Are you tired of constantly having to replace your shoes due to the heels wearing down? It can be frustrating to invest in a new pair of shoes only to have them deteriorate quickly.
But fear not! In this article, I’ve disclosed all the easy and effective ways to prevent your shoe heels from wearing down.
So, stay put!
Why Does the Heel of Your Shoe Wear Down?
Usually, you strike shoe heels with three times the load of your body weight with each step you take. This is why your shoe heels wear down with normal wear. But factors like your gait, or the type of shoes, can affect the rate and cause your shoe heels to wear down quickly.
However, your shoe heels normally wear down for several reasons,
For example:
- One of the primary reasons is your gait. While walking, your heel strikes the ground first, absorbing the impact of your weight and providing stability. This repetitive motion can cause the heel of the shoe to wear down over time.
- In addition, the quality of the shoes also plays a role in how quickly the heels wear down. Shoes made with lower-quality materials or with weaker construction may wear down faster than shoes made with more durable materials and construction.
- Also, rough surfaces such as concrete or gravel can be particularly hard on shoe heels, causing them to wear down more quickly.
- Finally, the frequency of use can also contribute to the wearing down of shoe heels. Shoes worn frequently will naturally experience more wear and tear than shoes worn only occasionally.
Overall, the wearing down of shoe heels is a natural occurrence and can happen for a variety of reasons. But, by taking a few easy steps, you can prevent excessive wearing of heels and make them last longer.
How You Can Stop Shoe Heels From Wearing Down?
Typically, the shoe heels wear down within a couple of months while showing specific patterns. For instance, the middle of the heels wears down with standard walking, and the inside or outside edges of the heels erode due to pronation.
But, no matter what the case is, by following the below quick and easy techniques you can stop your shoe heels from wearing down.
1. Choose the Right Shoe Size
While buying, one of the most important things to keep in mind is to choose the right shoe size. Apart from giving you a perfect fit, this will increase the longevity of your shoes.
Also, wearing shoes that are too big or too small can make them slippery, and cause uneven wear and tear on the heels.
2. Invest in High-Quality Shoes
Another important factor is the quality and type of the shoe’s material. For instance, as I’ve found with my dress shoes, the leather-heeled ones wear out faster than the rubber-heeled shoes.
Besides, thinner soles with low-quality materials wear down more quickly, even with normal use. Hence, investing in high-quality shoes can help prevent wear and tear. So, look for shoes that are made with durable materials and have sturdy soles.
3. Add Heel Caps
Adding heel caps to the bottom of the heels is an excellent way to prevent the shoe heels from wearing out. Heel caps can prolong the life of your shoe heels while acting as a barrier between the heels and the ground.
However, heel caps are available in various materials, including rubber and metal. You just have to attach the caps over the heel area of your shoe bottom. Thus, instead of the heel itself, these caps will absorb the shock while walking.
4. Use Shoe Inserts
Using shoe inserts can help prevent wear and tear on the heels by providing extra cushioning and support. This is very useful if your heels are rapidly wearing out due to foot problems like overpronation, toe arthritis, or unusual gait.
However, various types of inserts are available, including gel and foam inserts. Besides, to correct your foot pronation, you can ask for customized shoe wedge insoles after consulting with a Podiatrist.
5. Avoid Rough Surfaces
Since rough surfaces, such as concrete or gravel, can cause damage to the heels, avoid walking on such surfaces wearing your shoe. Yet, if you must walk on rough surfaces, consider wearing shoes with thicker soles.
6. Rotate Your Shoes
Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can cause the heels to wear down quickly. But, rotating your shoes can help distribute the wear and tear evenly, allowing them to last longer.
7. Use Sole Protector
One thing that now I do to prevent my shoe heels from eroding is using sole protectors. They are pretty flexible and can be cut down to any size as your shoe demands.
Sole protectors are kinda like heel caps but are specifically useful for dress shoes or other flat heels. You can attach the protectors around your heel and ball area, and they will act as a protective barrier on any surface. And also, you can fix heel slippage in cowboy boots with these protectors.
Besides, some steel shoe protectors are also available that can be used to protect the toe bottom of your shoes.
8. Store Your Shoes Properly
Storing your shoes properly can also help prevent the heels from wear and tear. Avoid storing them in damp or humid areas, as this can cause the materials to break down. Instead, store them in a dry, cool place.
Overall, by following these simple ways, it’s possible to stop your shoe heels from wearing down quickly. Plus, with proper care and attention, you can enjoy your shoes for years to come.
How Do You Know If Your Heels Are Worn Out?
To protect your shoe heels from wearing down, first, you need to know what the signs of a worn-out shoe are.
So, let’s find out how can you know that your shoe heels are worn out.
Check The Heel From Outside
Put your shoes on a flat surface like a table, and take a look at the shoe’s heel from a little distance. If you find the shoes leaning onto one side, then the heels are worn out.
Inspect The Shoe’s Tread
One flashing sign of worn-out heels is the smooth tread. So if you notice that your heel’s tread has become smoother, then they are no longer the same as before.
Check For Any Tear On The Heels
When you see that some of your heel’s parts are tearing out, definitely the heels are worn out. Also, if you find any crack on the heel, chances are that very soon your shoe heels are going to tear apart.
Moreover, a careful inspection of your shoe heels is enough to find out if they are worn out or not. So, try to check the soles of your shoes from time to time. In order that you can keep yourself out of any unwanted foot injury due to worn-out heels.
Final Words
Sometimes, you may find the heels are wearing down quickly with an uneven pattern, which requires immediate attention.
Hopefully, with all the easy methods I’ve mentioned in this article, you’ll be able to stop your shoes from wearing down quickly. So, take care of your shoes to your best.
And let me know in the comment box how helpful this article was to you!
