Boots and heel slippage

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Angie is co-founder of YLF and its resident fashion stylist.

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Boots and heel slippage

— by Angie

on February 23, 2010

I’ve noticed that my heels slip inside some of my ankle boots and knee-high boots as I walk. More specifically, my heel lifts away from the foot bed as I step onto the balls of my feet. If the shoes were ballet flats, this foot action would probably cause them to slip off my feet. But since my foot is enclosed, the boots stay put.

Strangely, I really like the fact that my heels slip as I stride in my roomier cowboy and slouch boots. I find the walking motion very comfortable because there’s excess room around my entire foot when this happens. But, I also enjoy the comfort of a snug fit if the boots are soft. This is the case for my Dr. Martens.

It seems that I’m not the only one whose heels slip in boots. Roomier boot styles this Winter season have caused lots of heel slippage talk with my clients. Some enjoy the walking motion as I do, whereas others prefer their heels to stay flush against the footbed.

Do your heels slip inside boots too? If so, do you find this foot motion comfortable or uncomfortable?

Footwear

42 comments · Add a comment

Shana

This happens in some of my boots. I don’t mind it so much since like you said, you don’t have to worry about losing the boot when you walk (or step through slush!). However, I remember this same thing happening in the Dansko Sissy’s (a sandal) which felt very strange to me. The salesperson explained that most Danskos are designed this way and that it was part of the comfort design. I wonder if this is the case for non-Danskos as well?

February 23, 2010 at 3:42 pm

san

Funny you should bring this up now. I have Frye boots that do this, and at first I thought it was going to be a problem. I envisioned holes in my socks and blisters on my heels. Instead I am like you, I find the slippage in the boots to be part of wearing boots. The boots I am referring to are slip on, no zipper and I think they are designed the way they are so that we can get our foot into the boot.
I’m finding my Frye’s to be SUPER comfy, slippage and all. I am so excited to watch them get better with age.

February 23, 2010 at 4:15 pm

LegacyOfPearl

(website)

That is certainly true for me, Angie! I bought my slouch boots half a size bigger for the same reason.

February 23, 2010 at 4:28 pm

Lisa

With my Uggs, my feet literally slide right out of my socks. I have to wear really high socks to avoid the problem. Yet, they are the most comfortable pair of boots I own and I could sleep in them!

February 23, 2010 at 4:41 pm

Dusty

(website)

Active Member

Oh, definitely. In fact, I’m pretty sure that’s the way boots are *supposed* to fit (at least the pull-on kind). Back in the day, I used to wear cowboy boots daily (as part of the whole “cowgirl” getup) and when I purchased my first pair the salesperson told me that if the boots didn’t slip a little in the heel, they were too small. My lace-up boots were different, they were supposed to be snug.

February 23, 2010 at 4:54 pm

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

High five to all the gals who like their heels to slip inside boots too.

Dusty, I don’t think this is how sleek pull-on boots are supposed to fit. I have a pair of extremely sleek Stuart Weitzman pull-on boots and my heels don’t slip in them at all. But to your point, I think cowboy boots might be made to slip in the heels.

February 23, 2010 at 5:00 pm

susand

Active Member

Hi Angie!
I have a fab pair of tall brown and equally fab (same exact style:) )black pair. I have been wearing one pair or the other all winter. I love them. They are so comfortable. One of my favorite things about them is that when I walk – my heel slips a little. It is like an automatic “pep” in my step! A little extra giddy-up when I am walking. I never really thought about it until I read your post! But I am always happy when I am wearing those boots. Maybe that is the reason!

Susan D

February 23, 2010 at 5:29 pm

Maya

Veteran

My Star Ling boots are the most comfortable item of footwear I own and my heel slips, but I am not the least bit bothered by it. I actually like how my foot is able to bend naturally.

I have heel slipping problems with any type of open footwear that does not have a strap or is not totally encasing like a boot. My foot spreads quite a bit when engaged and then gets significantly smaller when relaxed, so as soon as my foot lifts from the ground, off the shoe goes. Sizing down just makes the shoes painfully tight. It is such a relief to be back in closed footwear in the winter. I always get anxious when spring approaches.

February 23, 2010 at 5:52 pm

Gigi

(website)

I’ve been a cowboy boot wearer my entire life – the heel is supposed to slip.

February 23, 2010 at 6:22 pm

Tanya2

Definite slippage – and it drives me nuts! So much so that I wear longer socks with boots to try to counter the effect. Needless to say, ankle boots are a problem.

February 23, 2010 at 7:14 pm

Mellllls

This is really something I have really noticed but I will pay attention to it with my boots.

February 23, 2010 at 7:38 pm

Susan

oh my goodness. I thought I got the wrong size boots. They’re supposed to slip!!! Thanks for this valuable piece of information.

February 23, 2010 at 9:15 pm

cciele

Yes, pull-on cowboy-type boots should to slip a bit in the heels. Otherwise, they are too short. As the sole softens up with wear, the boot is supposed to mold more to your foot and the slip should lessen a bit. I don’t think there should be excessive slippage though. Then the boot’s just too big.

Most of my Fryes slip, and I don’t mind at all. My dressier boots don’t slip.

February 23, 2010 at 11:34 pm

Louise

Veteran

Heel slippage here too, although i do have a pair of boots that don’t slip but i find the heel slippage ones are more comfy because they are rooomy x

February 24, 2010 at 5:43 am

Sally McGraw

(website)

Active Member

I’ve noticed this, too, and it doesn’t bother me. I feel like I have a little more leeway in terms of sizing in enclosed boots than pumps and sandals for this reason, and that’s really helpful.

February 24, 2010 at 6:49 am

gina

(website)

I have pretty narrow feet, so I find this to be true with many shoes. Sometimes it’s just fine. Other times it’s not so good because when my heel comes back down, it doesn’t always land in the right place in the boot. If the boots have higher heels, this increases the chances of the me “falling off” the shoe (even though it’s still attached to my foot) and causing me to trip. I’ve gotten rid of a few boots b/c I was finding that they caused me to trip with some frequency due to heel slippage. With others, it’s never been a problem.

February 24, 2010 at 7:29 am

chellebrate

Active Member

I guess I need to pay attention. I’m not sure if I have heel slippage or not when I wear my boots.

I have a pair of ill-fitting heels that do that, but that’s another topic all together.

February 24, 2010 at 7:30 am

Joelle

I don’t mind slippage in boots because they will stay on regardless. I have narrow heels and I don’t think I’ve ever had a pair of boots that didn’t slip. I have more of a problem with it in shoes if they tend to come off or it causes blisters.

February 24, 2010 at 11:09 am

Jane Gardner

What insight all you gals have into an issue I haven’t really considered. I slip in my cowgirl boots, which are really boys boots. It’s probably just as well, since I’ve had to eturn boots that didn’t accommodate my really high arch. But honestly – how gliding is your stride in such a case?

February 24, 2010 at 8:19 pm

All Women Stalker

(website)

Oh I do not appreciate slippage. That is why I always wear socks.

February 25, 2010 at 3:09 pm

Holly

I’ve just started wearing orthodics in my shoes (I just hate getting old and my feet are falling apart!!) so I have to purchase 1/2 size larger shoe than I normally wear. Consequently I often experience heels slipping, especially in boots. But since reading the above replies it looks like I’ll be OK w/larger size boots. I haven’t figured out how to keep flats on my feet when this happens.

April 1, 2010 at 1:25 pm

Gina

I just a new pair of Stetson cowboy boots and it’s the right size I ordered, however my heel does go up and down in them..my foot is kind of long and narrow…I’m just afraid to send them back and get a smaller size and it’s too small. I wear a 10 ..that’s the size it says…there’s room in the toe..it’s a pointed toe in the boot..and a medium width…so there’s a bit of room, not uncomfortable but the heel worries me. Most of you seem to say that’s normal for the heel to raise up as you walk…should i ride it out? They have a size 9 but I think it might be too small…thoughts? I’ve never had cowboy boots before ..I think they’re awesome and need some advice.

April 27, 2010 at 11:05 am

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Gina, two things:

1. Try sizing down half a size.

2. Try adding an insole and a thicker sock to the size 10.

Cowboy boots especially slip in the heel.

April 27, 2010 at 11:42 am

Gina

Found this:
No pressure:
Each boot has an area in the front called a ‘toe box’. Underneath the leather within this toe box is a resin soaked, fiberglass like piece of cloth which has been hardened so the boot will keep its shape. This area will never stretch! Therefore, it’s important that you are able to wiggle your toes. They shouldn’t be pressured by the front of the toe box, the top of the toe box, or the sides of the toe boot.

Firm handshake:
The boot should hold the ball and instep of your foot much like a firm handshake. Since this is the only part of the boot which holds it onto your foot, it’s quite important that this area be snug. The boot should not be so tight that there is pain or discomfort, but this part of the boot will stretch with use (except for some exotic skins), so a snug fit here is important.

Heel Slippage:
As you walk in new boots, the heel of your foot MUST rise up away from the sole of the boot just a little bit. We describe it as a finger’s width of rise. If your heel is rising up more than an inch the boot is either too long or too wide. Some rise is normal, and will diminish as the boots break in. This happens because the sole of the boot is very stiff, and doesn’t flex quickly. As you wear them and the boot molds to your foot, this slippage won’t be as noticeable.

April 27, 2010 at 12:46 pm

Gina

Thanks Angie, I tried a thicker sock and that really made a difference.

April 28, 2010 at 5:59 am

medusa

Veteran

Ugh. Maybe I’m in the minority but I don’t like it all when my heel slips. That gives me blisters!

August 11, 2010 at 2:51 pm

biscuitsmom

Veteran

Very interesting! I am amazed at all the things I learn on here! I am very new to boots and have been trying to size up in order to get a wider width that I need, so Ive been having slippage issues also- good to know its normal!

September 10, 2010 at 8:24 am

Rachelle

Just thinking about heel slippage gives me blisters. I have narrow heels and virtually all of my shoes and boots slip. Bandaids are part of my daily wardrobe unless I’m wearing sneakers.

December 28, 2010 at 8:45 am

Kia

(website)

This whole thread has been fascinating. But I am also in the minority in that I can not stand my heals slipping. It pulls my socks off half way down my feet and then gives me blisters.

And for that reason, I’m out.

December 11, 2011 at 5:11 am

Cindy

I find the heel slippage in my new Fryes very uncomfortable. Keep getting a new set of blisters.

January 19, 2012 at 12:24 pm

Babsi

Member

I got some boots for Christmas that felt great when I tried them on. When I walk, my feet slide forward and my toes jam in the end. After standing on my feet for 4 hours in them, I am sore. I have tried a few options to prevent the slippage with no luck.

March 11, 2012 at 4:10 pm

Essy

Thank you so much! I just bought a fairly pricey pair of cowboy boots online, and I was worried about the slippage, but this has eased my mind! They are also a tiny bit tight in the calf (width B) so I guess my next step is to see if I can stretch the leather by a fraction. However, they look great, not so tight in the calf that it is unflattering, so I think I am going to keep them. I really appreciate the insight!!!

September 20, 2012 at 4:09 pm

Tamara

(website)

Thanks everyone! I was wearing a new pair of boots around the house before taking the plunge and wearing them outside. I looked on line for a solution to the heel slippage when I found this web site. I’m willing to give it a shot now and will let them slip. It did feel kind of liberating when I wore them, like the way my winter house booties fit.

February 9, 2013 at 10:05 pm

Glenda

I have narrow heels so this has always been an issue for me except for my pull-on boots like my Frye “Sabrina” and also, my Ariat “Showstopper” cowboy boots. If the leather is stiff such as these two, I don’t mind but if the leather is soft, I can’t stand heel slippage.

March 14, 2013 at 11:36 am

Danese

A shoe repairman recommended these and they work. http://www.amazon.com/Pedag-St....._sbs_hpc_2

November 5, 2013 at 7:13 pm

Mary

Hi,just bought a beautiful pair of Frye Boots.they are the Veronica back zip style. I bought them in my regular size which is an 8. My heels are slipping around like crazy. Any ideas to help me ?. love them otherwise.Thanks.

December 28, 2013 at 12:12 pm

Oksana

Mary — I recently bought the same exact boots and have the same issue. So that’s how I ended up here! Based on everything that’s been said in this thread, cowboy boots generally make your heels lift up until the leather has had time to mold to your foot.
I’m looking into getting some inserts, the sticky heel tape mentioned a few comments above, and wearing thick socks. Hopefully one or a combination of these things will work and I’ll be able to report some useful results : )

March 3, 2014 at 11:42 pm

Lavina

Try Sizers! They are shoe sizing insert cushions which are so comfortable and stop your feet slipping out of your shoes. http://www.shoesizers.com

March 18, 2014 at 1:30 pm

katiwei

Active Member

This thread is super helpful! I was gifted a pair of beautiful dark grey Born ankle boots, but my heels slip in them. I’ve been wearing them around the house trying to decide if it’s comfortable (it is, just weird). After reading this thread, it’s clear that this style of boot is supposed to slip a little, so I’m keeping the boots.

October 3, 2014 at 5:15 pm

Linda

just bought a pair of Frye boots at Nordstrom rack- I know they were $300 plus but don’t know why. I love the look but my heel lifts way off. I might return them. I was trying to find a pair to replace my 7 yr old Santanas that were PERFECT. They are being repaired in the toe at the shoe repair place because they are my favorites- shearling lined and fit perfect. This quest seems impossible. -that is unless I want to spend $250 or more- no thanks

November 22, 2014 at 1:42 pm

Stephanie

I just purchased the Frye Reina Bootie http://www.thefryecompany.com/reina-bootie/d/72057 I typically wear a 6, and after reading everything about Frye I figured they should be true to size but I wanted to order a 5.5 as well for comparison…the 5.5 are sold out literally everywhere. I had a gift card to Amazon, and they were having a boot sale so I bought the 6. Particularly my right heel is slipping big time, can anyone speak to how Frye booties break in? Is the slipping just going to get worse, or are they really going to mold to my foot like the website states? This is my first “big girl” shoe purchase and I don’t mind the slipping, but if it’s going to get worse and my booties are going to eventually not fit me I would rather return them and hunt for the 5.5 on eBay. I am wearing a very thin sock today, and intend to wear the booties with “footies” (if that makes sense) so my socks don’t show. Thicker socks aren’t an option with this bootie (thick socks go with my knee high boots). Yes, I am particular about my sock/boot combinations.

January 16, 2015 at 12:27 pm

Melanie Campbell

(website)

That is certainly true for me, Angie!

December 8, 2017 at 5:48 am

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