Shopping for a new pair of shoes is thrilling as always, but there are always challenges especially when breaking in them. 

Irrespective of whether they are leather loafers, running sneakers, or hiking boots, all shoes require time and effort to fit you perfectly. 

For this reason, it is important to learn how to break into new shoes not only effectively but also without blisters. 

This guide will cover it all, from if you can break in new shoes, to tips and tricks on how to break in them. We will also go through how to break in different types of shoes so you know the exact method of how to do it for your pair. Does that sound exciting? Scroll down to read more!

Is Breaking in Shoes a Myth?

A crucial aspect of maintaining long-term comfort and avoiding pain or injury is the wearing of new shoes. 

With their first use, shoes normally feel hard and may cause blisters or pain since they lack a unique adaptation to their user’s feet. 

Whether you're wearing dress shoes, running shoes, or hiking boots, learning how to break in new shoes is key. This enhances comfort and ensures good fitting that prevents problems such as corns, fatigue of feet, or even damage to one’s feet in the long run. 

Breaking in new shoes properly makes them more comfortable and enjoyable for years to come.

6 Tips on How To Break in New Shoes

One must break in new shoes by wearing them to avoid discomfort and blisters. All it takes is patience and even the stiffest, tightest pair of boots can turn out perfect if they are affectionately worn daily. 

1. Start by Wearing Them Around the House

The best way to begin breaking in shoes is to start small. Wear your new shoes at home for short periods. This way the material will slowly adjust to your feet. 

During the initial stages wear them for 20 minutes and continue increasing the duration until they feel more comfortable. This technique works well, especially on hard materials like leather that may take longer time to soften.

2. Use Thick Socks

You can use thick socks to help expand shoes like loafers, leather boots, or even hiking boots. This is particularly useful when you’re learning how to break in loafers or leather shoes that are stiff at first. These socks provide additional padding on top of everything else protecting your feet from getting blisters by just slightly stretching the shoe. Even when breaking in running shoes, this trick can help by adding more cushioning material.

3. Apply Moleskin to Hotspots

You could avoid blisters by placing blister pads or moleskin where your shoes usually blister your feet. This will protect your skin from abrasions while you are still learning how to break in new shoes. Just get it from the nearest CVS pharmacy or any other drug store.

4. Keep the Laces Tight

It may be quite tempting to leave the laces loose to give a little more room while breaking in running shoes. However, tying them tight will help speed up the process. This way, the material will be encouraged to take on the shape of your feet thus allowing them to fit better with time. This is particularly helpful to trainers and hikers because their efficiency is greatly determined by how well they fit into these shoes.

5. Try Different Surfaces and Short Walks

Walking on different surfaces such as carpet, wood floors, and concrete will help break in shoes more effectively. Try short walks in your home or outside and then increase the time they are worn bit by bit. This technique works best for breaking in hiking shoes and also breaking in climbing shoes, more effectively. This is because different terrains allow the shoes to move while adjusting better to your feet. 

6. Use a Shoe Stretcher or Freezing Method

To break in new shoes, use a shoe stretcher in the areas that need expanding. This is a great tip when learning how to break in new dress shoes or any shoes made of leather. Alternatively, putting your shoes in a refrigerator can be helpful. Fill a plastic bag with water, seal it tightly, and squeeze the inside of a shoe before placing it in the freezer overnight so that the ice formed by the cold will expand creating a gentle stretching effect.

How to Break in Different Types of Shoes

The process of breaking in shoes is not just a thing for comfort, but it involves making sure they perform to their best and last longer. Different types of shoes require different techniques hence mastering how to break in new shoes will ensure they fit perfectly and serve you well.

• Leathers Loafers: They usually take a long time but it is always worth the struggle because they last longer when done properly. You should wear them together with thick socks as well as a leather conditioner so that somehow the material gets softened on your legs. You can also use a shoe stretcher, especially for tight areas, which is useful when you’re figuring out how to break in new shoes.
• Runners: Breaking in running shoes requires more consistent usage for a longer period. You could either use them just when walking around or during short exercises. Consequently, mind about any pressure points where it hurts and apply pads that prevent blisters.
• Hiking Shoes: For breaking in hiking shoes, alternate between different terrains. Take turns wearing them on different types of terrain. It is important to wear them with hiking socks and consider applying a waterproofing spray before you go for long hikes.
• Climbing Shoes: These tend to be tight for performance reasons, but breaking in climbing shoes should be done cautiously. Wear them indoors first, and build gradually toward longer climbs.

Wrapping Up!

Breaking into new shoes may take some time but it is worth the effort. Because when they do fit, they provide lasting comfort and performance. Whether you are preparing for a long-distance race, tackling a tough hike, or simply want your casual shoes to fit well, follow these tips. They will help you break into your shoes without hurting your feet. Remember, patience pays off.

If you want stylish, quality footwear that is also comfortable, check out Barismil’s latest designs. Our shoes are made to suit both comfort and performance such that they can be worn confidently on day one. 

FAQs: All Your Questions on How to Clean Leather Sneakers

How long do shoes take to break in?

In general, it will take you between three and four weeks before your new shoe can be broken in. It depends on the material of the shoe as well as the frequency of your wear. When compared with running shoes or canvas ones, leather ones usually take quite some time.

Do new shoes need breaking in?

Yes, it is important to break in new shoes because they can be quite too tight making it uncomfortable for you to walk for a longer time. For this reason, try wearing them as much as possible to break them and fit your feet right.

How do you break hiking shoes fast?

To break in hiking shoes fast, walk them on different terrains and surfaces, and wear them with thick hiking socks. To get a proper fit, you should hike longer distances regularly.

Do hiking shoes loosen?

Hiking shoes may become loose because they become flexible and conform to the shape of the foot with regular use, resulting in comfort.

Do new running shoes hurt at first?

Yes, they will feel stiff or tight at first, but as you wear them, the discomfort may subside. Generally, short walks are good for beginners when trying to get used to them as they allow the feet to fit them well.