Overview
In this article, you will learn how to make your heels not slippery by using different methods and products. You will also find out why heels can be slippery and how to prevent it from happening. Here are the main points we will cover:
- How to increase the grip on your heels by walking on rough surfaces, sanding them, applying non-slip outsoles, glue, salt, sand, nail file, grip pads, traction spray, or hair holding spray
- How to buy the right heels that won’t slip by learning your size, choosing platform or wedge heels, looking for shoes with straps, and picking closed-toe shoes
- How to treat your feet to keep them from sliding by skipping lotions and skin treatments, sprinkling talcum powder, or spraying hairspray
How to Make Heels Not Slippery: 8 Awesome Tricks
Heels are a great way to add some height and style to your outfit, but they can also be a pain to wear if they are slippery. Slipping and sliding on smooth floors can be embarrassing and dangerous, not to mention uncomfortable. Luckily, there are some easy and effective ways to make your heels less slippery and more grippy. Here are 8 awesome tricks you can try:
1. Walk on rough surfaces
One of the best and quickest ways to take the slipperiness out of your heels is to wear them over rough surfaces. This will help scuff up the bottom of your heels and create some texture and friction. You can walk on concrete, gravel, rocks, metal grates, or any other abrasive surface that will wear down the smoothness of your soles. This works especially well for new shoes that have perfectly smooth soles.
2. Sand them
If you can’t find a rough surface to walk on or you don’t want to ruin your shoes by scuffing them too much, you can use sandpaper instead. Simply take off your shoe and rub the smoothest parts of the sole that touch the floor with coarse sandpaper until they develop a rougher feel. This will create some grooves and abrasions that will improve your grip. You can also use a nail file or scissors to carve some X’s into the base of your heel for extra traction.
3. Apply non-slip outsoles
Another easy way to make your heels less slippery is to apply some non-slip outsoles or stickers to the bottom of your shoes. These are thin rubber pads that stick to your soles and provide more friction and cushioning. You can find them online or in shoe stores in different shapes and sizes. Just make sure you clean your soles before applying them and press them firmly for a secure fit.
4. Apply glue, salt, or sand
If you don’t have any non-slip outsoles or stickers handy, you can use some household items instead. You can apply some glue, salt, or sand to the bottom of your heels to create some texture and grip. For glue, you can use hot glue or super glue and make some dots or lines on your soles. For salt or sand, you can sprinkle some on wet glue or nail polish and let it dry. Be careful not to use too much or too little of these materials as they can either fall off or make your shoes sticky.
5. Use a nail file
A nail file is another handy tool you can use to make your heels less slippery. You can use it just like sandpaper to scuff up the smooth parts of your sole that come in contact with the floor. A metal file is usually more durable and effective than an emery board, but both can work. Just be gentle and don’t file too much as you don’t want to damage your shoes.
6. Buy grip pads
Grip pads are another product you can buy to make your heels less slippery. These are adhesive pads that you stick to the inside of your shoe, under the ball of your foot or the heel. They help prevent your foot from sliding forward or backward in your shoe, which can cause your heel to slip out. Grip pads also provide some cushioning and comfort for your feet.
7. Apply traction spray
Traction spray is a spray that you apply to the bottom of your shoes to make them more grippy. It works by creating a thin layer of rubber-like material that adheres to your soles and increases the friction. You can find traction spray online or in shoe stores. Just make sure you follow the instructions on the label and let it dry completely before wearing your shoes.
8. Use hair holding spray
Hair holding spray is a surprising but effective way to make your heels less slippery. It works by making your soles slightly sticky and tacky, which helps them grip the floor better. All you need to do is spray some on the bottom of your shoes and let it dry for a few minutes. You can reapply it as needed throughout the day.
Why Are Heels Slippery?
- Heels can be slippery for various reasons, but the main ones are:
- The material of the sole: Some soles are made of plastic, leather, or other smooth materials that have little to no traction. These soles can easily slide on polished floors, wet surfaces, or carpets.
- The shape of the heel: Some heels are very thin and pointy, which means they have a smaller surface area to contact the floor. This makes them less stable and more prone to slipping.
- The fit of the shoe: If your shoe is too big or too small for your foot, it can cause your foot to move around in your shoe or slip out of it. This can affect your balance and make you more likely to slip.
How to Prevent Heels from Being Slippery
- Besides using the tricks we mentioned above, there are some other things you can do to prevent your heels from being slippery in the first place. Here are some tips:
- Buy quality shoes: Cheap shoes tend to have poor quality soles that wear out quickly and become slippery. Investing in quality shoes with good soles will save you money and hassle in the long run.
- Choose the right shoes for the occasion: Not all heels are suitable for every situation. For example, stilettos may look great for a night out, but they may not be the best choice for a rainy day or a slippery floor. Opt for shoes that match the weather and the terrain you will be walking on.
- Break in your shoes: New shoes can be stiff and slippery until you break them in. To do this, wear them around the house or on rough surfaces for a few hours before wearing them outside. This will help soften them and create some grip on the soles.
- Keep your shoes clean: Dirt and dust can accumulate on your soles and make them slippery over time. To avoid this, wipe your shoes with a damp cloth after each use and store them in a dry place.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to make heels not slippery:
Q: Can I use duct tape or rubber bands to make my heels less slippery?
A: While these items may seem like quick fixes, they are not recommended as they can damage your shoes or cause more problems. Duct tape can leave sticky residue on your soles or peel off easily. Rubber bands can snap or roll off your heels.
Q: How often should I use these tricks to make my heels less slippery?
A: It depends on how often you wear your heels and how slippery they are. You may need to use these tricks every time you wear your heels or only once in a while. You can check the condition of your soles regularly and see if they need any treatment.