Co-authored by:
Charlie
Shoe Care Specialist
2025
How To Fix High Heel Shoes
Solve three major problems: foot slipping inside the heel, replacing damaged heels, and stretching tight heel shoes.
Fixing a High Heel Tip
1 Replace the old heel tips of your shoes.
Heel tips are small rubber pieces with metal dowels that are attached to the bottom of the shoe’s heel. To replace them, search for “high heel rubber tip replacement dowels” and make sure the size and color match your previous heel tips.
- Measure the length and width of your old heel tips in millimeters. It is very important to get the right one.
- You can buy a multipack of different sizes if you want.
- You can buy replacement heel tips at a shoe store or online.
2 Use needle-nose pliers to pull out the tip of the heel.
Check the condition of the rubber tip on the bottom of your high heel. If they are a little worn around the edges, cut a straight edge with a pair of scissors so that you can grab them with the needle-nose pliers. Then, grip the tip firmly with the needle-nose pliers and try to pull it straight out, twisting it if the tip is too tight.
- Be careful not to break the nail inside.
- Do not hold the needle-nose pliers above the rubber tip, as this can damage the heel of your shoe.
3 Set the new tip.
Insert the new dowel nail into the hole and try to align the shape of the tip and the heel so that it is easier to adjust later.
- If there is any residue from the old tip on the heel, clean the heel with sandpaper or a Dremel before replacing the new one.
- Be careful not to apply too much force to the heel, as this can break it.
4 Firmly fit the tip of the new heel with a hammer.
After inserting the tips as tightly as possible with your hand, lightly tap the tips with a hammer, ensuring the ends of the tips are flush with the heel.
- Do not hit the hammer too hard, as this can break the heel or cause the tip of the heel to become bent.
5 If necessary, use needle-nose pliers to flatten the tip to the heel. Firmly grasp both sides of the tip with the needle-nose pliers and slowly align it with the heel. Once the heel tip is aligned with the ankle, you are ready to put your shoes back on.
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Fix slipping high heels
1 Apply thick tape to the back of your shoes. A simple solution to heel slippage is to apply a little double-sided tape to the back of the inside of the heel. It’s easy and effective, but this tape lasts for only a few hours, so be sure to keep a roll of tape with you when you go out.
2 Buy heel grips. Many companies make foam grips to prevent heel slippage. Buy a pair that is closest to your shoe size and stick them to the back of your shoe. These are especially helpful for shoes that are a little too big.
3 Try putting moleskin on your feet. If you have closed-heeled shoes, you can put a tissue or cotton ball inside your shoe in the morning, or put moleskin on your toes, the balls of your feet, or heels. Try these on at home for a while before going out. If you overstuff your shoes, you may get sore feet or blisters.
4 Try insoles or moleskin under your shoes.
Try putting an insole or custom moleskin under your heels. Buy one that fits your shoe size, or cut it to fit.
- Moleskin is sold at grocery stores, pharmacies, shoe stores, or tailor shops.
How to Stretch High Heels
1 Wear a few pairs of thick socks. Two pairs of socks will work fine, but if you want to stretch your heels even more, increase the number of layers. Make sure you wear enough socks to stretch the shoes—not so many that they don’t fit in the shoes.
2 Put your feet inside the shoes.
This is a bit difficult, but you should be able to get your feet all the way inside the shoes. If you can’t get your feet inside, reduce the number of sock layers and try again.
- Be careful not to hurt your feet.
3 Heat the shoes using a hair dryer.
Keep your toes still during this process, and arch your back. Hold the shoe in place for 2–3 minutes, but don’t let the leather get dangerously hot. If the heat starts to burn your skin, remove the heel and try again later.
- Pay attention to where the shoe needs to stretch while warming it up. Leave your feet in the shoes until the leather has cooled.
- Try wearing the heel without a thick layer of socks. If they fit comfortably, you’re done. If you’re not satisfied, redo the process.
Things You’ll Need
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References
- youtube video
- WikiHow article
- Trent Potter. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 15 January 2025.
- WikiHow Article
- WikiHow Article
- reddit Advise
- FootFitter Article
About This Article
Co-authored by:
Charlie
Shoe Care Specialist
This article is co-authors: Charlie. Charlie is a shoe care expert in Los Angeles. Charlie has more than 20 years of experience in the e-commerce world, he has extensive experience in luxury product care. He is currently the Vice President of Bluetag’s Strategic Partnership, which helps customers find the product. Prior to Bluetag, he founded a dry cleaning and shoe care service, Butlerbox in Los Angeles, California.
Co-authors: 10
Updated: April 11, 2025