Q&A for How to Fix Painful Shoes

When you're going to buy shoes, wait towards the end of the day. When you walk around throughout the day, your feet spread out slightly, so if you go shoe shopping in the morning, you could end up buying shoes that are too small.

Take them to a good shoe store and ask them to stretch it in the bunion area - they have specialized stretchers. If all of your shoes hurt because of the bunion, invest in a shoe stretcher with bunion attachments. I have purchased my own and it works great.

New shoes hurt because they are still tight to the feet. As you continue to wear them, however, they will eventually loosen and feel more comfortable.

If they're leather, yes. If they're canvas, no.

Use candle wax on the rougher edges of new shoes to make them smoother until they are broken in.

I have the same problem, but the only solution I have for now is wearing thick socks with them. Thermal socks will do the trick.

Use a hairdryer on the lowest setting and blow the heels for about 4 minutes, then put two pairs of socks on and walk up and down the stairs or walk up and down a ramp for about an hour, taking breaks in between.

At most shoe stores you can buy gel inserts that make it more comfortable and stop your feet from sliding forward.

Sprinkle some talcum powder on your feet before wearing them.

You can buy a different kind of sandal, that is not as painful for you to wear. You can also try putting bandaids on the area of your foot that is experiencing pain when you wear the sandals, to prevent blisters from forming.

Buy a half-size larger shoe, as your toes are angled downward and forward from the heels.

In American running shoes, I've found that my size in men's shoes is exactly one size smaller than my size in women's shoes. E.g., I wear a size 8.5 women's sneaker and a size 7.5 men's sneaker. If you have smaller feet than I do, you probably won't be able to find men's shoes in stores and you might consider trying boys' shoes. Sizing for youth shoes is the same as for men (add or subtract or half a size, depending on the brand) but just starts lower. So if you are a women's size 6 for example, try a youth size 5.

Eventually this should stop as your new shoes are broken in, but for now, I would recommend sticking a Band-aid to each ankle right where the sandal is rubbing. This will prevent the sandal from rubbing the skin directly and further contributing to the pain.

I would suggest that you see a podiatrist to cut them down. It isn't painful, and it takes them about 10 minutes to complete. That is the only thing that has brought me legitimate relief from my corns.

Return them to the store and ask if they have a wider shoe size. This may eliminate the occasional pain you are experiencing.

Use cornstarch and apply some to the back of your sneaker to educe friction.

Try covering that area of the foot with a bandage or moleskin; you can also try to coat that part of the shoe with candle wax.

Yes, as long as you're careful. You can also try breaking them in by wearing them for short periods of time.

You should wear them around with socks for the beginning, so that your feet can get used to them. You can also use bandaids or gel insoles to help you be more comfortable as you are breaking them in.

You can wear adhesive bandages, but if that doesn't work, try a heel grip so your feet don't slide around and create blisters. Blisters are caused by friction against your skin, so try something that reduces friction. If you already have a blister, put a bandage on top of it so it heals.

Often a thick rubber sole will absorb the "shock" of walking on a concrete floor. It adds a little bounce when you walk, unlike a thin leather sole. One shoe manufacturer called Blundstone makes an ankle boot with a rubber sole. It was designed for working outdoors and standing a good portion of the day. Also, some sneakers have significant padding and bounce. You'll have to try a variety of styles to see what works for you, but once you switch to a thick rubber sole, your feet will feel much better!

Most people find that one foot is bigger than the other, if this is the case, then try using heat to stretch the back. Put on a fluffly thick sock and place your foot in the heel, use a hairdryer on medium/high heat on the back for about 5 minutes until you feel it is comfortable to wear. Be careful not to put the dryer too close as it could melt the shoe, depending on the material.

Depending on the material, put them in the washing machine. While they are wet, stretch out the fabric in the areas that are stiff and don't fit properly. If it's a canvas/fabric this will work, just make sure the soles are properly in so they don't come out in the wash and make sure the laces are untied. Let them dry out in the sun after stretching so they dry into that shape.

Wear them around the house for a short time, but don't wear them all day! After you wear them for a short time, take them off. You can also wear thin socks while you wear the sandals.