There are many factors to think about before buying new shoes, including the shoe's type, style, quality, how often it will be worn, and most importantly, its comfort.
While purchasing new footwear is always an exciting experience, breaking them in is never a highlight.
It may take some time to break in a new pair of shoes, but resist the urge to use dubious methods like heating them in the microwave (yes, that's a thing) or washing them in hot water. DIYers have found some success with these methods, but if you want your new shoes to last, they're not your best bet.
You can avoid the pain and discomfort that comes with breaking in new shoes by following these tips instead.
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First, Guard the Critical Areas
Although blisters are inevitable when breaking in new shoes, there are ways to reduce their severity. In addition to the obvious area around your heels, you should also check the sides and tops of your toes for any signs of discomfort. An hour of walking around the house in the new shoes will reveal any trouble spots you may have missed.
Shoes that rub too much can lead to blisters. The key to lowering friction is keeping skin hydrated; dry skin rubs much harder than supple skin. Use lotion to keep your skin supple and smooth, and dab some petroleum jelly on rough spots to further reduce friction.
Although conventional methods exist, there are also some novel approaches to avoiding blisters and other skin irritations. Antiperspirant is a common choice, especially in warmer weather. Unlike deodorant, antiperspirant actually reduces sweating; therefore, applying the product directly to your feet prevents the foot sweat that can make your blister situation a lot worse.
Application of paper surgical tape to problem areas is another nontraditional method of blister prevention. Runners, in particular, can benefit greatly from the use of paper surgical tape, according to a study conducted by scientists at Stanford University. If you end up with a blister, removing the tape won't be too painful because of how smooth and thin it is. The most exciting aspect of this latest shoe hack It costs around $0.69 to purchase from a drug store near you.
Secondly, Bulky Socks
Your feet may need to be stretched out rather than protected if blisters continue to form. Socks stretched over a shoe shaper can help you break in new shoes without damaging the leather. You can use a potato in place of a shoe shaper if you don't have one. Wearing extra-thick socks with your shoes in your spare time or hidden under your desk at work can save your life if you're in a bind. Wearing thick socks inside your shoes can help prevent blisters by gradually stretching the shoe material.
Styling with a Blow Dry 3
It doesn't take long in breaking in a pair of new shoes before you realize that different styles require different methods. Make sure they’re leather before trying this, as you could easily ruin synthetics if you’re not careful.
If you're experiencing pain in a specific area, such as your big toe joint, try applying heat with a hair dryer and wearing the bulky socks we recommended. Wearing only thick socks and the new shoes, you should hold a hair dryer over the narrow part of the shoe for 20 to 30 seconds. Afterward, while the material is still warm and pliable, take a few laps around the room to stretch it out. Whenever you feel confident that the thick socks have expanded enough, take them off and give them a try.
4. The Cold Shoulder
A great alternative to using heat to stretch shoes that aren't leather is leaving them out at room temperature for a night. Put two water-filled plastic freezer bags in the shoes' toes. Then, leave your footwear in the freezer for a full day. The toe will be lengthened as the water freezes and expands. Since you don't want to overstretch the shoes, but you also need to fill them with enough water to make a difference, this method may require some trial and error. Put them in the freezer overnight, and you'll have perfectly comfortable, ice cold shoes for the hot summer day.
Water Bucket (No. 5)
The strappy leather sandals you've been coveting finally have a use, but they're killing your feet. Putting on a new band-aid (or piece of surgical tape) because your shoes aren't breaking in properly is a sure sign that they aren't the right fit for your feet. once an hour, you're getting this
Soak your feet, shoes and all, in a bucket of water while wearing your new sandals. To avoid staining, dry the shoes with a towel but leave them slightly damp for the next step. Then, clomp around for a couple of hours in the soggy footwear. The material will become more pliable and the shoes will better conform to your feet after being wet. As before, this trick is best for leather, and you should wet-test a small area of your footwear first to ensure that water won't fade the color.
While it may be inconvenient and tiresome, breaking in a new pair of boots or favorite pair of ballet flats properly can make a world of difference. Showing off your fresh kicks without worrying about blisters is the best feeling in the world.
Nadine Ruiz (in a photo)
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