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Shoe question...

The_Foxx

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I have narrow heels, and require the use of those 'heel pads' to prevent my heels moving up and down at the rear of the shoe when walking (which consequently produces a squeaking sound, actually). The problem is, the heel pads I've bought work well, but come out/ unstuck all the time (shoe horns make it worse).

Does anyone know what permanent alterations can be done to fix this? Is there some type of permanent heel pad that can be added to the shoe lining?
 

MPS

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Yes, you can have something more permanent put in. Why not get in touch with the manufacturer? They can sometimes be very obliging - for example, the people at Edward Green are quite happy to supply customers with what they term a "through sock" in the unlikely event that the shoes become too loose with wear.

Edit- Sorry, I forgot to mention that I recently had a pair of wholecuts resoled by Tim Little - they also inserted new "half-socks" (i.e. inner soles for the heel of the shoe) which were slightly thicker (and markedly more comfortable) that the originals. From what you've said, a similar thing might work for you.
 

bengal-stripe

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It sounds to me that your shoes are a tad too big. Try ½ size down, or same size but one step narrower. If they fit snugly across the instep and the length is right, the heels should not move.

You Americans are lucky as your manufacturers still produce a range of different width. When did you last get your shoes properly measured? Try an insole to get a closer fit across the instep. If need be, have the forepart thinner than the rear (heal area) if it adds too much in the toe box.
 

shoefan

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You might also look into different makers' shoes. For example, Alden makes most of its shoes on a combination last, with a narrower heel and a wider forefoot (this is said to correspond more closely to the average American foot).
 

The_Foxx

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I think it is more my heels than the shoes....the shoes are from Dunhill and Crockett and Jones. I never really noticed before, but i only noticed it when wearing the shoes recently for a whole work day, rather than to dinner/ church. The rest of the shoe fits really well, and i can't imagine going down a size from 10D, which i have worn for several years (in casual shoes, i actually wear a 10 or 10.5).
 

jcusey

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I think it is more my heels than the shoes....the shoes are from Dunhill and Crockett and Jones.  I never really noticed before, but i only noticed it when wearing the shoes recently for a whole work day, rather than to dinner/ church.  The rest of the shoe fits really well, and i can't imagine going down a size from 10D, which i have worn for several years (in casual shoes, i actually wear a 10 or 10.5).
I have the same problem. I have read that Americans typically have narrower heels than their European or Asian counterparts; I don't know why that would be true, but it seems to be for me at least.

Some makers and some lasts fit me better than others. Edward Green (202) and John Lobb (8695 and 8896) fit fairly well. Crockett & Jones (330) and Grenson (92 and 91) don't really. Alden is known for its combination lasts, but even some of those don't fit very well (Barrie especially). Some of the Italian makers have done very well by me, especially Gravati (500 and 640) and Santoni (couldn't tell you the last number).

All in all, it's enough to drive you to bespoke.
 

matadorpoeta

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i know this is an old thread...

does anyone else here have the same problem and have you found a solution?
 

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