How to Make Shoes and Boots Tighter
September 30, 2025
There's nothing quite like the disappointment of slipping on a new pair of shoes you can't wait to show off - only to find that they're slightly too big. However, with a few tips and tricks you can learn how to make shoes tighter.
While sometimes the best course of action is to get your shoes exchanged for a tighter fit, our handy guide to how to tighten thigh-high boots, women's trainers and more is a good alternative. What's more, it'll really help you out if you're set on a style or find it difficult to get shoes to fit correctly.
How to tell if your shoes are too big
You usually need to tighten shoes when they feel loose, slippery, or uncomfortable to walk in. Here are the main signs:
- Heel slip: A little movement is normal, but too much causes blisters.
- Toe space: If there’s more than half a finger between your big toe and the shoe tip, they may be too long.
- Heel gap: If you can slide more than one finger behind your heel, the shoe is too wide.
Remember: you can only tighten shoes that are slightly too big. For shoes that are multiple sizes off, replacement is the only option.
Quick comparison: Ways to tighten shoes
| Method |
Best for |
Cost |
Risk level |
Durablity |
| Insoles |
Trainers, boots, heels |
£-££ |
Low |
High |
| Heel grips |
Dress shoes, heels, boots |
£ |
Very low |
Medium |
| Toe cushions |
Heels, dress shoes |
£ |
Very low |
Medium |
| Thick socks |
Trainers, boots |
£ |
None |
Low |
| Damp cloth shrinkage |
Leather shoes & boots |
Free |
Medium |
Permanent |
| Fashion Tape |
High heels, thigh-highs |
£ |
Low |
Temporary |
| Cobbler services |
Leather shoes & boots |
££-£££ |
Very low |
High |
The best ways to make shoes fit tighter
Different shoes require different solutions. Here are some tried-and-tested methods:
Use insoles
Insoles add cushioning and reduce the space inside shoes. They’re an affordable, effective fix for trainers, boots, and heels.
- Available in foam, gel, or leather.
- Some are custom-moulded for maximum comfort.
- Also improve arch support and posture.
Shop shoezone's insoles and accessories to instantly improve shoe fit, and discover more in our insoles guide.
Wear thicker socks
Layering one or two pairs of socks adds bulk, filling gaps in trainers, boots, and casual shoes. This approach is great for winter footwear.
Try heel grips and toe cushions
- Heel grips: Foam or gel pads that stick to the inside heel, reducing slipping and blisters.
- Toe cushions: Small inserts that fill extra room at the front of the shoe.
Both are discreet and easy to replace.
Shrink leather shoes with water
Leather shoes naturally tighten when dampened and left to dry:
- Decide which area needs shrinking.
- Lightly dampen with a clean washcloth (don’t soak).
- Leave to air-dry naturally.
- Repeat until snug.
This approach works best on untreated leather. Heat-treated leather may resist shrinking: in that case, try insoles or ask a cobbler.
How to tighten trainers and dress shoes
- Wear thicker socks for bulk.
- Use heel grips to prevent slippage.
- Add toe cushions to close gaps at the front.
- Lace trainers with a runner’s loop for a firmer hold.
How to tighten sandals
Sandals don’t have much material to adjust, but you can:
- Use gel pads under the ball of your foot to stop sliding.
- Add heel grips to reduce movement.
- If leather, lightly dampen and dry straps to shrink.
How to tighten thigh-high boots
Thigh-high boots are prone to slipping down as you walk. These are some good ways to tighten them:
✔ Wear tights or thick leggings to pad out the gap between your boot and leg.
✔ Use a few strips of fashion tape to stick the boot to your leg.
✔ Fill the gap behind your leg with a piece of rolled-up card. This should help prevent any slouching.
✔ Tying an elastic band or hair tie around your knee will give your boots something to grip. Just be careful not to tie it too tightly around your leg.
✔ Keep your boots in shape by stuffing them with boot trees or newspaper when not in use. This will stop the boots leaning over or stretching in places. Likewise, you could use boot clips to hang them up in your wardrobe.
These top tips for tightening thigh-high boots can also be applied to knee-high boots, too - but check out our comprehensive guide for more advice.
How to tighten Chelsea boots
Chelsea boots are a classic design for men and women, because they go with a range of outfits. Perfect for winter and smartening up your outfit, it's possible to breathe new life into your boots by tinkering with the fit a little.
- Remember that the elastic part of the shoe will stretch in time.
- Both leather and suede shoes can be tightened with a damp wash-cloth.
- Dab the area you want to tighten and allow to dry. Be careful with suede shoes as these can be easily stained by running colours, so use a plain wash-cloth if you can.
- Repeat as necessary until your shoes fit as required.
FAQs
Can you shrink shoes in the dryer?
It’s risky. Heat can warp materials, especially leather and suede. However, fabric and canvas shoes can shrink slightly. Dampen the shoes with water, then put them in the dryer on low heat for a short cycle. Check frequently to prevent damage. For better control, use a hairdryer while wearing thick socks to mould them to your feet.
How do you fix loose boots around the ankle?
Heel grips or padded insoles can reduce excess space. Wearing thicker socks helps, as does using an ankle strap if your boots have one. If they’re leather, lightly wetting the ankle area and letting them air dry can cause slight shrinkage. A cobbler can add extra padding or tighten the fit professionally.
What’s the best way to make high heels fit tighter?
Heel grips prevent slipping, while gel insoles add comfort and reduce excess space. Toe cushions help if there’s too much room at the front. If the heels are leather, lightly dampen the inside and let them dry naturally for slight shrinkage. Double-sided fashion tape can also keep them snug while walking.
How can I make my shoes fit better without insoles?
There are many ways you can make your shoes fit better. One option is to wear thicker socks or layer two pairs of socks. Heel grips or padded inserts can also reduce slipping. Another way is to change how you lace trainers—using a runner’s loop or tighter lacing at the top—can improve the fit. For leather shoes, slightly wetting them and air drying may shrink them. Fashion tape can help with high heels.
Can a cobbler make shoes smaller?
Yes, but only slightly. A cobbler can add thicker insoles, heel grips, or extra padding to reduce space. They may also shrink leather shoes using professional techniques. However, they can’t significantly reduce length or width—downsizing more than half a size usually isn’t possible.
Can you shrink suede shoes?
It’s best not to shrink suede shoes with water, as the material marks and stains very easily. Unlike leather, suede doesn’t react well to dampness or heat. Instead, if your suede shoes feel too loose, try adding insoles, heel grips or toe cushions to take up the extra space without damaging the fabric. If the shoes are expensive or a special pair, consider taking them to a professional cobbler, who may be able to adjust the fit carefully without compromising the suede’s soft texture.
What’s the quickest way to fix loose shoes before going out?
If you’re short on time, there are a few quick fixes that can make a big difference. Slip in a pair of heel grips to prevent slipping at the back, or add a toe cushion to stop your foot sliding forward. Wearing a thicker pair of socks can also bulk out trainers or boots in seconds. For high heels or thigh-high boots, double-sided fashion tape is a handy trick to keep your shoes snug while you walk. While these aren’t long-term solutions, they’re perfect for last-minute adjustments before heading out the door.
Shoes that are a little loose aren't a lost cause. If you can't swap them for another size in-store, follow these simple steps and fashion your own fit. Whether you're looking for ladies boots or mens boots, we've got advice on buying and fitting your ideal pair of winter boots. We are here to help!
Check out the shoezone blog for more style tips and footwear suggestions for every occasion.