4 Ways You Can Break In Your Uncomfortable Shoes
We’ve all had our fair share of new uncomfortable shoes. It’s annoying. You want confidently enjoy your new fit. But, you just can’t do it. Your face cringes and you dread even walking a few more inches. Your mind goes to wanting to get a seat and relieve pressure from your feet.
Been there, done that. So, I started researching things to do to avoid walking in uncomfortable shoes until my face meets the ground with a gigantic splat. Plus, I have nobody else to blame but myself since I didn’t even take the time to break them in. That’s all you and I needed to do — break them in.
But, before we list them down, how long can you break in those pairs of uncomfortable shoes?
To avoid the pain, the blisters, and the annoying hobbling that you need to do, you need to break in those shoes. The time it takes usually depends on a couple of factors. Of course, it includes the style, the fit, and your manner of walking. Quality also plays a role.
Generally, a pair takes three to four weeks to break in. But, thankfully, your shoes will start to loosen up faster if you work with them a little more. So, keep this time period in mind and plan ahead if you want to buy a pair of shoes for a particular event… like a wedding or an athletic event.
So, here are four things you can do to break in those uncomfortable shoes:
Walk around.
You literally need to walk around in your own shoes. I mean that both literally and figuratively. You can wear them at home and walk around. Or, if you’re sitting at your desk or bringing those latest online shopping packages, you can slip them on. That way, they can start to mold to the shape of your feet. Allow them to start reshaping to your foot. That way, you can avoid those annoying blisters.
Wearing chunky socks.
If you didn’t think about the time period, wearing chunky socks will be your new best friend. If you don’t have a pair of chunky socks, just wear multiple and several layered pairs. The thick socks create padding between your feet and the tightness of the new uncomfortable shoes. Aside from that, it will also start stretching out the shoes.
Ice it up.
This is a hack I saw on TikTok. This is an option for sneakers, boots, and loafers. I’m not sure if it will work on heels or any other style of shoes. Since this uses ice and water, make sure you try this method with shoes that are water-resistant or waterproof. Do not – and I repeat – do not try this with shoes that are made of suede or leather. Nylon or mesh running shoes are said to work well. But, the ice method usually uses… well, ice (duh). And, as we all know, water expands as it freezes and becomes ice.
All you have to do is get two resealable freezer bags and fill them halfway with water. The bags should remain small enough to fit inside the shoes. However, it should also remain large enough to expand and exert pressure on the shoes. Seal the bags and make sure that air has been removed from the inside of the bag. Place the bag inside the shoes.
Then, you have to grab a larger freezer bag that can fit both of your shoes. Or, a bag that fits each shoe in its own individual bag. This is meant to protect the shoes from any moisture in the freezer. Seal the larger bag and put them into the freezer for about four to five hours. The time will freeze, expand, and hopefully, stretch out the shoes. Unfortunately, I have yet to prove if this works or not.
Heat it up.
This is yet another hack I saw on TikTok that I’m not sure if it works or not. Apparently, this can work on dress shoes, leather pumps, leather boots, and suede flats. All you need is a blow dryer. The reason why I have not tried this method is that I don’t have a blow dryer, lol.
You need to put on a pair of socks and slip on your shoes. Take note of the places where the shoes are tightest on your feet. Turn the blow dryer to the hottest setting. Hold it over the spot where it’s tightest, about eight to ten inches away from the material.
Then, wait for twenty to thirty seconds before moving to the next spot. Work around the shoes and heat the soles, too. Aside from that, you can also return to any sports that still feel restrictive. Once it warmed up the shoes, stand up and walk around the house for about ten to fifteen minutes to make it feel a little less tight around your feet.
Although it can be tempting to just wear your new shoes around the house for an hour and head out the door in them the next day, patience is key — especially when you want to avoid those painful blisters. Take your time, ease into them, and that annoying pain won’t bother you anymore.
