Uncomfortable shoes can make you miserable, irritable and can even cause long-term damage to your feet. Buying quality shoes is your best bet for shoes that are comfortable for the life of the shoe. However, every shoe may need a bit of adjusting after purchase for optimal comfort. Slight stretching and padding can be easily performed at home, while a trained shoe repair specialist should handle more advanced heel, leather or other shoe repairs.

If you have shoes that are causing blisters, irritations or rubbing your feet, purchase cushions to attach to your shoes. Cushions are available for your ankles, heels, the ball of your foot and even your toes. Take a look in your local pharmacy and shoe store for a selection of cushion options.

For shoes with little cushioning under your feet, purchase full-length cushion insoles. Insoles come in different materials and prices, so experiment with different varieties to see which ones work best for you.

If your shoes are too tight, stretch your shoes through the following methods:

1. Put a pen, pencil or ruler inside the shoe from toe to heel to stretch length-wise
2. Put a short pencil from side to side in your shoe to widen the shoe
3. Pull or stretch areas of the shoe that are too tight
4. Soak your non-leather or suede shoes in water, then stretch them and let them air dry.
5. Wear your shoes with extra socks for a few days

If your shoes are too loose, shrink your shoes through these methods:

1. Purchase insoles to help take up slack. Consider full or half insoles.
2. Wash your non-leather or suede shoes on the warm cycle, or place them in the dryer.
3. To tighten shoes around your ankles, adjust your laces so they go from the outside-in on the top hole.
4. Put cotton in the toes of your shoes

Take your shoes to a professional shoe repair shop. They have many options for permanently fixing uncomfortable shoes including:

1. Replacing the Heel or Bottom of the Shoe
2. Installing cushions
3. Installing a new shoe lining
4. Stretching shoes on a shoe stretching machine

If you experience discomfort with many of your shoes, look into orthopedic insoles that are custom designed for your foot. For many individuals, foot problems including flat feet, fallen arches or even twisting feet can make it very difficult to find comfortable shoes. Custom insoles can help align your feet, provide support and can make all your shoes more comfortable. For best results, obtain a referral from an orthopedist or podiatrist.