How to Attach Heel Grips to Prevent Slipping

Why heel grips stop slipping

Heel slipping happens when the shoe's heel counter is wider than your heel, or when the lining is smooth and slick. An adhesive heel grip adds a layer of padding that takes up space and increases friction, anchoring your heel inside the shoe. This reduces the vertical lift that causes blisters on the back of your foot and the audible slip you feel with each step.

Heel grips are a low-cost, reversible adjustment. Unlike stretching a shoe wider or adding an insole, a heel grip changes the fit at one specific point: the back of the shoe. If you already wear shoes that otherwise fit well, attaching a heel grip can solve the problem without replacing the pair. For a deeper look at why some shoes slip even when the length is correct, see our guide on why heel slip happens.

• Heel grips reduce slip by adding thickness inside the heel counter.
• They increase friction so the shoe lifts with your foot, not against it.
• They are removable, so you can try them without permanently altering the shoe.

Choose the right type of grip

Adhesive heel grips come in a few common styles. The thinnest are flat, skin-colored pads that blend into the lining. Others are contoured with a curved shape that matches the heel counter, often with a slightly textured surface. Some are made of a clear silicone-like material; others use a suede or fabric top that grips socks without feeling sticky.

For a dress shoe with a smooth leather lining, a thin pad is usually enough. For a boot or a shoe with a stiff heel counter, a thicker, contoured grip fills more space. If you are between sizes or your heel is narrow, start with the thinnest option and move up only if needed. The right thickness should make the shoe feel snug at the heel without pressing hard enough to cause discomfort. If you need more volume in the shoe overall, a heel grip alone may not be enough; consider our guide to wide or extra wide shoes or narrow shoes depending on your foot shape.

Clean the heel area first

For the adhesive to hold, the inside of the shoe must be free of oils, dust, and old polish. Use a cotton ball or soft cloth with rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) to wipe the area where the grip will sit. This is the same cleaning step recommended before applying any adhesive product to leather or synthetic materials. Avoid using water, which can leave residue or soak into the lining.

If the shoe is new and has a glossy finish from manufacturing, the alcohol wipe removes that coating so the glue can bond. If the shoe is old, the wipe also removes sweat residue and conditioner. Let the alcohol evaporate completely before the next step. This usually takes two to three minutes, but waiting five minutes is safer. Do not attach a grip to a damp surface, because the adhesive will not cure properly and the grip may lift on the first wear.

For shoes with a removable insole, take the insole out before cleaning so you can reach the heel counter fully. While the insole is out, you can also check whether it is worn or compressed; if it is, a new insole with more padding may reduce slipping. See our insole replacement guide for more.

Peel and position the grip

Peel one side of the backing off the grip. Align the grip with the inside of the heel counter. The center of the grip should sit right where your heel makes contact, which is usually the curved part of the shoe where the back meets the sole. Do not place it too high, near the collar, because that can irritate the Achilles tendon. Do not place it too low, on the sole, because it will wear quickly.

Press the grip into place with your fingers, working from the center outward to expel air bubbles. If the grip has a contoured shape, match the curve to the shoe. Some grips are labeled left and right; make sure you use the correct one for each shoe. After the grip is seated, press the full surface firmly for 30 to 60 seconds. This activates the adhesive and improves contact with the lining.

If you accidentally place the grip wrong, peel it off slowly and reposition it right away before the adhesive sets. Most adhesive grips can be repositioned within the first minute. After that, removing it may stretch or tear the grip, and the adhesive will be less effective on the second application.

Press firmly and let the adhesive cure

Once the grip is positioned, apply firm pressure over the entire surface. Using the back of a spoon or a flat tool can help reach the curved areas of the heel counter. The goal is to press the grip so it contacts the entire lining, with no air gaps. Air pockets reduce the grip's surface area and can make the pad shift or peel.

After pressing, leave the shoes to sit for 24 hours before wearing them. This curing time lets the adhesive bond to the lining. Wearing the shoes too soon can push the grip out of place while the glue is still soft. If you need the shoes sooner, wait at least a few hours, but the longer you wait, the more secure the grip will be. Do not apply additional pressure or heat to speed up the process; heat can soften the adhesive and cause it to slide.

While the shoes rest, keep them in a dry, room-temperature place. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or a hot car, because extreme heat can weaken the adhesive bond. See our shoe storage guide for more on keeping shoes in good condition.

Test the fit and adjust if needed

After the glue has cured, put on the shoes with the socks you plan to wear. Walk around and feel for two things: whether your heel lifts when you walk, and whether the grip presses uncomfortably. A slight snugness is normal; a pressure point that hurts after a few minutes means the grip is too thick or placed too high.

If the shoe still slips, you have three options: add a second grip, move the existing grip lower, or use a thicker pad. Adding a second grip higher up on the heel counter can help if the shoe is wide at the collar. Moving the grip lower helps if the slip is happening at the very back of the heel. Thicker pads fill more volume but can cause heel blisters if they press too hard, so make changes in small increments.

If the problem persists after a few adjustments, the shoe's heel counter may be too flexible or the size may be off. A shoe with a stiffer heel counter holds the heel more securely. Read about heel counter stiffness and how to fix heel slip for more permanent solutions. For some shoes, replacing the insole with a thicker one can also reduce slipping by raising the foot so the heel sits higher in the shoe.

If heel grips do not solve the problem, the shoe may simply be the wrong size or shape for your foot. In that case, consider trying a different last or a shoe designed for a narrower heel. Our best loafers, best flats, and best ankle boots guides highlight models that are less prone to heel slip because of their heel construction.

Care and replacement

Adhesive heel grips are not permanent. Over time, the adhesive can dry out, or the pad surface can compress and lose its friction. If you notice the shoe slipping again, check whether the grip has shifted or peeled at the edges. A grip that has lifted at the corner can be pressed back down, but if it is worn or has lost its stick, replace it with a fresh one.

To remove an old grip, peel it off slowly. Any adhesive residue can be rubbed away with a soft cloth and a little rubbing alcohol. Clean the area as you did when installing the original grip, then attach a new one using the same steps. For shoes worn daily, grips may last a few months; for occasional wear, they can last longer. The lifespan depends on the adhesive quality, the lining material, and how much moisture the shoe sees.

If you use insoles or orthotics, note that a thick insole can change the fit inside the shoe and make the heel slip worse if your foot sits higher. Test the grip with the insole in place before you trim or adjust anything. See our removable insole guide for more on how insoles interact with heel fit.

For most people, adhesive heel grips are a simple first fix for heel slip. They are inexpensive, take a few minutes to install, and do not require any tools. If you want a more permanent solution, consider having a cobbler add a leather patch to the heel lining, or look for shoes with a more sculpted heel counter in the first place.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do heel grips work on all shoe materials?

Adhesive heel grips work best on smooth, non-porous linings like leather, synthetic leather, and some fabrics. They may not stick well to very rough or textured linings, or to linings that have been treated with heavy conditioner. Cleaning with alcohol before applying helps adhesion on most materials.

Can I use heel grips on shoes that are too big?

Heel grips can reduce heel slip in shoes that are slightly too wide at the heel, but they do not fix shoes that are too long. If your toes are hitting the front of the shoe, a heel grip may push your foot forward and make that worse. In that case, consider a thinner insole or a shoe insert instead.

How long do adhesive heel grips last?

There is no fixed lifespan; it depends on how often you wear the shoes, how much moisture they are exposed to, and the quality of the grip. Grips that are worn daily may need replacement after a few months, while occasional wear can last much longer. Check the edges for peeling and the surface for flattening.

Can I move a heel grip after it is attached?

You can reposition a grip within the first minute or so after application, before the adhesive has set. After that, peeling it off may stretch the pad and reduce its stick. If you need to move it, remove it slowly and press it down again immediately; if it does not hold, use a new grip.

Will heel grips damage the inside of my shoes?

Most adhesive heel grips leave little or no residue when removed, especially if you peel them slowly. Any leftover adhesive can be wiped away with rubbing alcohol. On very delicate linings, like thin silk or some synthetics, the adhesive may leave a mark, so test in an inconspicuous area first if you are concerned.

What if heel grips do not stop the slipping?

If a heel grip does not stop the slip, the shoe's heel counter may be too flexible or the shoe may be the wrong size. Try a thicker grip, place it lower, or add a second grip higher up. For a permanent fix, consider a shoe with a stiffer heel counter and a more sculpted fit around the ankle.