13 Products To Keep You From Asking "Why Did I Buy These Shoes?"

Say "see ya'" to shoe bites✌️

1. A roll-on substance created to shield your skin from chafing and blisters when your feet inevitably begin to sweat.

Amazon

Promising review: "Oh...my...soul. This product is a miracle. I have VERY blister-prone feet, and it is so difficult for me to find shoes that don't rub me raw (I'm talking every kind of shoe — flats, sandals, heels, tennis shoes, etc.). I bought new water shoes that were supposed to be amazing for your feet, and they felt great when I tried them on, but the first time I wore them I had a blister on my heel within 30 minutes. (And I wasn't even in the water! Just walking around the house.) I went online and bought this product that night. Let me tell you, the next time I wore those water shoes with this product...NO blisters, AT ALL. Not even a sore spot!! I am in awe. I've now tried this product with several other shoes that used to rub me as well, and same thing! This is my new best friend. Thank you, SportShield!" —Matthew Leonard

Get it from Amazon for $25.99.

2. Suede leather heel grips can help prevent blisters and chafing. They're so soft you'll want to add them to every pair of shoes you own.

amazon.com

Promising review: "These are really a lifesaver. I bought the most adorable pumps that became incredibly painful and cut into my heels after about an hour. I thought I couldn't wear them again, and these were my last hope. I put them in and what a difference!!! They have some padding — which I definitely needed — but not so much that they make the shoes too small. They are nice and large so they wrap all the way around the heel. They can also be trimmed as needed. The adhesive is really strong, so it is a good idea to expose just a little bit to get them into place. The leather is very soft and doesn't snag anything. I love these things!!" —G.G.

Get five pairs from Amazon for $10.55.

3. A high-heel shoe stretcher, because there are few things as cringe-worthy as shoes crushing your toes with every step you take.

amazon.com, amazon.com

Promising review: "Ladies, this is a must for all new high-heel shoes. I like getting that previously broken-in feel when I put on a new pair of stilettos. No more blisters and toe-crushing pain for me! I use these now on every new pair of shoes that I buy. Even if my shoes feel comfortable in the store it seems that after wearing them out for an hour or more causes me discomfort. When I buy a half size larger my shoes are coming off my foot in the heel area or require uncomfortable inserts. This product solves my problems." —PwrPurchase

Get it from Amazon for $34.95+ (available in women's sizes 4–10.5).

4. Or a pair of thick winter socks that'll also help stretch your shoes to the perfect fit.

Mallory McInnis / BuzzFeed, Amazon

One of my co-workers, Mallory McInnis, tried out this trick and it actually worked! Here's what she had to say: "Every day after getting home from work I'd slip on a pair of socks and wander around the house for the rest of the evening wearing my new heels. I didn't want to stretch out the shoes toooooooooooo much, so for the first few days I wore a very thin pair of socks: no change. But after wearing them with a pair of my wooliest winter socks (drumroll, please) — they actually became comfortable! I wore them out for the night and didn't get a single blister!"

Read more about this trick here (#7).

Get a set of five from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in six styles).

5. Flexible fabric bandages you can keep in your bag for a quick fix when sneakers you thought were super comfortable start to rub a little on your heel.

Target

Just because you're an "adult" doesn't mean you can't appreciate a funky bandage. I keep these in my desk at work and love how soft they are — I barely even realize I have one on when I apply it! Another added bonus is the fun-colored tin it comes in that I will definitely use for odds 'n ends once the bandages are all used.

Get a pack of 48 from Target for $6.99.

6. Foot petals to provide extra cushion for the balls of your feet while you're dancing the night away in your highest heels.

Amazon

Promising review: "I am the kind of person who buys heels because I think they are adorable, and then never wears them because after a few steps around the house my feet hurt so badly that I can't deal with wearing them for a few hours. I took a chance and wore heels on a night out DANCING a few weeks ago and put the petals right under the ball of my foot because that is usually where it hurts the most. I cannot even explain what a difference these petals made. Just having that small amount of cushioning under the ball of my foot made it feel like I wasn't wearing heels at all! I finally took the cover off of the adhesive and installed them in a pair of heels (I used to like swapping them but now I know I'm going to buy more so there is no need). The darker grey color goes perfectly inside of my black heels. THESE THINGS MAY HAVE JUST SAVED MY CLOSET!!!" —UAstudentn

Get a set of three from Amazon for $11.99+ (available in five styles).

7. And grips to add to the inside of your strappy sandals that'll reduce friction and prevent pinching.

amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I LOVE these mini grips! Such a clever design. These are perfect for lining the inner part of my work shoe that used to dig into my upper lateral foot. The adhesive on these is very strong — I am on my feet all day and these grips have not budged! I was so pleased with these that I bought three more packs for all of my work shoes. Highly highly recommend!!!" —Frances25

Get two pairs from Amazon for $6.99.

8. Gel heel protectors for pain relief from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, cracked heels, or even just sore feet.

amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "I recently had torn Achilles surgery. The surgeon had to completely re-attach the tendon to my heel, leaving a noticeable ridge that in the early stages is quite tender and doesn't fill smoothly into shoes or in my case more importantly my hiking boots!!! I put these heel cushions on under my socks and they protect the tender and still heeling part of my heel. They are not bulky and fit so comfortably that I'm not even aware they are there other than that I have no discomfort or pain with my heel. They are awesome!!" —celtic_hiker

Get two pairs from Amazon for $8.99.

9. Panty liners (yes, really) that'll absorb sweat from your feet and keep you from slipping.

Augusta Falletta / BuzzFeed

Check out other tips for making your heels comfortable here.

Get a pack of 120 from Amazon for $16.96.

10. Non-slip shoe pads you can add into your flats, heels, sneakers, or sandals for extra support and comfort.

Amazon

Promising review: "These cushions add a little extra padding to the heel. This can be useful for shoes that may cause blisters or rub your heels. They're not too thick so if your shoes are too big they won't work, but if they're just a little too big, then these are perfect." —Frank Hudson

Get five pairs from Amazon for $9.99.

11. Or simple anti-skid pads with a rubber adhesive that'll make it easier than ever to stick 'em to the inside or bottom of your most painful (BUT SO CUTE) footwear.

amazon.com

Promising review: "I have two uses so far for these little gems!

1. I have a pair of heels that are a bit too big and my toes push real far out the open-toe. Placing one on each pad of my foot in the heels allowed for less slipping and not shoving my toes out the front end.

2. A pair of ankle boots that are in great shape but have lost their sole grip. I put them on the bottom and the traction is 10x better!" —Amber Jo

Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $9.89+ (also available in a pack of 16 and in two colors).

12. Rubbing alcohol you can swish around in stiff boots. Then pour it out and walk around in them while they're still wet to stretch 'em out.

Amazon

According to Amazon customer George Simpson's review of classic Dr. Martens boots, a little bit of rubbing alcohol can actually help you break in your shoes. Who knew?!

Here's what he suggested: "One tip for breaking in these and almost all shoes....RUBBING ALCOHOL. It is the best tip I ever got and have been doing this for over 30 years. You simply pour the alcohol over the inside of the shoe, swish around, pour out excess and put the shoes on while wet, walk around for a few minutes, and your shoes are stretched out. The only thing to be aware of is they may discolor some shoes, especially synthetic material. I have never had a pair of shoes ruined with this method, but to be safe try a small area first, let dry and if it's OK...go for it. You will be amazed! I have had shoes I could not wear and after doing this they became my most favorite shoes....this is a shoe miracle! I used this method several years ago on my daughters Doc Martens and she was able to wear them very comfortably immediately. Hers were the shiny ones which are not as hard to break in, but I am pretty sure this will work on all DMs. Hope this helps!"

Get a bottle of rubbing alcohol from Amazon for $8.49.

13. And toe protectors, so you never have to suffer through deciding "should I pop this blister bubble on my pinky toe?" ever again.

Amazon

Don't act like you haven't BEEN there.

Promising review: "I had originally purchased some that went over your whole toe area or the whole ball of your foot but they were so big and bulky I couldn't get my shoe on. These work so much better. They get right to the spot and don't take up much room. I hardly even know they are there. Wore them all day and they didn't slide off or move around. I cut a few of them across so I can wear them with my sandals." —Crazygirl35*

Get a variety pack of 12 from Amazon for $12.99.

Now you can strut your stuff without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. You're welcome.

ABC

Some reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Want more? Check out the best places to buy shoes online, or the best shoes for wide feet if you need a little extra room.

Looking for the perfect gift for any occasion? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s gift guides!

Allison Krausman / BuzzFeed