6 Effective DIYs To Soothe Nasty Shoe Bites (& 7 Tips To Prevent Them)

Shoe shopping is nothing short of therapeutic. But this wonderful experience is often overshadowed by a little fear at the back of our minds. What if my brand-new shoes end up giving me shoe bites!? If this is how you feel, you aren’t alone because these pesky little things are more common than you think. 

Shoe bites occur when the inner folds of your shoe constantly rub against your feet. This friction can cause wear and tear of the skin tissue, blisters, corns, rashes, calluses and inflammation. Shoe bites generally occur near the toes or behind the ankle and can be quite painful, especially when you stand or walk. But as inconvenient as they are, it’s not that hard to prevent and treat a shoe bite. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Shoe Bites?

In most cases, shoe bites are a result of ill-fitting or tight footwear. Since new pairs of footwear are usually tight, they may cause this inconvenience for a while before they loosen up. If your shoes keep giving you shoe bites every time you wear them, you may have picked the wrong size or the material of the footwear may not be suitable for your skin. 

6 Effective Home Remedies To Soothe Nasty Shoe Bites

While show bites can be pretty painful, they are easy to get rid of. Try out these home remedies shoe bites next time you end up one: 

1. Aloe Vera Gel

This soothing and healing natural ingredient is the perfect remedy for skin irritation, small nicks and cuts and shoe bites. It comes with healing and anti-inflammatory benefits that can help treat blisters.  

Method:

1. Apply a generous amount of aloe vera gel over the affected area and let it stay for a while. 
2. Rinse with water after some time. 
3. Use this shoe bite cure twice a day for the best results. 

2. Olive Oil

The anti-inflammatory benefits of olive oil can also help reduce the inflammation around nasty shoe bites. Use almond oil as a carrier oil for added benefits. 

Method:

1. Mix 1-2 drops of almond oil and 2-3 drops of olive oil. 
2. Now apply this mixture over the shoe bite. 
3. Use this shoe bite remedy twice a day until the shoe bite heals. 

3. Ice Cubes

If you want instant relief from the pain and irritation shoe bites can cause, use this tried and tested shoe bite treatment. It can also help reduce swelling and inflammation around the affected area. 

Method:

1. Take a clean cloth and wrap some ice cubes in it. 
2. Use it to ice the affected area. 

4. Neem & Turmeric

Next up on our list of home remedies for shoe bites is this age-old, power-packed remedy that can potentially heal minor wounds and injuries. The anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties of neem and turmeric paste can provide relief from pain, reduce swelling and accelerate the healing process. 

Method:

1. Blend neem leaves, turmeric powder and a little water powder to form a paste. 
2. Generously apply this shoe bite remedy over the affected area and let it stay for 20 to 30 minutes. 
3. Rinse off with warm water. 

5. Coconut Oil & Camphor

While camphor comes with anti-inflammatory benefits, coconut oil has analgesic, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Mix these two power-packed ingredients and you have the best shoe bite treatment at home.

Method:

1. Mix 1 teaspoon of camphor with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. 
2. With the help of a cotton ball, dab this solution onto the affected area. 

6. Petroleum Jelly

Petroleum jelly is packed with skin repairing and antimicrobial properties, making it an effective shoe bite treatment. Untreated shoe bites often end up causing the skin around the back of the ankle to become hard. Petroleum jelly aids in softening the skin and prevents the formation of deep shoe bite marks. 

Method: 

1. Wash your feet.
2. Apply a thick coat of petroleum jelly to the affected area. 
3. Leave it on for some time to be absorbed by the skin. 
4. For best results, use this shoe bite cure overnight.

7 Effective Tips To Prevent Shoe Bites

Shoe bites can drain away all the excitement of wearing a new pair of shoes. Luckily, there are several things you can do to keep them away. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind to prevent shoe bite:

1. Never ever buy a shoe without trying them on first. And even if you decide to ignore comfort for fashion at the moment, chances are you will regret your decision later. Always be sure about the fit before purchasing footwear! 
2. If the inner folds of your shoe seem too rough, rub a little oil along the sides. Do this for a few days to soften the edges.
3. Prevent skin abrasion by wearing socks with your shoes.
4. Use adhesive pads and toe protectors.
5. Walk around in your new pair of footwear at home for some time. Do this for a day or two to loosen the shoe. Breaking into your shoes before wearing them for long periods can help prevent shoe bites and blisters. 
6. Use a band-aid or paper tape on your foot where you think you may end up with a shoe bite. 
7. Apply petroleum jelly to your feet before putting on your shoe. 

While shoe bites are not really a big deal, they do require immediate attention. If left untreated, the injury may worsen and leave you with a permanent scar. Always make sure to pick the right size to avoid facing this problem in the first place. But if you do end up with a shoe bite anyway, these home remedies can help heal your feet in no time! 

Open up like never before and participate in conversations about beauty, entrepreneurship, mental health, menstrual & sexual health, and more. Desi women, join our community NOW!