Loose heel, unlined leather irritating feet

[Limehouse Chappie]

I had a custom shoe made from an obscure maker. It is a balmoral type. The back has a seam, and on the inside of the shoe, along the backseam, there is about a two inch strip that is not lined. Looking at some other shoes that I have, this is also the case, but the unlined leather on most of these is quite smooth, while this custom shoe is quite rough like suede.

This wouldn't be a problem except that the shoe is also a bit loose in the heel (the shoe is a bit long, you could say), so when I walk my Achilles tendon rubs over this unlined leather and it's like sandpaper against my foot, wearing out my socks and and rubbing my skin raw.

First, why are shoes made this way? I've read about full leather lined shoes; would that address my problem?

Second, is there something I can do about the looseness? Is there some kind of gel pad or orthotic I can stick back there?

 

[JapanAlex01]

Heel grips might work if it's a tiny gap—a lot of people suggest tongue pads (which, weirdly, can only be bought in the U.S.?!) but, in my opinion, they don't work! Heel grips only work if it's, max, half a size too big! At least, in your case, they might stop them from rubbing?! When you stick them in (get them from local cobbler's), let them set for a bit before use—otherwise they come unstuck when you put your foot in! Good luck—I know it's as annoying as hell!