How to Keep High Heels from Slipping

High heels make your legs look longer and make any outfit look amazing. They can be a pain to wear though! Many heel wearers have problems with their shoes slipping off their feet when they walk, but it’s often an easy fix. Learning how to shop for shoes that won’t slip and how to fix shoes that do will help you look stylish safely.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Buying the Right Heels

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1
Learn your size for heels. Many people wear different sizes for heels than they do for flats, which can make getting your size right tricky! Try on heels a half-size larger than your usual size to see if they fit more comfortably.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Try on different brands to see which ones fit you best. That will help you walk with comfort and ease, so your heels will be less likely to slip.^{[2]XResearch sourceKatie Quinn. Stylist. Personal interview. 8 May 2020.}
- In addition, wearing shoes that fit poorly can lead you to suffer from blisters, cramped toes, and a lack of foot support.^{[3]XResearch sourceKatie Quinn. Stylist. Personal interview. 8 May 2020.}
2
Buy platform or wedge heels. Stiletto heels look great, but they’re much harder to walk in. Buying wedge heels or heels with a platform sole will level your foot out and make it easier to walk. This will make it much easier for your foot to stay securely inside the shoe!^{[4]XResearch source}
- If you’ve got your heart set on wearing pumps, try buying a pair slightly shorter than usual.
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Sometimes, the actual shape of your shoe can prevent slipping. If you’re having problems with your feet slipping out of your heels, try picking shoes that will make them stay put. Ankle straps, T-straps, and Mary Janes help keep your foot firmly in place.^{[5]XResearch source}
Over the course of a day, gravity and moisture can make your feet slide down into the toes of your shoes. If you’ve got open toes, your toes can slide down so far that they actually poke out, leaving lots of space in your heel! Try buying closed-toe shoes to keep your toes inside your shoe.^{[6]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Treating Your Feet

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Slipping is often caused by damp feet sliding down into the toes of your heels. If you regularly treat your feet to lotions or foot masks, they could be adding to your body’s natural moisture and creating a slick, oily surface inside your shoe. Try skipping the treatments on the days you plan to wear heels.^{[7]XResearch source}
If your feet sweat often, try adding a thin layer of talcum powder to your soles or the inside of the shoe to dry them out. Be careful to brush off any extra powder on the tops of your feet!
3
Spray your feet with hairspray. Before putting your heels on, give your feet a quick spritz of hairspray. Spray about a foot away and focus on the bottoms and sides of your feet. This will help hold your heel in place.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Some people may find this method a little sticky and uncomfortable. Try this at home before going out.
Wearing footwear can prevent sweat and moisture from building up in your shoe. Buy no-show foot liners to wick away sweat. They can also take up space inside your shoe and keep your foot inside. For winter, you can buy tights with built-in soles.^{[9]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adjusting Your Shoes

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If your heel keeps slipping out, try adding a bit of double-sided tape to the inside back of your heels. Be sure to keep the roll of tape with you if you’re going out--it can lose its grip after a few hours.^{[10]XResearch source}
Many companies make special foam grips to prevent heels from slipping off. They usually look like small crescents, and you can stick them to the inside back of your shoes. These are especially helpful if your shoes are just a little too big.^{[11]XResearch source}
If you’re wearing closed-toe heels, try stuffing a bit of tissue or moleskin into the toe to prevent your feet from sliding downward. Try this at home first before going out--if you overstuff your shoe, you can give yourself foot pains or blisters.^{[12]XResearch source}
Try adding an insole or a custom moleskin to the bottoms of your heels. Simply buy the one closest to your shoe size and cut it to fit the dimensions of your shoe. You can buy insoles at most groceries or pharmacies, but moleskin may have to come from a cobbler or sewing supply store.^{[13]XResearch source}

Expert Q&A

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Question
How can I get better at walking in heels?
Katie Quinn
Image Consultant
Katie Quinn is an Image Consultant, Personal Wardrobe Stylist and the Founder of Q the Stylist, an image consulting service based in New York City helping men and women understand their specific goals, improve their wardrobe, performance, and life. She has over 11 years of image consulting experience and has worked as a stylist for Trunk Club, Modewalk, and Moda Operandi. Her work has been featured in Vogue, InStyle, Martha Stewart Weddings, Sheridan Road, Slate, Newsy, Rue, and Thrillist.
Katie Quinn
Image Consultant
Expert Answer
Walking in heels will take practice. However, it's important to start with the right shoe, because no amount of practice will help you look natural if you're suffering blisters from poor fit, cramped toes, or lack of support.
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I bought a high heeled sandal and my foot keeps sliding forward. If I get it the heel cut down, will it affect the shape of the shoe?
Community Answer
If you cut it down, make sure it's done by a professional. They should be able to advise you on how it will affect the shoe.
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Learning to walk properly in high heels can also prevent slipping, so practice as much as possible.^{[14]XResearch sourceKatie Quinn. Stylist. Personal interview. 8 May 2020.}
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