New shoes look their best straight out of the box, but they don’t always feel their best right away. Materials need a little time to soften and shape to your feet. The key is to ease into it. Here’s how to break in new shoes comfortably — without ruining your first week with them.
Start with the right fit
Breaking in helps shoes soften; it won’t fix a pair that’s simply the wrong size. Before you start, make sure there’s a little room in front of your longest toe, your heel doesn’t slip excessively and nothing pinches across the widest part of your foot. If you’re unsure, our Size Guide walks through how to measure your feet.
Tip: do your first try-ons indoors on a clean surface. If the fit isn’t right, the shoes stay unworn and eligible for return under our return policy.
Wear them at home first
Once you’re confident in the fit, wear your new shoes around the house for 30 minutes to an hour at a time. Short sessions let the materials begin to flex in the places your foot bends, without the pressure of a full day out.
Build up gradually
After a few at-home sessions, wear them for short outings — a coffee run, a quick errand — before committing to a long day of walking. Increase the time a little with each wear. Alternating with a pair you already find comfortable gives your feet a break while the new pair adjusts.
Wear the right socks
Socks make a bigger difference than most people expect. Wear the type of socks you plan to use with the shoes. A slightly thicker sock during break-in sessions can add cushioning and reduce friction, as long as the shoe still fits comfortably.
Help the materials flex
- Bend the shoe by hand. Gently flex the sole and the toe area a few times to loosen stiff spots.
- Adjust the laces. Different lacing tension can relieve pressure over the top of your foot. Try loosening the laces in the area that feels tight.
- Use a shoe tree or stuffing. Between wears, inserting a shoe tree or stuffing with paper helps the shoe hold its shape.
Protect hot spots
If you feel rubbing on the heel or toes, stop and take a break before it becomes uncomfortable. Placing a blister bandage or protective tape on known hot spots before wearing can help reduce friction while the shoe softens.
Know the material
- Knit and mesh sneakers usually feel comfortable almost immediately and need little breaking in.
- Leather typically softens and molds to your foot over several wears.
- Boots with sturdier construction often take the longest; build up time gradually and wear appropriate socks.
- Sandals with straps may need straps adjusted as they relax.
When to stop
Some initial stiffness is normal. Persistent pain, numbness or pressure that doesn’t improve with wear is a sign the shoe may not be the right fit or style for you.
The takeaway
Start indoors, increase wear time gradually, choose the right socks and protect hot spots early. A little patience in the first week means a pair you’ll actually want to reach for every day.