How to tell if shoes are too big
Reading time: 5 minutes | Last updated: September 18, 2025
Such a shame: you think you’ve found the perfect pair of shoes, but as soon as you start walking, your feet are sliding all over the place. Shoes that are too big can totally ruin your day—think blisters, slipping, and sore toes. Your shoes should hold your feet securely and comfortably, so you can go through your day with confidence. After all, who wants shoes they have to keep tightening every five minutes?
When are shoes too big?
Here’s a good rule of thumb: can you easily kick off your shoes without untying the laces? Then yep – they’re probably too big. If your foot keeps sliding forward or your heel keeps lifting up, that’s also a big sign.
Shoes are supposed to hold your foot snugly, but not cut off circulation. A little room is totally fine (your feet swell during the day), but too much space? Time to take action.
How to tell if your shoes are too big
Try the “finger test”: Can you fit more than one finger behind your heel when the shoe is on? Then it’s too big. If your toes are floating up front and your foot feels like it’s swimming – yep, they’re too big.
Your shoes should feel like a gentle hug for your feet – supportive, comfortable, and most importantly: stable.
Insoles for shoes that are too big
Luckily, there’s hope! Insoles can work wonders if your shoes are just a little too big. They help fill the extra space and keep your foot in place.
Bonus: a good insole can support your arches and absorb shock. So not only are you walking more securely, you’re walking more comfortably too.
Pro tip: Choose shoes with insoles that are removable, so you can swap or replace it anytime you want. Oh – and did you know that (almost) all of our Wolky shoes come with removable footbeds?
Shoes too big at the heel?
Do your heels keep lifting with every step? Then your shoes are likely too loose in the back. This can lead to blisters and irritation – exactly what you don’t want.
A heel cushion might be just the fix. These small, soft pads fill the extra space around your heel and help keep your foot in place. No more stopping every five feet to readjust your shoes.
Shoes too big at the toes?
Is there way too much room up front? If your toes have too much wiggle space, your feet might start sliding – and that could even lead to bruised toenails. Ouch!
Here’s a tip: use a forefoot cushion or a half insole to fill those extra centimeters. That way, you can step out with confidence – without your toes protesting all day.
Time for new shoes?
Tried all the above and nothing’s helping? Then it might just be time for a new pair. The good news? Wolky has a huge selection of shoes that actually fit.
On each product page, you’ll fine detailed fit info under the “Fit description” tab. There, we explain more about the shoe’s width, how it runs (true to size or not), and heel height.
Can’t decide between two sizes? Just order both! At Wolky, you’ve got 14 days to try them on at home, with free returns. Easy-peasy.
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