Inspiration

Breaking In Tight Shoes

Happy Friday!! What are you guys up to this weekend? We are going to two birthday parties and a couple museums with friends, so I broke in a new pair of shoes to wear and thought I would share my technique. I’ve seen similar ideas other places online – it’s such a good one! You…

Happy Friday!! What are you guys up to this weekend? We are going to two birthday parties and a couple museums with friends, so I broke in a new pair of shoes to wear and thought I would share my technique. I’ve seen similar ideas other places online – it’s such a good one!

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You know how when you try on a pair of shoes in your size that fit, but you just know that they’ll definitely give you blisters for the first couple of wears? Shoes like that can be risky purchases, especially when you live in a walking city like NYC. 
I found these red leopard loafers at Century 21 a couple weeks ago. They fit, but they were stiff and they rubbed bad around my ankles. I still bought them though because I knew I could make them comfortable in just a couple minutes.
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The basic idea is to wear a pair of really thick socks (I borrowed some from Michael) and then just heat up the shoes with a blow dryer for a couple of minutes. I always get the best results if I’m standing in the shoes while heating them up.

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Then let the shoes cool down with the socks still on. After just a couple minutes of heating and cooling, the formally tight shoes will fit like a glove. Promise! Works every time. :)

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Happy weekend, friends! Hope it’s a good one, full of formerly-tight-now-comfortable, pretty shoes. :) xo

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55 thoughts on “Breaking In Tight Shoes

  1. That is a genius idea! You have really helped me, as I have very wide feet and finding shoes that don't pinch or rub is incredibly difficult. I often stick to boots, trainers or mens shoes. I just need the confidence to buy something and try it …

  2. That is awesome! I have some great shoes I got at a sample sale that I've never worn because of the blister situation. I'm going to try this ASAP.

  3. I have done this for hockey skates (hockey store have special equipment to heat up your skates before you put them on) but not shoes. Would it work for patent leather?

  4. I tried this and it did not work for me! I did it over and over again because I wanted to wear these particular shoes so bad, still no luck.

  5. I have tried a version of this but I'm pretty sure I screwed it up so I will be doing this tonight on this one pair of shoes that is so cute but makes me want to hit things after I wear them.

  6. I did almost the same thing the other day. Did some house chores on my new shoes with super thick gym socks on. Now they fit perfectly.
    Will try the hair dryer!

  7. Thank you for sharing!!! I've always wondered how I could do this at home, I can't wait to try for my next new pair!!!

    P.S. Love the moccasins!

    xoxo PARIS BEE kids blog

  8. You are an angel and I love you, this is such a well-timed tip. I bought a really pretty pair of dove gray suede heels at BR last weekend, they were a little snug but I figured they'd stretch, being leather… wrong. Three hours into a long graduation ceremony I was in agony! I'll definitely try this out!

  9. This is great for breaking in shoes – thank you! If they are seriously tight, try this one: Fill freezer baggies with water, stuff them in your shoes, and place in the freezer. When the water freezes it expands and so do the shoes.

  10. Hi Jenny what a fabulous blog!!! Omg all those cute shoes on sale 1/2 size too small now I can get them. Woo hoo TOTAL ROCK STAR JENNY.

  11. I assume this would work best with natural fibers. I've been thinking about dressing up some heels with some lace, but I always have a hard time getting shoes to fit well. I'll have to try this method.

  12. So happy to read this. I recently bought a pair of ballet flats from banana republic that are killing me….thought I would have to try and sell them on ebay but i think your idea will work, thanks!

  13. So happy to read this. I recently bought a pair of ballet flats from banana republic that are killing me….thought I would have to try and sell them on ebay but i think your idea will work, thanks!

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