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PhrasesAt the Shoe ShopMi fanno male al tallone.
B1

Mi fanno male al tallone.

They're hurting my heel.

Pronunciation

'Tallone' — 'tal-LO-ne'. Three syllables, stress on second. Don't confuse with 'tallone d'Achille'.

When to use it

When new shoes rub at the heel — a common problem with leather shoes. Important to flag early rather than buying shoes that will cause blisters.

What it means

'Fare male' = to hurt. 'Mi fanno male' = they hurt me. 'Al tallone' = at the heel. Body part vocabulary: 'tallone' (heel), 'dita' (toes), 'arco plantare' (arch), 'malleolo' (ankle bone).

Variations

Sfregano sul tallone.

They rub on the heel.

'Sfregarsi' = to rub — describing the friction problem

Fanno male qui dietro.

They hurt here at the back.

Pointing to show exactly where

Hanno bisogno di essere rompiste?

Do they need breaking in?

Asking if the pain is normal for new shoes that need wearing in

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Mi fanno male al tallone queste. Commessa: È normale con la pelle nuova — serve qualche giorno per romperle. Posso darle un paio di cerotti? Cliente: Sì, grazie. Ma stringe anche sul lato. Commessa: Allora questo numero è troppo stretto. Proviamo il quarantadue.

Customer: They're hurting my heel. Assistant: That's normal with new leather — it takes a few days to break them in. Can I give you a couple of plasters? Customer: Yes, thank you. But they also pinch on the side. Assistant: Then this size is too tight. Let's try the forty-two.

Cultural Note

Breaking in leather shoes ('rompere le scarpe') is a genuine concept in Italian shoe culture. Quality Italian leather will mould to your foot over time. Thin socks or anti-blister strips help during this process.