We all get to buy new shoes every now and then and the excitement is always like it’s the very first time. There was the window shopping trying to identify a pair of shoes that we like, then saving up for the shoe and finally going to the store and trying out the new shoe. If it fits, then we go ahead and buy it. Unfortunately sometimes the shoe that we love so much and have saved up for so long for, is at first stiff and does not fit as well as it should. The toes squeeze, the foot is closely hugged and we walk funny at first. Until the shoe stretches out and finally conforms to our feet do we finally sigh with relief.

Some of the few things one could do so the new shoe fits well is to wear it at home when seated on the sofa and don’t have to walk around. This helps to stretch the shoe especially at the points that squeeze or pinch and will make the experience a little more bearable when next we need to walk. Let the shoes sit in the sun for a while. Since the shoe is still brand new and straight from the store, it is still stiff. The sun’s warm rays will relax the shoe and allow it to be a bit more flexible and will stretch out a bit. Let someone else wear it for you for a while. There are people whose feet will easily conform to the shoe and can assist in stretching it out and relaxing it for you. Just be careful though, with this method

The object is to get your new shoes to be comfortable for wearing as long as you want while doing whatever you bought the shoes for. Let’s start with what you must not do. Do not wear new shoes to work if you stand on your feet all day. Do not set off on a long walk wearing new shoes. Do not wear heavier or lighter socks than usual while breaking in new shoes. Shoes must be comfortable, or you will be miserable all day. Breaking shoes in starts before you buy them. Wear the hosiery you will normally be wearing with the shoes.

New Shoes

new black shoes

Do not buy shoes that will stretch to fit your feet. Shoes should fit the day you buy them. Do not buy shoes that pinch or rub. This is a new relationship you are beginning in the shoe store; do not enter into it thinking your partner-the shoes-will change to fit what you want out of the relationship, because they won’t. Select shoes which fit you at that moment. Now, take the shoes home and wear them around the house for a little while. If they are comfortable, try a longer time, extending the wearing time on each occasion you wear the shoes.

If they rib your heels, take them off and flex the back part in your hands to soften it and reshape it. Repeat this as often a necessary. If the shoes rub a specific part of your foot, consider purchasing shoe trees with stretching attachments to push out the offending place. If the shoes are hurting your feet, take them off for a while and resume the breaking in process the next day. I am told custom made shoes never need breaking in and last a lifetime; if you have a thousand dollars to invest in new shoes at one time. I’ve been told it’s worth it; I just never had the money myself.