How to Stop Shoes from Rubbing Your Achilles: The Ultimate Guide

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Shoe-related problems are a common occurrence for many people, and one of the most common issues is shoes rubbing the Achilles. The Achilles tendon is a delicate and sensitive area, and it can be easily irritated by shoes that don’t fit properly or that are too tight. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it can also lead to more serious complications if left untreated. In this blog post, we will discuss how to stop shoes from rubbing your Achilles, and what to do if the problem persists. Also check How to Know If Shoes Are Too Big: Ensure a Perfect Fit here.

How to Stop Shoes from Rubbing Your Achilles

Understanding the root cause

The first step in preventing shoes from rubbing the Achilles is to understand why they are doing so in the first place. Shoes can rub the Achilles due to poor fit, tight shoes, and improper lacing techniques. The size and shape of your foot can also play a role in whether or not shoes will rub your Achilles. If you have flat feet, for example, you may be more susceptible to this problem. Additionally, if you have an abnormal gait or walk with an uneven stride, this can also contribute to shoes rubbing your Achilles. Also check How Should Hiking Shoes Fit Perfectly here.

Prevention techniques

Once you understand the root cause of the problem, it’s time to start using prevention techniques to stop shoes from rubbing your Achilles. Here are a few simple tricks to try:

Choose shoes that fit properly – Make sure to try on shoes before buying them and walk around in them to ensure a good fit. Make sure there is enough room in the toe box and that the heel is snug but not tight.

Use proper lacing techniques – Lacing shoes correctly can help reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon. Cross the laces over the top of the foot and tighten them until they are snug, but not too tight.

Use padding or inserts – Padding or inserts can help reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon and prevent shoes from rubbing. You can purchase inserts specifically designed for this purpose or use moleskin or other types of padding. Also check How to Not Crease Shoes While Walking here.

When to seek professional help

In some cases, preventing shoes from rubbing the Achilles

The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. This tendon is essential for walking, running, and jumping. However, when shoes rub against the Achilles tendon, it can cause pain and discomfort. In severe cases, it can even lead to an Achilles tendonitis, an inflammatory condition that causes pain and swelling.

To avoid these problems, it’s important to take steps to prevent shoes from rubbing against the Achilles tendon. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps you can take to prevent and treat shoes that rub against your Achilles.

Prevention

The best way to prevent shoes from rubbing against the Achilles tendon is to make sure you have the right fit. Here are some tips for finding shoes that fit properly:

Measure your feet: Before you buy shoes, measure both of your feet. Your feet may not be the same size, so it’s important to find shoes that fit both of them comfortably.

Try shoes on at the end of the day: Your feet tend to swell throughout the day, so it’s best to try shoes on at the end of the day when your feet are at their largest.

Check for adequate room in the toe box: Make sure there is enough room in the toe box so your toes aren’t cramped. You should be able to wiggle your toes freely.

In addition to finding the right fit, it’s important to choose the right shoes. Here are some tips for choosing shoes that won’t rub against your Achilles:

Look for shoes with a low profile design: Shoes with a low profile design have a lower heel-to-toe drop, which helps prevent rubbing against the Achilles tendon.

Choose shoes with a padded heel collar: Shoes with a padded heel collar can help cushion the heel and reduce rubbing.

Consider shoes with a curved heel counter: A curved heel counter helps prevent shoes from digging into the Achilles tendon and causing rubbing.

Treatment

If you’re experiencing discomfort and rubbing on your Achilles tendon from your shoes, there are several steps you can take to alleviate the issue:

Properly fitting shoes: Ensure that your shoes fit correctly and have enough room in the heel area. Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause friction and rubbing, leading to irritation of the Achilles tendon. Consider getting your foot professionally measured to find the right size.

Choose the right shoe type: Opt for shoes with a padded heel collar or shoes that have a slightly higher back to prevent direct contact between the shoe material and your Achilles tendon.

Break them in: New shoes can be stiff and cause more rubbing initially. Take some time to break them in by wearing them for short periods in the beginning, gradually increasing the duration until they become more comfortable.

Wear proper socks: Moisture-wicking and cushioned socks can help reduce friction and provide additional padding around the Achilles tendon. Avoid wearing old or worn-out socks, as they may not offer sufficient protection.

Heel pads or cushions: Consider using adhesive heel pads or cushions specifically designed to provide extra protection and reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon.

Lubricate the area: Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or anti-chafe balm to the back of your heel and Achilles tendon. This can help reduce friction between your skin and the shoe material.

Orthotic inserts: In some cases, custom or over-the-counter orthotic inserts may help improve shoe fit and provide extra support to the Achilles tendon, reducing rubbing and discomfort.