Tips

The Secret to Breaking in New Leather Shoes Without the Pain

Leather shoes are an essential accessory to elevate your style game. But breaking in a new pair can be a pain - literally! We've got you covered with our top tips to soften that stiff new leather and ensure a comfortable fit from the get-go!

Administrator

22 July, 2024

Breaking in a new pair of leather shoes can be uncomfortable and painful. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with some easy tips to soften that new leather. Read on to discover how!

1Tips to Soften New Leather Shoes

New leather shoes can be stiff and uncomfortable, causing pain to your feet. Try these tips to soften them up!

Wear Your New Shoes for Short Distances

It’s a good idea to wear your new leather shoes for short distances near your home to help break them in and get your feet used to them.

Wear New Shoes for Short Distances

Always Wear Socks with Your Shoes

Wearing socks with your new leather shoes will protect your feet from pain and blisters caused by the stiff new leather.

Always Wear Socks with Your Shoes

Use a Hair Dryer

This may sound unusual, but using a hair dryer is an effective way to soften leather shoes!

Direct the heat from the hair dryer onto the tight, stiff areas of your shoes for about 20 minutes. Then, put on a pair of socks and wear the shoes around the house until they cool down.

Use a Hair Dryer

Use Damp Newspaper

Crumple up damp newspaper and stuff it into your shoes for 24 hours to soften the leather. This method helps add moisture to the leather, making it less stiff.

Use Damp Newspaper

2Softening Leather Shoes with Household Ingredients

You can also use common household ingredients to soften your new leather shoes. Here’s how:

Softening with Vinegar

Step 1 Prepare vinegar and a soft cloth.

Step 2 Apply vinegar to the stiff areas of the leather, such as the toes and heels.

Step 3 If the entire shoe is stiff, mix vinegar with a small amount of water and apply it to the entire shoe.

Step 4 Finally, wipe the shoes with a cloth.

Tip:
If you don’t have vinegar, you can use lemon juice instead. However, avoid applying lemon juice directly to the outside of the shoe to prevent discoloration.

Softening with Vinegar

Using Olive Oil

Step 1 You’ll need olive oil, shoe polish, and a shoe brush.

Step 2 Apply olive oil to the areas of the leather shoe that need softening. You can also apply it to the inside of the shoe for better results.

Step 3 Wait for the leather to soften, then use the brush to apply a thin layer of shoe polish. This will not only make your shoes shine but also increase their durability.

Using Olive Oil

Baby Powder to the Rescue

Baby powder is great for absorbing moisture and eliminating odors, and it can also soften leather shoes effectively. Simply sprinkle baby powder on your feet and inside your shoes before wearing them.

When you’re not wearing your leather shoes, remember to sprinkle some baby powder inside to keep them odor-free!

Baby Powder to the Rescue

Vaseline to the Rescue

Vaseline is known for its moisturizing properties, but did you know it can also soften leather shoes? Before using this method, make sure to clean the surface of your shoes.

Step 1 You’ll need Vaseline, a soft cloth, and shoe polish.

Step 2 Apply a small amount of moisturizing lotion to the surface of the leather shoe and let it dry.

Step 3 Then, apply a layer of Vaseline to the shoes and leave it overnight.

Step 4 The next day, use shoe polish to add shine and further soften the leather. This will make your shoes more comfortable to wear.

Vaseline to the Rescue

We hope these helpful tips for softening leather shoes will make your feet happy. If you have any other tricks up your sleeve, be sure to share them with us!

Frequently asked questions

Wear thick socks and use a hairdryer to heat the leather, then walk around in them until they cool. This will help stretch the shoes to fit your feet.

Fill two plastic bags with water, seal them tightly, and place them inside your shoes. Put the shoes in the freezer overnight. As the water freezes, it will expand and stretch the shoes gently.

Use a leather conditioner or moisturizer. Apply a small amount to a cloth and rub it into the leather. This will help soften and nourish the material, making it more pliable and comfortable to wear.

Rub the areas of your feet that are prone to blistering with petroleum jelly or body glide before wearing the shoes. This will create a barrier that reduces friction and helps prevent blisters.

Use a shoe stretcher. This tool helps to gently stretch the leather and increase the width or length of the shoe to provide a better fit.