Why do my shoes rub the back of my ankle?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 13, 2026
When you don't control the height, shape or fit of the insoles that you add inside your shoes, your heel may end up sitting right at the top of the back of your shoe which may encourage rubbing, especially if you have a prominent heel or Achilles tendon.
How do I stop my shoes from rubbing the back of my ankle?
How To Stop Shoes From Rubbing The Back Of Your Ankle?
- Put On Thick Socks.
- Use Insoles.
- Try Moleskin.
- Stretch The Back Of Your Shoes.
- Use Duct Tape.
- Use Cotton Wool.
Why do my shoes scrape the back of my ankle?
If the shoe is too big, your foot will likely keep moving inside the shoe. This can cause friction that winds up pain in the back of the ankle and heel because of rubbing. You can stop your foot movement by using insoles, heel cups or moleskins. The three options will absorb the impact and reduce friction.
How do I stop my back rubbing on shoes?
Add an insole to your shoe which will slightly elevate your heel to reduce rubbing at the area that is sore. Cushion the back of the shoe with moleskin or gel liners. Wear two pairs of socks (one thinner and one thicker) to reduce friction and rubbing at the skin interface.
How do I stop my Achilles from rubbing my boots?
Not to worry, as we have some amazing solutions to this common problem:
- Wear Liner Socks. ...
- Wear a Thick Pair of Socks. ...
- Apply Thick layer of Vaseline on the Heels. ...
- Heat the Problem Areas of the Boots with a Dryer. ...
- Insert a Heel Grip Inside the Boots. ...
- Insert an Insole. ...
- Break in New Boots. ...
- Use a Duct Tape.
Can Achilles tendonitis be caused by shoes?
Improper shoes can often cause achilles tendonitis. High heels that do not allow the tendon to fully extend can, over time, cause the tendon to shorten, making it vulnerable to being overly stretched and torn.
What is the fastest way to heal Achilles tendonitis?
To speed the process, you can:
- Rest your leg. ...
- Ice it. ...
- Compress your leg. ...
- Raise (elevate) your leg. ...
- Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. ...
- Use a heel lift. ...
- Practice stretching and strengthening exercises as recommended by your doctor, physical therapist, or other health care provider.
How do you know if shoes are too big?
The simplest way to tell if a shoe is too big or too small is to look at how much room there is in the toe of the shoe. There should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.
Does Vaseline stop shoes rubbing?
Always break in your shoes before wearing them outside. Whenever you buy a new pair of shoes, you should always wear them around the house first. Wearing them with thick socks, sometimes two pairs, is a good way to break them in and stretch them out a bit. Use Vaseline on the rubbing hotspots.
How do I stop my shoes from rubbing my toes?
Reduce the friction
- Wear socks. They can act as a cushion between your foot and the shoe.
- Use toe protectors or toe caps. They can cushion toes from the shoe and prevent friction.
- Insert shoe pads or insoles. These can help prevent abrasion in areas such as your heels.
- Apply paper tape.
How do you break in uncomfortable shoes?
Here's what to do:
- Put thick socks on your feet.
- Blast one of the shoes all over with a hair dryer for around a minute, until it's warm and soft.
- Put the shoe on your foot.
- Repeat with the other shoe.
- Walk around your house at least until the shoes have cooled - the longer you can keep them on the better.
Why do new shoes rub?
The expansion in foot size causes rubbing as your foot comes into contact with the material. Excess water in your shoes is one of the biggest causes of rubbing and blister development. This is because wet skin is softer and more vulnerable, so the top layer is more likely to be pulled away from the lower ones.
Should your toes touch the end of shoes?
Your toes should have ample room to spread wide. Your toes shouldn't feel constricted or touch the end of the shoe. Your heel should feel comfortably cupped in the back of the shoe, which ensures that your foot won't slip out from the back of the shoe.
Are shoes supposed to be tight at first?
Don't buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit. Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping - the shoes should not ride up and down on your heel when you walk. Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right.
Should shoes fit snug or loose?
There's always a major test your shoes should pass: Slide your index finger between your heel and the heel of your shoes. - Your finger should fit snugly, but not too tight or loose. If it is tight, chances are you need a bigger size. If it is too loose, go one size down.
What are 2 signs of Achilles tendonitis?
Common symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include:
- Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon in the morning.
- Pain along the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity.
- Severe pain the day after exercising.
- Thickening of the tendon.
- Bone spur formation (insertional tendinitis)
Is walking good for Achilles tendonitis?
Your Achilles tendonitis will heal more quickly if you rest during the early stages and do not walk long distances until it has fully recovered. Walking may also cause the pain to increase in your Achilles tendonitis; this is why it's more important to rest than to walk.
Is Achilles tendonitis serious?
Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated with relatively simple, at-home care under your doctor's supervision. Self-care strategies are usually necessary to prevent recurring episodes. More-serious cases of Achilles tendinitis can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) that may require surgical repair.
How do I strengthen my Achilles tendon?
This improves strength and provides support for the Achilles tendon.
- Sit on a chair or at the edge of a bed. Place your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Lift your heels as high as possible, pause, then slowly lower them.
- Complete one set of 20 to 25 reps. Repeat 5 to 6 times each day.
What happens if Achilles tendonitis goes untreated?
Untreated Achilles tendonitis can lead to a series of tears within the tendon, making it susceptible to rupture. A rupture of the tendon will most likely require more serious treatment options, including casting or surgery.
How do you know when shoes are too small?
If the shoe's toe box is too small, your toes will rub against the top of the shoe and you will get calluses or sores. Check the space at the end of the shoe. Stand up and make sure there is 3/8" or 1/2" (about the width of your finger) between your longest toe (usually the second toe) and the end of the shoe.
Should you be able to fit a finger in your shoe?
To check proper fit around your heel, place your index finger behind the shoe's heel and your heel. You should be able to slide your finger between them with little force. If your finger cannot fit, the shoes are too tight. If your finger has too much room, the shoes are too large.
Why do my big toenails hurt after wearing shoes?
Even if you wear the best running shoes, your toenails – the big one in particular – slam into the front of your shoe with each forward stride. This repetitive, forceful contact between nail and shoe causes blood to pool under your toenail. The blood can lead to pressure, throbbing, and intense pain.
How can I stretch my shoes fast?
How to Stretch Shoes That Are Too Tight (Quickly and Effectively)
- Wear Them in the Evening. ...
- Thick Socks and a Blow Dryer. ...
- Frozen Zip-Close Bag. ...
- Stuff in Newspapers. ...
- Use the Peeled Potato Hack. ...
- Adjustable Shoe Trees. ...
- Shoe Stretch Sprays and Liquids. ...
- Find a Shoe Repair Professional.