So you have bought your new amazing shoes but every time you try them on it hurts? There are various ways to avoid getting painful blisters on your feet and feeling desperate about your recent purchase. Follow our tips on how to break in shoes and you will want to wear them forever!
1. Make sure you have the right size
Do you feel like the shoes sit too tight? You might have gotten a wrong size. To find out if this is your case, try to stick a finger between your heel and the shoe heel. There should be around one finger width’s space. Do not forget that if you stand up, the weight of your body flattens the foot, so make sure you still have enough space in the shoe for it. Generally, it is the best idea to try this and walking a few laps at home, in case you need to return the shoes later.
2. Take it slowly
Do you ask how long it takes to break in shoes? It is a process, which can take up to four weeks. Slowly introducing your shoes to your feet is a good idea. Strive to wear the new shoes often, however only for short periods in case that you would get blisters. No one wants to be on a long walk at the other end of the city when the blisters start to form. Unless you want to be carrying another pair of shoes with you.
DRESS BOOTS
3. Try rotating your footwear
Of course, we get that you are excited about your new footwear, but please be careful. Swap the new shoes for some of your older pairs that fit you well, so you prevent any feet pain or blisters. By giving your feet a break, they can heal, relax, and be ready for the next round of breaking in your shoes when the time comes.
4. Try thicker socks
Try wearing a very thick or fluffy pair of socks and then put on your new shoes. The socks will prevent blisters from forming and your shoes will start stretching if you walk in them. There are some softening foams on the market that you could try, too, but be very careful with leather shoes to not to damage them.
DRESS SHOES
5. Lace them up properly
If you are aiming to break in any type of shoes with laces, lace them up properly before trying anything. The shoes need to start forming around your feet in the way that they will be actually worn.
Usually, it is easier to break in your suede leather shoes because of its soft leather structure. Our loafers are especially comfortable and do not need a long time to adjust to your feet.
DISCOVER LOAFERS
Beware of some common advice to freeze or heat your shoes to stretch them easily. Leather is a natural material and it can certainly be damaged in this way. On the other hand, high quality leather is sturdy and needs some break in time but once it is formed to your feet, it becomes very comfortable. These shoes might then go on to become your favorite pair easily.
But, what if that is not enough?
What else can I do to break in Shoes?
1. If the shoes pinch, then the safest way is definitely to go to a cobbler. A specialist can always best assess how and where the shoe should be widened. Here, the right tools are used directly, which minimizes the risk of damaging the material. A shoe stretching by the cobbler costs very little.
Second, something which seems to be forgotten, but it's still valid:
2. A shoe stretcher is a worthwhile purchase if you are often confronted with the problem of too tight shoes. Depending on the model, individual areas of the shoe can be specifically widened. This is done by attachments that are placed, for example, at the position of the little toe and provide a selective stretch in this area.
Basically, a shoe stretcher can build up tension in two directions. Similar to a shoe tree, the shoe can first be stretched in length. Through an additional screw thread, the aid can also be fanned out in width. In this way, lateral pressure points can also be widened well. Once the shoe stretcher has been fixed in the shoe, it should remain there overnight so that an effect can be achieved.
Third the oldest trick in the world:
3. Shoes can also be widened with the help of the heat of a hair dryer:
Put on one or two very thick socks and then slip into the shoe that is too tight.
Gently heat the shoe with a hairdryer in the areas that pinch. The material should never get too hot.
Now move the foot back and forth to put pressure on the tight areas. This process can be further supported by gently stretching and bending with the hands.
Hopefully, these pieces of advice will help you with your process to break in shoes. It is time to design your custom dress shoes at Hockerty.
Salva Jovells Joining Hockerty in 2015, Salva Jovells has been blending his marketing skills with a love for fashion. His journey is more than a job; it's about understanding style and sharing it through his writing.In his articles, Salva goes beyond trends, offering a practical approach to personal style. He brings his firsthand fashion experiences from Hockerty to you, making style both accessible and exciting.Salva's goal is simple: to share knowledge and light up the path of fashion for all. His writings invite you into the world of fashion, making each piece relatable and real.Explore fashion with Salva at Hockerty, where his insights weave into the fabric of everyday style.
FAQs
Breaking in can take anywhere between several days to a couple of weeks of regular wear, depending on the shoe material. To protect your feet and expedite the shoe break-in process, try heating up your shoes with a blow dryer, putting them on ice, massaging the shoes, and using gel pads or cushion inserts.
How do you break in shoes fast? ›
Heat can be an effective way to break in new shoes. One method is to use a hairdryer to warm up the shoes. Put on a pair of socks and then put on the shoes. Use the hairdryer to blow hot air on the tight areas of the shoe for a few minutes, until the shoes are warmed up and flexible.
How long do shoes take to break in? ›
Although you might be looking for a quick fix, breaking in shoes does have a few steps. Depending on the type of shoe style, material and how often you wear them, shoes can take between 3 and four weeks to loosen up and feel like you've found your groove.
How do I stop my new shoes from hurting? ›
6 Ways to Break in New Shoes Without the Blisters
- Wear Them for Short Periods.
- Moisturize Your Skin.
- Stick Them in the Freezer.
- Blow Dry New Shoes.
- Switch Between New and Old Shoes.
- Wear Anti-Blister Socks.
- Choose Wrightsock for Blister-Free Socks.
While some discomfort during the initial break-in period is normal as the shoes adjust to your feet, persistent or severe pain in the arches should not be ignored. Here are some considerations: Improper Fit: If the shoes are too tight or too loose, they can cause pressure points and discomfort in the arch area.
How do you soften new shoes overnight? ›
Warm up your shoes with a hairdryer and walk around in them to help the material stretch and bend easier. Put resealable bags of water inside of your shoes and stick them in the freezer overnight so the ice stretches them out.
How to break in shoes in 2 days? ›
Day One: Wear your new shoes for 30 minutes inside, walking around in the afternoon or evening when your feet are the most swollen. Day Two: Wear your shoes for 60 minutes inside and outside. If your shoes are particularly tight—especially dress shoes—you can wear thick hiking socks to stretch them out further.
Can you break in shoes by just wearing them? ›
Break shoes or boots in slowly
It's the simplest and easiest way to help with the breaking in process. Whether it's a casual pair of trainers or some gorgeously glam heels, wearing them around the house with will gradually soften the shoes up, until they comfortably conform to the shape of your feet.
Why does breaking in shoes hurt so bad? ›
It's common for feet to feel uncomfortable or even hurt when breaking in new shoes. Shoes that are too tight or have hard edges can cause friction, pressure, or blisters on your feet. However, it's important to make sure that the shoes you are breaking in fit properly and don't cause excessive pain or injury.
How can I stretch my shoes overnight? ›
Fill a plastic bag with water and place it into the inside of your shoe. Put the shoe in the freezer overnight and leave for around six to eight hours. The water will turn into ice and expand to stretch out your shoe.
Breaking in Heavy Shoes – Do's and Donts
Spend time bending the shoes by hand, especially around the arch. Bend the shoe at the arch and use a rubber band to hold the shape, leave them overnight. Use a SMALL amount of Vaseline to soften the inside of the shoe if necessary.
Will tight shoes loosen up? ›
Shoes will typically stretch all on their own as you wear them. Leather shoes, whether it be men's dress shoes or women's heels, will fit over time. But if they are too tight and uncomfortable to wear in, try some of these easy hacks to stretch your shoes up to half a size or so to accommodate your feet.
How do you soften sore shoes? ›
Put thick socks on your feet. Blast one of the shoes all over with a hair dryer for around a minute, until it's warm and soft. Put the shoe on your foot.
How tight should a new shoe feel? ›
Generally speaking, there should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly.
How long until new shoes feel comfortable? ›
How long it will take depends on the wearer, the shoes, how often you wear them and how diligent you are about the breaking-in process. (2) That said, you can expect it to take anywhere from a couple weeks to a month—so keep that timeframe in mind if you're planning to break in running shoes before a marathon.
How to break in shoes in a week? ›
Wear them around the house: Start by wearing your tennis shoes around the house for a few hours each day. This will help to loosen up the shoes and allow your feet to adjust to the fit. Short walks: Once you feel comfortable in your shoes, take short walks around the block or around your neighborhood.
Does water help break in shoes? ›
But if that feels a little too gung-ho, you could also soak them, a slightly trickier—but highly effective—way to break them in. Plop your kicks in water for a few minutes until they've absorbed the H20. Then take them out, pat them down with a clean towel, stuff them with shoe trees, and allow them to air dry.
Why do shoes hurt when breaking in? ›
The new shoes feel tight around the toes, they rub at the heel, and they pinch with every step. They felt great at the store. What happened? It's the dreaded break-in period, when a new shoe rubs against tender feet, causing blisters and abrasions, until shoe and foot find a way to conform to each other in harmony.
