It really doesn’t matter how expensive the branded cowboy boots are; most of us surely experienced heel slippage in our cowboy boots once, twice, or more than times.
The cowboy boots could slip when they are new, but after a few wears, the boot will stretch out and reduce irritation. However, you won’t need to wait for a long time to ensure the best safety; if you read the article by the end.
WHAT IS HEEL SLIPPAGE IN BOOTS?
Generally, heel slippage occurs when your chosen boot is too big for your feet, specifically when the heel portion gets enough space to move inside the boots.
The cowboy boots come featured with the high shaft, which means relatively more restricted movement and without a lacing system, so you can’t achieve your comfortable fitting across the feet; if you by chance purchase a big size shoe.
Hence, the cowboy shoes come with a tall heel to prevent the feet from sliding forward in the stirrup, but the men rarely would like to wear the heeled shoes and slip after wearing cowboy boots.
ISSUES OF BOOT SLIPPAGE
Your feet could slip after wearing perfect-sized shoes. So, before moving into the solutions, let’s see what could cause heel slippage in boots -
HOW TO FIX HEEL SLIPPAGE IN COWBOY BOOTS
1. Choose correct size
Since the cowboy boots don’t have a lacing system. So, you have to choose the right size, neither too tight nor too loose. I can assure you that the well-fitted shoes will completely eliminate the chances of heel slippage. But, with a snugly fit instep, check if there is enough room inside for toes to move freely or not?
2. Wear socks
As I mentioned before, the loose cowboy boots mainly cause heel slippage, so you can wear a pair of thick socks to get snug fittings and stop slipping your heel during the walk.
3. Use heel grips/heel pads
You can use heel pads, or heel grip or heel cushions to solve heel slippage or heel-related problems. Moreover, such cowboy boot heel inserts offer ample heel support to keep your feet relaxed and comfortable. So you won’t get heel pain.
4. Use non-slip insole
The insole could cause heel slippage. In this case, you could replace the insole of your shoes with a slip-resistant insole. Such insoles come constructed with a sturdy, long-lasting, and 100% non-slip material.
5. Use hair spray
You could apply hair spray to the heel areas before wearing the boots. The stickiness of the spray sticks your socks to the shoe temporarily. Remember, it’s not a permanent solution for heel slip in cowboy boots.
6. Use boot dryer
Sweat on your feet increases the chances of heel slippage, so wear breathable shoes. In addition to that, dry the insole of your cowboy boot by using a boot dryer before wearing them.
Keep in mind, that the leather lining could be damaged if you often use a boot dryer. In that case, you can dry the boots out by keeping them under sunlight for 5-6 hours; the next day follows drying out with a boot dryer and keep running the process alternatively.
HOW TO MAKE COWBOY BOOTS LESS SLIPPERY
Using sandpaper
If you have a smooth surfaced leather sole in the cowboy boots, scrub the sole with sandpaper to reduce slippery smoothness.
Using protective soles
Scrubbing could make the sole scratched. In this case, if you don’t want to have such unwanted scratches on your boot, use a good protective sole insert. Glue the boot heel slip inserts against the sole to render ultimate grip and slow down the damaging process.
Using traction spray
If you’re looking for a quick solution, usage of traction spray is the way to go. The traction spray offers a moderate grip on the leather surface. So, it won’t be helpful for a long walk.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT BOOT
HOW TO PREVENT HEEL SLIPPAGES
CONCLUSION
Getting a slight slippage of around half inches or one-fourth inches in the newly purchased boot is normal. The slippage issues will disappear once the boot breaks in. After a few wears, if you’re still having slipped feet in the boots, try one of the solutions; I’ve recommended.
Remember, you need to invest a thousand more money and time after a broken foot rather than you pay for these tips. So, don’t overlook heel slippage problems.
Jeffrey has a Master of Science degree in sports science and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. Jeffrey has worked in sports medicine clinics, corporate wellness facilities and rehabilitation clinics. He/She is an exercise physiologist and fitness consultant who has been writing about sports equipment and training techniques for athletes and fitness enthusiasts for over a decade.