Breaking in new shoes can be a real pain, especially if you want to wear them out on a special occasion. Sometimes they are so tight that they cause blisters, or the toe box is so stiff that it’s impossible to walk in them.
Whether it’s leather shoes, leather boots, dress shoes, or similar – if you break shoes in the right way you can help avoid sore feet and be on your way to comfortable shoes in no time.
In this article, we’ll cover how to break in a new shoe quickly and easily, so you can avoid sore feet or even a bad feeling that you may have picked the wrong shoes!
Steps On How To Break In Shoes The Right Way
To break in shoes the right way, follow these five steps:
Choose The Right Shoe.
It’s always a bit of a gamble to buy shoes online. You can never be quite sure if they’re going to fit right, or if you’re going to like how they look and feel on your feet. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help ensure that you’ll be happy with your purchase. First, it’s important to know your shoe size. If you’re unsure, measure your foot by tracing it on a piece of paper and then compare the dimensions to a size chart.
Once you’ve found the right size, it’s time to think about how the shoe will be used. Are you looking for a running shoe or a casual sneaker? Will you be doing any hiking or other outdoor activities? Each type of shoe is designed for specific activities, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Please make sure the shoe is comfortable and fits well before you even start breaking it in.

Wear Them Around The House.
Once you have the shoes, wear them around your house to get used to how they feel. This will also help to loosen up the fabric and materials.
It’s important to break in shoes steadily, especially if they’re made of stiff leather. Otherwise, you risk damaging the shoes or developing blisters. Start by wearing the shoes for short periods of time around the house. This will help to stretch them out and make them more comfortable. The practice also loosens up the fabric and materials.
Use A Shoehorn.
A shoehorn can both help break in shoes and prevent blisters. Put on the shoe and use the shoehorn to stretch out that area of the shoe. You can also use the shoehorn to help prevent blisters by keeping the back of your heel from slipping when you put on your shoes. Ensure the shoehorn is between your heel and the back of the shoe, and then slide your foot into the shoe. The shoehorn will help to slide your foot into the shoe without causing friction and blistering.
Stretch Them Out With Your Hands
When you first get a new pair of shoes, they may feel stiff and uncomfortable. This is because the shoes haven’t been broken in yet. To help break in your shoes, stretch them out with your hands. Start by holding the shoe in one hand and pulling on the toe with the other hand. Then, hold the shoe at the heel and push down on the toe to stretch out the leather.
Break Them In Gradually.
How you break in your shoes can make a big difference in how comfortable they are to wear. Ideally, you want to avoid any discomfort or blisters when breaking in a new pair of shoes. The best way to do this is to break them in gradually. Start off by putting them on for brief intervals, such as while you’re just around the home or running a small errand. Then, gradually increase the amount of time you wear them each day. If at any point you start to feel discomfort, take a break from wearing the shoes and give your feet a chance to recover.
Switch Up Your Footwear
You can also help to break them in by using a shoe stretch spray or breaking them down with a shoe stretcher. In addition, it’s important to rotate your shoes on a regular basis. This will help to evenly distribute wear and tear and extend the life of your footwear. So, next time you’re reaching for your favorite pair of shoes, consider switching things up and giving your feet a break.
Be Patient
Breaking in new shoes takes time, so don’t get frustrated if they’re not perfect right away. With a little patience and effort, you’ll be able to break them in and enjoy wearing them for years to come!
By following these five steps, breaking in new shoes will be quick and easy! Choose the right shoe, wear them around the house, use a shoehorn, break them in gradually, and be patient for the best results.
Use a shoe stretcher
If the basic steps above just aren’t doing it, another thing to try is a shoe stretcher or shoe shaper. There are multiple styles of shoe stretchers but basically it’s an adjustable device that fits inside your shoe when you aren’t wearing it to help the shoe achieve and maintain the shape that you are aiming for. Not everyone wants to deal with these but serious shoe lovers tend to have multiple pairs of these. Feel free to check out some of our other articles on this to learn more about this type of product.
Importance Of Breaking In Shoes
Loosens Up The Fabric
Breaking in shoes is an important process that should not be overlooked. While it may seem like a waste of time, breaking in shoes helps to loosen up the fabric, mold them to the shape of your feet, and provides extra support and cushioning. The process can be time-consuming, but it’s worth it to have a comfortable and properly fitting pair of shoes.

Reduces Risk Of Developing Blisters
It is important to break in shoes before going on long walks or runs. This is because doing so reduces the risk of developing blisters. Blisters form when there is friction between the shoe and the foot. When a shoe is new, the material is stiff and inflexible. As a result, it is more likely to rub against the foot, creating friction. However, when a shoe is broken in, the material is more pliable and less likely to cause friction. In addition, broken-in shoes conform to the shape of the foot, making it less likely that they will slip and create additional friction. As a result, breaking in shoes significantly reduces the risk of developing blisters.
Ensures A Comfortable Fit
Another important reason to break in shoes is to ensure a comfortable fit. When shoes are new, they tend to be stiff and tight. This can cause discomfort, particularly if the shoes are made of stiff leather. However, breaking in shoes helps to stretch them out and make them more comfortable. The process also loosens up the fabric and materials. As a result, breaking in shoes is essential for ensuring a comfortable fit.
Increases Support And Cushioning
Breaking in shoes also increases support and cushioning. This is because the process molds the shoe to the shape of your foot, providing extra support where it is needed most. In addition, breaking in shoes helps to compress the materials used to make them, such as foam or padding. As a result, the shoes become more comfortable and provide extra support and cushioning.
Improves Overall Durability
Finally, breaking in shoes also improves overall durability. This is because the process helps to mold the shape of the shoe and make it more resistant to wear and tear. In addition, breaking in shoes helps to compress the materials used to make them. As a result, they are less likely to break down over time. Therefore, breaking in shoes is an important process that should not be overlooked, as it can significantly improve the overall durability of the shoes.
FAQS About How To Break In Shoes
How Long Does It Take To Break In New Shoes?
It typically takes around two weeks to break in new shoes. However, this can vary depending on the type of shoe and how often you wear them. Some people can put on a new pair of shoes and walk all day without having any problems. Others may have to take a more gradual approach, wearing the shoes for a few hours each day and gradually increasing the amount of time they spend in them. Breaking in new shoes usually isn’t too difficult, but it can take some time and patience.

How Can I Tell If My Shoes Are Broken In?
There are several tell-tale signs that your shoes are broken in. First, the upper part of the shoe will be significantly more comfortable than when you first purchased them – this is because the leather or fabric will have softened and molded to your foot shape. Second, you should feel like the shoe has a good level of support and doesn’t slip around on your foot – this means that the insole has also molded to your foot and provides adequate arch support.
Finally, the sole of the shoe will be less stiff and provide better cushioning – this is because the materials have compressed slightly over time. If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s a good indication that your shoes are broken in and ready to be worn for long periods of time. However, if you’re still not sure, it’s always best to consult with a professional to get their opinion.
What Can I Do If My Shoes Still Don’t Fit Properly?
If your shoes still don’t fit properly after following all the steps above, then you may need to get them professionally fitted. This is because some shoes are just not meant for certain foot shapes. However, a professional fitter will be able to assess your feet and find a pair of shoes that fits well and provides support and comfort. They will also be able to advise you on how to break in the shoes so that they mold to your feet and provide the best possible fit.
What Happens If I Don’t Break In My New Shoes?
Failing to break in new shoes before wearing them for an extended period of time can cause a number of problems. For one, it can lead to discomfort, as the shoes will mold to your feet unnaturally. This can cause blisters and calluses, as well as general pain and soreness. Additionally, not breaking in new shoes can shorten their lifespan, as the material will not stretch and adapt as it is supposed to. The end result is a pair of shoes that are uncomfortable to wear and won’t last as long as they should. So next time you buy a new pair of shoes, take the time to break them in properly – your feet will thank you for it.
How Do I Break In Running Trainers?
Breaking in new running shoes can be both a necessary and challenging task for runners. On one hand, you want to make sure the shoes are comfortable and fit well before committing to using them for long-distance running. On the other hand, you don’t want to ruin the shoes by not breaking them in properly.
You can also try wearing the shoes while running short distances. Start with a mile or two and slowly increase the distance as your shoes begin to feel more comfortable. By following these steps, you’ll be able to break in your new running shoes in no time.
Final Thoughts On How To Break In Shoes
Breaking in shoes is an important process that should not be overlooked. Not only does it improve the overall comfort of the shoes, but it also increases their durability. If you’re unsure of how to break in your shoes, there are plenty of resources available online, or you can consult with a professional. However, the most important thing is to take your time and be patient – after all, a good pair of shoes is worth the effort. Thanks for reading! I hope this article was helpful.