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Breaking in new shoes? It’s a question I often hear, or see asked on the Internet. “What is the best method to break in shoes?”

Lots of people have different answers. Some say stuff your shoes with warm damp newspaper, others say just wear them. Yet others say heat them with a hairdryer and then wear them. Certainly nearly everyone will tell you different method, and believe me over the years I’ve tried quite a few.

I decided to write about the subject today, because I’ve just bought another pair of shoes myself, and of course I need to break them and too. In fact I’ve just run through the process which I’m going to explain to you and I’m wearing my new shoes as I’m writing this article.

Having comfortable shoes is an important part of your health and wellness. Improperly fitting shoes apart from giving you bunions and corns will cause you pain and discomfort throughout the day.

So what is the best method?

Here is the very best method that I have ever found. You need to purchase two heat packs which contain grain, and can be heated in a microwave oven similar to the photograph below. At a pinch they can also be homemade with socks and grain.

It’s really very simple and makes a great deal of sense when you think about it.

You heat both packs together in a microwave for around four minutes. You then hold a pack at one end so the grain falls with gravity and holding one shoe vertically side the top of the now empty sleeve into the toe of the shoe. You then simply level the shoe, and tilt it slightly forwards so the grain flows into the shoe filling the inside completely. Repeat with the other shoe.

This is a much better method than trying to use a hairdryer because you won’t burn or overheat the materials. Because the grain holds a small amount of moisture, the heat and moisture combined with good all round inside contact with the shoe quickly starts to make the leather or other material supple.

Let the shoes sit for two minutes until the shoes feel warm. Then simply put the shoes on and crouch down to flex the material. The shoes will start to conform to the shape of your feet and flex naturally with your feet. Of course at the same time your feet will become nice and warm which is a very pleasant feeling. Walk about for a few moments allowing your shoes to adjust to your feet.

Repeat this process three or four times over about fifteen minutes. I guarantee you will be much happier with your shoes at the end of this time.

Before you actually wear your shoes to work in the mornings for the next few days, reheat the heat packs and fill both shoes for about 5 minutes before you leave the house.

Slip you feet back into your warm supple shoes, and go out to work.

You’ll feel great – trust me!

Tags: new shoes, breaking in shoes, breaking in new shoes



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