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Glam Monitor

How do you break in a pair of new shoes?

Author

David Perry

Updated on May 16, 2026

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.

What is the easiest way to break in new shoes?

Here's what to do:

  1. Put thick socks on your feet.
  2. Blast one of the shoes all over with a hair dryer for around a minute, until it's warm and soft.
  3. Put the shoe on your foot.
  4. Repeat with the other shoe.
  5. Walk around your house at least until the shoes have cooled - the longer you can keep them on the better.

How long do shoes take to break in?

This is standard practice for high-quality shoes and guarantees your comfort and satisfaction in the long run. The break-in time depends on your choice of style, sole, leather and personal preferences for how you like your shoes to feel, but it will typically be between 3 and 4 weeks.

How do you break in shoes overnight?

If heat doesn't seem to be working, or your shoes aren't made of leather, there's a great way to stretch your shoes overnight. Fill two plastic freezer bags with water and place them in the toe of each shoe. Then stick your shoes in the freezer overnight. The water will freeze and expand to stretch out the toe.

Does it hurt to break in new shoes?

They might feel a bit different at first, but eventually, your new shoes should feel comfortable. If you're developing blisters or feel pain or discomfort, take them back to the store. Most good running stores will give a refund or store credit for shoes that have only been worn a couple of times.

29 related questions found

Are my shoes too small or do I need to break them in?

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 snugly.

How do you wear new shoes without getting blisters?

Wear your shoes with socks that are a little bigger than you normally would use. Try thick cotton socks, and squeeze into the shoes. Don't do any heavy walking, or you'll give yourself blisters. Just keep your feet in the shoe.

How do you soften sore shoes?

7 ways to stretch out your shoes

  1. Wear them in the evening. If your shoes are just a little uncomfortable, try wearing them around the house. ...
  2. Thick socks and a blow dryer. ...
  3. Frozen zip-close bag. ...
  4. The peeled potato trick. ...
  5. Adjustable shoe trees. ...
  6. Shoe stretch sprays and liquids. ...
  7. Find a shoe repair professional.

Are new shoes supposed to be tight?

Don't buy shoes that feel too tight and expect them to stretch to fit. Your heel should fit comfortably in the shoe with a minimum amount of slipping - the shoes should not ride up and down on your heel when you walk. Walk in the shoes to make sure they fit and feel right.

How can I make shoes more comfortable?

10 Easy Ways to Make Shoes More Comfortable

  1. Make Sure You're Wearing the Right Size and Width. ...
  2. Wear Moisture-Wicking Socks. ...
  3. Try Deodorant. ...
  4. Be Mindful About Breaking Them In. ...
  5. Consider Shoe Stretchers. ...
  6. Break Them In with a Blow Dryer. ...
  7. Tape Your Toes. ...
  8. Get Orthotic Inserts.

Do 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 break in shoes to rub your ankle?

When your shoes rub against the back of your heels, they cause friction.

  1. 1 – Wear The Right Socks.
  2. 2 – Insert An Insole.
  3. 3 – Insert An Heel Cup.
  4. 4 – Stick Moleskin To Your Shoes And Heels.
  5. 5 – Reduce The Moisture In Your Shoes.
  6. 6 – Reduce Foot Movement.
  7. 7 – Soften The Heels Of The Shoes.
  8. 8 – Consider Stretching Your Shoes.

How do you fix shoes that hurt behind your ankle?

How To Stop Shoes From Rubbing The Back Of Your Ankle?

  1. Put On Thick Socks.
  2. Use Insoles.
  3. Try Moleskin.
  4. Stretch The Back Of Your Shoes.
  5. Use Duct Tape.
  6. Use Cotton Wool.

Why do my feet hurt with new shoes?

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.

Why do New shoes give you blisters?

New shoes: If you take new shoes out for a long walk or run, you may get a blister as you experience friction in new and different areas. Any shoe can give you a blister in their first few outings, before your feet have grown accustomed to them.

Should my toes touch the end of my shoes?

Your toes should have ample room to spread wide. Your toes shouldn't feel constricted or touch the end of the shoe. Your heel should feel comfortably cupped in the back of the shoe, which ensures that your foot won't slip out from the back of the shoe.

How do you break in shoes with a hair dryer?

All you need is a thick pair of sports socks, the shoes, and a hair dryer. Use the hair dryer to blow warm air into the shoes first, then stuff your feet in the shoe. Blow more hot air onto the shoes, then walk around until the shoes are cold. After they cool down, the shoes will be broken in to in no time!

Does Vaseline stop shoes rubbing?

Always break in your shoes before wearing them outside. Whenever you buy a new pair of shoes, you should always wear them around the house first. Wearing them with thick socks, sometimes two pairs, is a good way to break them in and stretch them out a bit. Use Vaseline on the rubbing hotspots.

Should you have to break in shoes?

“Shoes with rubber soles and fabric uppers will need a minimal 'break in' period, and 90% of the time should feel good to wear immediately,” she says, “whereas leather soles and leather upper shoes are among the stiffest ready-to-wear shoes.” Leather is likely to stretch, so Rajput advises buying a pair of shoes that ...

Is it better for shoes to be tight or loose?

Loose slipping in the heels will not cause blisters when broken in gradually, but wearing shoes that are too small and tight will cause friction and then blister. It is much more important to give your forefoot lots of room.

Should you be able to fit a finger in your shoe?

To check proper fit around your heel, place your index finger behind the shoe's heel and your heel. You should be able to slide your finger between them with little force. If your finger cannot fit, the shoes are too tight. If your finger has too much room, the shoes are too large.

Can you stretch shoes half a size?

In general, stretching your shoes can add a quarter- to a half-size in space, David Mesquita, owner of The Leather Spa, a leather repair boutique in New York City, tells SELF.