Use the tips below to break in a new pair of shoes – without all the blisters and pain.
For a lot of women on a fitness journey, whether we’re gaining or losing weight, shoes are a go-to item when we want to treat ourselves.
Unlike the scale, your shoe size is (mainly) unchanging, so shoes always seem to just fit.
A new pair of ballet flats or even a simple sneaker can certainly infuse life into your wardrobe.
But, I think we have all been there, done that when it comes to the pain and blisters a brand new pair of shoes can bring.
Almost every new pair of shoes needs to be broken in before they can be worn comfortably.
However, the first rule of thumb for comfortable feet should be to ALWAYS start with a pair that is your true fit.
Since sizing can vary from one manufacturer to another, always trust your own comfort level.
A pair of shoes that are too small or too big will always create blisters and unhappy soles.
Trust me, I know ;)
Me + a pair of Converse 1/2 size too large = an unpleasant day trip in Washington, DC!
Luckily, I’ve since learned my lesson and have picked up a few tricks along the way to break in shoes comfortably.
Here are a few ways to keep your feet happy while you break in new shoes:
1. CELLO TAPE
Most people don’t know you can actually use cello tape to prevent rubbing and blisters.
Just apply small patches of the clear tape over any areas of your foot that you think will blister for a smoother getting-to-know-you phase.
2. MOLESKIN
I have a few pairs of heels that I never wear without my moleskin! I’m looking at you, Mr. Louboutin!
Moleskin really works wonders to prevent blistering and like cello tape, you can easily apply it to any areas of the foot that may rub and blister.
For me, this is usually the tops of my toes. This pack of Dr. Scholls moleskins are my absolute favorite.
If you find moleskin doesn’t stick well to your feet and comes off, don’t worry, there’s another way to use it!
Simply apply the moleskin to the INSIDE of your shoe (in the same spots that cause blistering) rather than your foot.
This is a really easy way to reap the benefits of using moleskin and it’ll be sure to stay put this way!
3. THICK SOCKS
Pull out your thickest, coziest pair of winter socks and wear them WITH the shoes you’d like to stretch.
Take a stroll in them around your living room (it will be a bit awkward!) and allow the bulkiness of your socks to slowly stretch the shoe material.
4. APPLY HEAT
While wearing the same thick pair of socks and shoes you’d like to stretch, apply some heat from a hairdryer.
Take a few minutes to apply direct heat all over the shoe, far away enough that you’re not burning your foot.
This process should help stretch out the shoe for a more comfortable fit.
Note: this works best with leather shoes!
5. LIP BALM
Yup, plain ol’ lip balm.
In fact, applying either lip balm OR a deodorant stick on the back and sides of your feet acts as a barrier between your skin and the shoe.
This extra layer helps to prevent friction and rubbing, which leads to blisters. So many women swear by this trick when wearing a new pair of shoes.
6. RUBBING ALCOHOL
Using rubbing alcohol can stretch your shoes for a comfortable fit and it’s great on leather.
A reader named Jill shared with me how she uses it:
“I use rubbing alcohol to help break in my booties/shoes. I fill a small spray bottle with the alcohol & spray it on the inside upper part & heel area (and other parts that feel tight) then put on my shoes. I can immediately feel the difference in the fit. And the alcohol does not dry out or damage leather.”
7. TIME OF DAY
Something to keep in mind: the time of day matters when it comes to using any of these methods to breaking in your shoes.
Always begin the breaking in process in the afternoon or at the end of the day when your feet are the most swollen.
Doing this will allow the shoe to stretch to your appropriate foot size.
What are your favorite ways to break in shoes? Comment below!
I use shoe stretchers
My grandmother always wore her new shoes around her house inside of plastic bags – that way, if they didn’t stretch (don’t think she ever used any of your tips) or weren’t comfortable, she could easily return them, as the sole wasn’t scuffed!
I put my leather shoes on the freezer for 10-15 mins. Then wear thick socks and walk around for a bit, it works perfect.
Marietta, love this tip!
I use a deodorant stick. Like the lip balm idea, it acts as a barrier between your skin and the shoe. Works a treat, has multiple uses and affordable. What more could you ask for?
Rubbing coconut oil also helps keeping it soft n helping to break in your new shoes
My nieces wear cotton socks and new heels around the house. Similar to the hair dryer trick.
I have seen on Pinterest, put a 2/3 full zip lock bag of water in the toes of the shoes and freeze
overnight. Worked for me.
About the moleskin, I found it actually works better for me to stick it to the inside of my shoe, rather than to my foot. It always comes off when I put it on my foot. It stays put in the shoe!
Some great ideas there, thank you! The best trick I ever learned was using lip balm. Now, every time I wear new (or rarely used) shoes, I carry a dedicated stick of lip balm especially for my feet. Works like a charm! I blogged about it, if you fancy swinging by: http://suzy-homemaker.co.uk/blog/my-world/my-ramblings/entry/how-to-stop-shoes-from-hurting-your-feet.html Enjoy pain-free shoes, ladies :-)
I just lost a toenail for wearing new shoes. Weird.
Will try the tape trick
I swear by Vaseline or Lipsyl – I carry one with me any time I’m wearing potentially hurty shoes! If you fancy dropping by for a read, I wrote a blog post about it earlier this year ;-) http://suzy-homemaker.co.uk/blog/entry/how-to-stop-shoes-from-hurting-your-feet.html
There is a new product out called SKIN SLICK! Amazing silicone spray that fits in your purse or backpack. Prevent blistering, hotspots and also skin chafing Spraying on your inner thighs, under arms or bra area, you will not have sticky rubbing skin! No more spanx or bike shorts under dresses during the summer! Lasts all day and is only removed with soap and water.
Jenna, thanks so much for the suggestion! That sounds amazing.
Try stuffing your shoes tight with damp newspaper overnight. It will help stretch and loosen leather shoes.
Unfortunately, moleskin does not stay on my heels/other areas of my feet. I use rubbing alcohol to help break in my booties/shoes. I fill a small spray bottle with the alcohol & spray it on the inside upper part & heel area (and other parts that feel tight) then put on my shoes. I can immediately feel the difference in the fit. And the alcohol does not dry out or damage leather.
I’ve heard of rubbing alcohol working! That’s a really good idea. I’m glad it works for you! Will update post with your suggestion.
Does the alcohol work on any type of shoe or just leather shoes. I’m going to try this.
And the shoes…. I LOVE!!!!!
Such a GREAT idea!!!!
The first picture is titled “Duct Tape” but the picture and description suggest packing tape. VERY different products.
You are right!! Cant believe I didnt catch the error. Editing now. Thank you!