That exhilarating new shoe feeling can quickly turn painful after an hour or two of wear.
But don’t give up on those kicks just yet! You can turn even the stiffest pair of shoes into your new favorites with some intelligent break-in techniques.
Whether your shoes are leather loafers, suede boots, or mesh running sneakers, follow these pro tips to break them in before they break you.
Apply a leather conditioner to soften up leather and suede.
Stretch tight spots by wearing the shoes with thick socks and using a shoe stretcher or shoe tree when not wearing them. Use moleskin, bandages, or gel pads to prevent blisters on pressure points. Take short walks to ease the shoes into shape gradually.
Stuff toes with socks or paper to reduce creasing. Alternate between different pairs of shoes to give each time to rest between wears.
There are a lot of factors that come into the picture when it comes to that fresh new pair of footwear. So, finding the best fit is critical when looking for comfortable shoes.
Of course, you always want to ensure you choose the correct size and width for your foot. This vial factor alone is just the beginning. So, consider the following tips as well.
Understand The Different Shoe Materials
The ease of breaking in shoes depends on the material. Natural materials like leather, suede, and canvas tend to soften and mold your feet with wear.
Inorganic materials like plastic and rubber are less flexible. Leather shoes can be stretched and softened using leather conditioners and shoe stretchers.
Suede responds well to careful stretching and wearing with thick socks.
Canvas loosens up quickly as the fibers relax. Materials like plastic, vinyl, and rubber may not give much at all. Consider the makeup of your new shoes when deciding how much effort breaking them in will require.
Some will shape to your feet with minimal work, while others may remain stiff and unforgiving.
Avoid Getting Blisters With New Shoes
Breaking into new shoes can also bring along the chance of blisters forming on your feet. But this can easily be avoided if you consider the following:
Consider Investing In Insoles
Cush your feet comfortably with supportive insoles that absorb shock and reduce strain. As you break in stiff new shoes, insoles can prevent pain and blisters by alleviating pressure on sensitive spots.
In a way, insoles are like invisible socks that benefit you in more ways than one.
They provide extra padding to protect your feet, while also helping improve the fit and function of your shoes. The right insoles can make even the most rigid pair feel soft and comfortable.
Wear Proper Socks
Smart sock choices can save your heels and ankles from blisters as you break into new shoes. Target friction zones with socks designed to prevent rubbing and raw skin.
Opt for snug-fitting socks in moisture-wicking fabrics to keep feet cool and dry. Ankle and no-show styles focus cushioning around the Achilles and ankles, while mid-calf socks protect more area.
With the right socks shielding hot spots, your feet can tackle even the toughest shoe break-in process blister-free.
Try Using Petroleum Jelly
Borrow a tip from dermatologists and lightly coat them with petroleum jelly to spare your toes from blisters when breaking in snug sandals or heels.
Just a thin layer of this anti-friction balm on toes and other potential hot spots helps prevent painful blister friction.
The petroleum jelly forms a smooth protective barrier between your skin and the inside of the shoe, allowing your feet to glide instead of chafe. It helps reduce inflammation and traps moisture too.
Final Thoughts
Armed with these pro tips, you can now break in shoes like a pro too!
Conditioning leather, strategically stretching, padding blister zones, and easing into wear time will have even the stiffest shoes conforming to your feet in no time.
But if you meet a truly stubborn pair refusing to break in gracefully, don’t give up hope.
With the right tricks and a little patience, you’ll be strutting around stylishly in your new kicks in total foot bliss. So kickstart the break-in and show those shoes who’s boss!