Ever had your feet slip out of your heels or slip-on shoes while walking or, worse, completely pop out, leaving your shoes behind?
Wearing socks and sandals may be one answer to wearing your cool new gladiators, but some of the little annoying ‘unsexy’ things that ladies go through include the feet sliding out of the shoes. This can not only be annoying but at times it can be outright embarrassing.
Take solace in the fact that many women have experienced the same thing and have admitted so on designated Facebook pages. A few of them have shared some really good techniques to keep your feet from slipping out of your shoes while walking — so good, in fact, that they deserve their own feature post.
Keep Sandals from Slipping Off
As it happens, this realm is full of solutions to almost any problem that we experience. The following are some tips that have been suggested and tried by women. They’ve been found to stop sandals from sliding off their feet when walking.
Here are the best tips on making sure that literally no shoe is ever left behind, care of the lovely people in the Your Next Shoes community!
Spray Your Feet with Hairspray
Hairspray is a wondrous product. It has been shown to stop runs in stockings, kill bugs, removes lipstick from fabric and is a useful form of defense as a blind. We must also mention that when sprayed on your sandals and soles of your feet, it will make the two stick to each other like glue.
Making your shoes stay on your feet can be particularly stressful if you have narrow feet or heels. The following video shows how hairspray can change your life forever!
In addition to non-slip spray, check out Margot Robbie’s foot spray that lets her wear high heels all day!
Say goodbye to toe-clench cramps!
It certainly sounds unusual, but it's a surprisingly effective method to prevent sandals and heels from slipping off.
Before putting your sandals on, lightly spray your feet with a layer of hairspray. Allow it to dry for a few seconds until it becomes tacky. This slight stickiness increases the friction between your feet and your sandals, significantly reducing the likelihood of your feet slipping out.
Try a Different Style of Sandal
I know you love how they look on the model, but you may just need a different style. Sandals come in all styles and fashion, fashionable does not mean practical.
Some designs inherently offer better stability and security than others. Sandals with more coverage over the foot, such as those with a closed toe or more straps, can provide a better fit and reduce the chance of slipping.
We recommend choosing options with adjustable straps, as these styles allow you to customize the fit according to your foot's size and shape. Want them to stay snug? Try a size smaller before leaving the store.
Keep Your Slip-ons from Slipping Off
Similar to sandals, slip-on shoes offer unparalleled convenience and style, making them a staple in many wardrobes. However, the ease of slipping into these shoes can sometimes be mirrored by how easy they slip off, particularly at the most inopportune moments.
Try walking at a brisk pace down the street or having to suddenly dash to catch a bus.
Having your slip-ons betray you mid-stride is not only inconvenient but totally embarrassing! Fortunately, there are several tried-and-tested strategies to ensure your slip-ons stay securely on your feet.
Get Your Own Personal Stylist
Ok, so most people will not do this, and I am not suggesting everyone to hire a professional per say. However, sometimes, the key here lies in asking the right questions before making a purchase.
The best alternatives online are Trunk Club and Stitch Fix. Both services are essentially free if you keep at least one of the products that you receive!
You can also measure your foot at home by printing out Nordstrom’s free foot measurer.
If you are already out shopping, many times, the salespeople at boutique stores can provide personalized recommendations based on your unique foot shape.
They can suggest shoe styles and brands known for their secure fit or introduce you to accessories that can help minimize slippage. This personalized approach can save you a ton of time and money in the long run.
Use Double-Sided Tape
So this one is a temporary fix. Double-sided tape can be an effective measure to keep your sandals or slip-ons in place.
Try folding a small piece of tape in on itself or use double-sided tape on the part of the shoe where your foot tends to slip, such as under the ball of your foot.
This will create an immediate adhesive effect without the long-term stickiness caused from hair spray. Remember, this is a short-term solution and may need to be reapplied throughout the day, especially in the summer time.
Jessica Alba swears by this method to keep her heels from slipping. The American actress and businesswoman told New York Magazine: "I stick every shoe to the bottom of my foot with double-stick tape."
But unlike hairspray, double-sided tape is visible and becomes less sticky the more you release heat and sweat. Better keep a roll in your purse if you’re going to use this method.
Line Your Shoes with Cushions, Inserts, or Insoles
Adding cushions, inserts, or insoles to your sandals can significantly enhance both comfort and fit. You’ll want to use ball-of-foot cushions so that your feet don’t slide down or move forward. Double up if you have to.
If your feet still slip out, place inserts where the back of your heels touches the shoes, or if you’re wearing sandals, place inserts on the heels as well.
They can also provide additional arch support and cushioning, making your sandals more comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Wear Tights with Built-in Sole Grips
Good news for those who must wear tights or just can’t go bare-legged: tights that have built-in nonslip soles now exist. This is a great solution for cooler weather or more formal occasions.
These specialized tights come with textured pads or grips on the sole, which can increase traction between your foot and the sandal, preventing slippage.
Buy Shoes Half a Size Smaller
If you frequently experience slipping with sandals and slip-ons, purchasing them a half size smaller than your regular shoe size might provide a better fit.
Only do this if you can stand the pain. We really don’t recommend this for shoes or brands you are not familiar with because although your shoes may not fall off initially, they could later on when they’ve been broken in.
Many from the Your Next Shoes community gave this advice, though, which goes to show how women are willing to suffer for the sake of fashion.
Also, it's worth noting that trying on shoes early in the day will not provide you with the best fit. Did you know that your feet swell as the day goes on. So while your shoes may fit well in the morning, they could be really uncomfortable by the time you finish your day.
Try a Different Shoe Style
If nothing works, it might be best to just go with a different shoe style. There are plenty of cute pumps with ankle straps, Mary Jane straps, and t-bars.
Flats come with elasticized backs, too, which not only make them fit more snugly but also make them rollable and portable.
Shoes with a more enclosed design or those with specialized anti-slip soles can provide a secure alternative to traditional sandals. Athletic or outdoor sandals, for example, often feature more substantial sole grips and adjustable straps that can adapt perfectly to your feet's contours.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As we wrap up our guide on keeping sandals and slip-ons securely on your feet, it's clear that a few simple adjustments can make all the difference in how you experience your favorite footwear. We've gone over several quick tips that you can try right away!
But why keep these valuable insights to yourself? We all know someone who could benefit from these tips—be that friend who helps friends prevent shoe mishaps. Try some of these tips for yourself and share your experiences! Your feet—and your friends—will thank you.