes

The best way to distribute 1⁄2 size leather shoes is to wear them while walking in the yard. The shoes will stretch gradually. This method is especially effective for a new couple. To speed up the posting process, additionally put on a pair of thick socks. Often, special pads (stretch marks) and spray are used to carry leather shoes. The pads are made up of a piece of wood (usually cedar) that is placed inside the shoe for two reasons. First, the wood absorbs moisture and imparts freshness. Secondly, with the help of a device, they retain their shape and slightly expand it. The expander has a handle that controls the length and width of the shoe, allowing it to be stretched in any direction. Dispensing is facilitated by the use of a special liquid or spray.


Moisturizers and conditioners soften the skin and make it more flexible. When using this lubricant, make sure it is suitable for your specific skin type. Some sprays may exclude suede and nubuck.
1/3 of alcohol and 2 parts of water, which are combined in a spray bottle, help in the distribution. Shoes are treated with a liquid and dried.
Some articles on the internet recommend heating leather shoes with artificial heat to stretch them. But with such actions, it quickly returns to its original size. Heating the skin with a hair dryer can wrinkle or deform it.
The best way to stretch leather shoes is to walk in them.

How to stretch tight artificial shoes

It is not easy to expand leatherette shoes, because it hardly stretches due to the fabric base. Generally, a shoe expander is more suitable for suede, leather and other natural materials. Synthetics and textiles stretch but can quickly return to their original size.
When heating with a hairdryer, it is better to put a wet napkin on artificial leather so as not to spoil the material at all. Synthetic shoes are put on the feet along with tight socks and are worn out.
Alcohol-containing substances soften the heels of such shoes well. A mixture of vinegar and water (1: 1) applied to problem areas is also an emollient of plastics.

Tight shoes cause irreparable harm to human health, so the correct selection of boots or shoes is very important. Remember, shoes that are too tight will block blood flow, leading to heart problems. Don't try to put your feet on a smaller size. Always choose products that match the shape of your foot.

Surprisingly, but many ladies, in order to make their legs pretty, are ready to squeeze them into awkward shoes. But is it true that in this case they are concerned about beauty?

Just imagine - after a few years of such "violence" over their legs, they will lose all their attractiveness. Cracking heels, corns, calluses and ingrown nails - how can you like it?

Why it is harmful to wear tight shoes

Usually, living a few months with awkward shoes results in minor ankle and back pain. But further surprises await lovers of beauty - the fingers are bent and the foot is deformed. And this is not the end, because later on, severe diseases may appear. Probable varicose veins, menstrual irregularities, a problem getting pregnant, thrombophlebitis, etc.

Even if you buy shoes that seem comfortable in the store, you may feel cramped and uncomfortable at home. From time to time it is comfortable in shoes or shoes, but after half an hour you can find socks in your body. But do not rush to put this pair on the shelf, because you can adapt a little of it to your leg.

Effective ways for the lazy

The easiest way is to purchase special foam from a shoe store, which will rapidly stretch your shoes or boots. To do this, spray it on the inside of the shoe, put it on and wear it until the foam dries. In order to spread tight shoes, repeat this action 3-4 times. The foam is cheap, its cost varies in the range of 250 rubles. This amount is even less than taking a patch, doing salt baths for your feet, or contacting a doctor because of the consequences of wearing tight shoes.
There is an even simpler option than the previous one - to contact a shoe maker. Most of the workshops have special equipment that stretches tight shoes in the shortest possible time.

Time-tested traditional remedies

Our grandmothers also knew methods that would help spread awkward shoes. To do this, you need a few tools at hand and a couple of hours of time. Rub the back of the shoes perfectly with alcohol, put on thick cotton socks on your feet and put on your shoes. Walk around the apartment in such uniforms as much as possible (the longer, the higher the opportunity to get comfortable shoes). The easiest way is to spread leather goods in this way. Use beer for suede and vodka for patent leather shoes. But with all this, it is essential that the liquid does not fall on the outer side of the product, otherwise traces may remain. If during such an "operation" your legs get stained, just wash off the paint with ordinary talcum powder.

Science chemistry in everyday life

As we know, only water expands upon cooling. Specifically, this property can be used to solve our problem. Before expanding tight shoes with rubbing and socks, try a comfortable fit. Take a regular plastic bag and fill it with water, then place the inside of the shoe and put it in the freezer overnight. Because water crystallizes and expands, it will stretch awkward shoes with ease.

Common mistakes

There is a popular way - to moisten a newspaper with alcohol and stuff it tightly into a new product, leaving it overnight. But by no means all shoes and shoes can withstand this method, and you may end up losing your newest purchase.
Once you've bought the latest pair of shoes, even the most comfortable ones, don't wear them all day long. It is better to wear it around the apartment for several hours, and later put it on for a short walk. Before going out, stick the plaster on the places where calluses can form.

Don't wear the latest shoes in rain or wet weather.
It is worth taking a shoe product in the second half of the day, because our legs swell during the day. In the end, a model acquired during the day may seem a bit cramped by the end of the day. In the store, measure shoes on two legs, before making the choice, take a walk around the hall.

Buy only a high-quality product and take care of your own health, this is the only way you can look truly beautiful.

Do you often think that regular pain, discomfort or leg cramps are associated with improperly selected shoes? Most likely, these problems are attributed to fatigue or possible diseases such as arthritis, rheumatism, varicose veins. Many begin to be examined, go to doctors, and really find themselves with health problems, but they are only a consequence of the fact that you sacrifice the convenience of shoes for the sake of their beauty and fashion compliance. But it is very harmful to wear tight shoes or shoes with very high heels.

Why is it harmful to wear tight shoes?

Any model shoes with high heels, as well as slippers or shoes with a powerful platform are designed to be worn for a short time "on occasion", and if you spend a lot of time on your feet, then first of all it should be comfortable. In any case, the shoes should ideally suit you in all respects: size, fullness, lifting height. Because tight shoes, as well as too loose shoes, can cause a lot of trouble. In the first place, it is harmful to wear tight shoes due to the fact that they interfere with normal blood circulation, thereby causing swelling, vein problems and other unpleasant things. And if tight shoes are worn by children or adolescents who are still growing, they will lead to deformation of the foot and various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

It is especially harmful for women to wear tight shoes, and if at the same time they do not want to part with heels, then at first they can expect pain in the ankles, knees and back, which will subsequently lead to serious diseases that can affect the genital area. And the violation of the menstrual cycle is not the worst thing: a woman may have problems with pregnancy in the future. In addition, tight shoes increase the load on the legs, which contributes to the appearance of varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.

If you follow some rules when choosing and wearing shoes, then health can be protected from such consequences.

  • You must have shoes for every occasion and not wear the same pair all the time. For home, work, the street, shopping, trips to nature, you should have your own pair of shoes.
  • If you cannot do without a heel, then choose its height in accordance with your health condition and age, trying to make it as stable as possible. You cannot wear high-heeled shoes for a long time, so do not wear them when going for a walk or shopping.
  • Open summer shoes should be chosen so that the toes and heel do not protrude beyond the sole.
  • You should always buy new shoes in the afternoon when your foot is at its maximum size. Remember that it is harmful to wear tight shoes, and they can turn out to be so if your foot is not yet well-groomed during the fitting. It is almost impossible to carry such shoes.
  • Pay attention to the material from which the shoes are made, to the hardness of their socks and heels.
  • Try on shoes on both feet and be sure to walk around the hall in them, listening to your feelings. At the slightest inconvenience, discard this pair.

Svetlana Nekrasova specially for

It often happens that new, recently purchased boots are cramped. This happens for several reasons: haste when choosing, swollen feet, or an uncomfortable structure of the shoe lasts.

To make it a pleasure to wear, you can use popular methods of wearing tight shoes at home.

You can carry leather, suede, varnished shoes. Helpful advice can help you cope with pain in your fingers, as well as the effects of tightness.

Among the universal rules for stretching new shoes or boots, one can immediately highlight the main thing - the use of special chemicals.

They allow you to quickly and efficiently stretch nubuck and other raw materials to the desired size.

A product made of genuine leather is distinguished by its strength and durability.

It is much easier to carry shoes made of this material than products made of analogues - leatherette and artificial leather:

  • Using vinegar or alcohol. Prepare one of the following foods and use it on the inside of your narrow shoes.

    After that, put the products on a tight sock and wear for an hour. A soap solution will help remove the pungent smell of vinegar.

  • Boiling water. New shoes are filled with boiling water, after which it must be immediately poured and put on the leg. It is necessary to carry leather shoes after processing for 20 minutes.
  • Corn. This method was used in the Wild West: any grain that swells when wet is put into boots.

    Pour it with water and leave overnight. In the morning, the grain is poured out, but the shoes are not dried: they are put on and worn until they dry themselves.

Simple improvised ways to help increase the width and length of shoes at home.

Rules for suede shoes

The new suede shoes, which fit in the store, turned out to be a little small at home - the situation happened to everyone.

To carry small suede shoes, use the following rules:

  1. Mechanical. When you come home after work, doing household chores, put on your shoes, go around the house.

    The method is considered effective if it is carried out regularly for several days. The softness of the material makes it possible to carry even winter shoes.

  2. Help from relatives. If a person lives at home with a larger foot size, ask him to wear new shoes a little: this contributes to the expansion and lengthening of the size.
  3. Natural socks. Put on socks, after wetting them, go through the house in your shoes.

    Due to the fact that the moisture will dry out, the suede will stretch in width and length.

The main rule when distributing suede shoes is not to dry them with a hairdryer or on radiators. Such a move will provoke a decrease in size, because the material tends to tighten.

Important! Be careful when using methods that contain moisture: suede does not like liquid and is prone to deterioration.

Experts advise using newspaper balls to stretch the sock: roll a small lump, place it inside.

Features of lacquer products

Lacquer products look elegant and attractive: they require careful maintenance to preserve their beautiful appearance. Regardless of whether it is summer shoes or boots with fur, the problem of tightness does exist.

Note! Manufacturers of models made of this material claim that lacquer products can only be pulled in width.

It is necessary to use the methods proposed below with caution, because incorrect actions will lead to deformation of the shoes:

Way Description
Cologne The technique is similar to the treatment with alcohol or vinegar: the shoes must be rubbed with cologne from the inside and walk a little in them. Stretching too stiff shoes in this way is not worth it.
Hairdryer and greasy cream In a shoe repair shop, they will immediately say that this method is dubious. When using a cream and a hair dryer, it is better to be extremely careful not to spoil the shape and surface of the shoes.
Ice If your shoes are tight, put ice in plastic bags and place it in your shoes
Warm terry towel If your shoes chafe, place them in a bag with a warm towel and wrap them up. Leave until morning, then spread a little

What to do if fingers hurt?

All doctors in unison say that it is harmful to wear too tight shoes and boots.

The most common problem in this situation is finger pain. In addition, the nail hurts, problems begin on the heel.

Most people experience pain in their little toe, as well as pain in the second toe, the bone of which digs into the shoe.

What to do if your fingers hurt is discussed below:

  • Bursitis is considered one of the most common diseases of swollen toes: it is recommended to use medicated ointments to get rid of swelling.
  • Tight shoes often injure the nails, which is why the fingers begin to hurt: to cure a nail that has turned blue, make a bath of chamomile.
  • Use plantain: unwrap sore fingers and wrap them with plantain, wrap with a bandage.

To remove inflammation on the fingers, use aloe juice: drip a little of the medicinal plant on problem areas.

Consequences of wearing tight shoes

In addition to pain in the toes, there is a small list of consequences of wearing tight shoes, leading to damage to the nails, as well as making the legs ugly.

Here are some of the consequences of wearing tight shoes:

  • Bursitis is a swelling on the outside of the joint of the big toe.
  • Fasciitis is pain in the heel due to poor circulation in the foot.
  • Numbness of the feet - due to tightness, nerve fibers stop interacting with each other.
  • Cracks in the bones - squeezing the fingers leads to the consequences.
  • Bumps and calluses are the most harmless consequences, but they give a person aesthetic problems.
  • It often happens that the fingers turn black - this is a consequence of the accumulation of fluid under the nail.

To avoid these problems, buy only high-quality shoes in your size.

Important! Many sports involve wearing tight shoes for professional reasons. In this case, it is necessary to take long breaks.

If the feet get cold even in boots with good fur, this may indicate anemia of the feet. With such serious problems, it is worth contacting a therapist.

Useful video