Why Do Holes Form in Shoes?
Although holes in shoes are not a pretty site, they are often easy to prevent.
You will need to use care and take preemptive action using shoe conditioner to prevent this from happening.
As time goes by, the finest grains in the leather start to wear away. That means there are less ultra-fine fibers between the leather fibers. At this point, the leather is so thin that water can pass through it.
The leather will not be as durable as it was before and will eventually start perforating.
When this happens, it is more likely to happen over an area that is going to see a lot of friction. Holes tend to form in places where there is a lot of pressure on the shoe.
Preventing and Fixing Toe Holes in Shoes
Toe holes are a common problem with your favorite sneakers. You only wear your beaters to hit the gym or for a casual workout, so why do they develop holes in the first place?
Using a shoe liner can avert the problem for a little while, but it’s important to prevent your shoes from wearing out, especially if you pay a bomb for them.
Here are a few habits you should avoid if you are looking for longer lasting shoes.
Wear New Shoes for Extended Workouts
Doing so can cause pressure points in the shoe, which will cause wear and tear.
Wear Small Disposable Socks
Cotton or spandex socks can wear holes inside the shoe as the socks absorb the moisture and sweat and don’t allow it to evaporate.
Leave Wet Shoes Unattended
When you get out of the shower, don’t just leave wet shoes on the floor as it causes mildew to accumulate.
These factors cause the shoe to wear away faster. Follow the tips above to avoid having to throw away your favorite shoes.
DIY Solutions
You may be surprised that there are actually a handful of ways you can take care of the holes in your shoes and prevent them from happening again.
Keep in mind that only some of the solutions will work depending on the type of hole and the character of the shoe itself.
The list below is a compilation of my favorite out of these solutions.
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For me, the best way to do so is to recommend products and services that I like. Products and services that work well for me.
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Professional Repairs
Or DIY Mends?
When you hike or backpack outdoors, you have to deal with a lot of hiking, especially in the backcountry where nothing is nearby. Every step counts. A torn shoe can put you out of the game.
The most common damage in a hiking or backpacking shoe is a hole at the toe. A hole in the toe is more than just an annoyance. The hole will spread and eventually destroy the shoe.
A DIY mend with duct tape will give you some extra protection again short-term use. But it won’t last forever.
The key is to take care of your boots in the first place. And the number one way to do that is to waterproof them. A good water repellent applied right away can significantly extend the lifespan of your shoes.
Another trick is to be careful when climbing or descending, especially when there are lots of rocks.
Now, what can you do if you do get a hole anyway? If you’re out, you may want to try to do a waterproofing for a temporary fix.
Special Socks
Most fashionable and stylish shoes come with a price – toenail holes.
They can be found in tennis shoes, sandals and many of your favorite sneakers. Toe nail holes can be an annoyance if you don’t know how to deal with them.
Though most shoe manufacturers will eventually replace them for you, it’s not a guarantee. Worse, the process isn’t speedy. It can take months to complete, especially if the shoes are produced overseas.
Here is a better workaround that will save you time, money and even stress.
Get yourself a pair of toenail socks. This is a specially made sock that will protect your shoes from getting ripped.
You slip them on before walking around in your favorite pair of shoes. They are easy to use and available in a variety of styles to fit any shoe.
They are comfortable and breathable. Best of all, you can save yourself the annoyance of waiting around for your shoes to be replaced.
Corrective Insoles
Corrective insoles can help with your collapsed arch problems. They have a raised arch that offers support. Your chosen corrective insole should fit in your shoe well and provide the exact amount of support your need.
Orthotics
For more severe problems, consider purchasing orthotics made specifically for your feet.
Do not expect insoles or orthotics to provide instant relief. It may take up to two weeks for your feet to fully adjust to these inserts.
The proper shoe type is equally important. High heels will never be a good choice for a runner. Choose the right shoes for your feet and repair them quickly whenever they start to feel uncomfortable…
Watch for Signs of Trouble
Be on the lookout for blisters, redness, extra toe flesh, and other problems that could signal the start of a toe hole. If you start to notice problems, visit a Podiatrist for advice on how to fix the problem.
Lacing Styles
Lacing your shoes incorrectly will result in toe holes. One way to avoid this is to buy shoes with a drawstring. Of course, you could always do this later on, but “till then, here are some ways to avoid a crimping toe.
The easiest way to do this is to do an “eyelet” shoelace tie. All you need to do is to make a loop around the first eye, and then make a bow.
If you want to get a bit more fancy, you could use the Norway tie.
The Norway tie as you can see in the image, loops over the top twice and down again. You have to loop around the shoe tighten down to one of the ends, and then through the resulting small loop. Then tighten the laces like you normally would.
Before even thinking about tying your shoes, make sure that you have the necessary tools to do so. Your shoelaces are so long because they are supposed to be long enough for you to double knot, and then you can tuck the excess under the shoe so they don’t get in the way.