We’ve all been there before – that thrilling moment when you’ve purchased a new pair of shoes, and you can’t wait to flaunt them at the office. You imagine the compliments, the spring in your step, the confidence they bring. However, before you get to enjoy the Cinderella moment, there’s a slightly less glamorous phase to get through – breaking them in.
Whether you’re strutting in stilettos or walking in wedges, breaking in a new pair of shoes can be a painful experience. But fret not, because we’re here to guide you on your journey with tips and tricks to breaking in your new women’s office shoes.
1. Take Your Time
This might seem like an obvious piece of advice, but it’s also the most ignored one. We often get excited to wear our new shoes and end up wearing them for an entire day right out of the box. This is the first faux pas to avoid. New shoes require time to adjust to your foot shape, and wearing them for long hours initially can lead to blisters and discomfort.
Start by wearing them for a few hours at a time around the house. Gradually increase the time spent in your shoes over a few days before you take them out for a full day at work.
2. Use the Socks Trick
Thick socks can be your new shoes’ best friends. Wear your thickest pair of socks and then put on your shoes. If possible, use a hairdryer to blow hot air over the tight areas for 20-30 seconds – as the material warms up, it expands and moulds to the shape of your foot. Remember to keep the hairdryer moving to prevent damaging the shoe. Once cooled, try walking around to help the shoes adjust to the shape of your feet.
3. Moisturise
Yes, you read it right. Applying a small amount of moisturiser or petroleum jelly on the problem areas can help soften the material and reduce friction. Just be careful to use a small amount to avoid staining the shoe.
4. Ice it Out
The cold can be a great ally in the fight against tight shoes. Fill two zip-lock bags with water, making sure they’re sealed tight. Place these bags into your shoes and then put the shoes in the freezer overnight. As the water freezes and expands, it gently stretches the shoe.
5. Shoe Stretch Spray
There are dedicated shoe stretch sprays available in the market designed to soften the material and make it more pliable. Always follow the instructions on the bottle to avoid any damage.
6. Professional Stretching
If all else fails, it might be time to bring in the experts. Many shoe repair shops offer professional shoe stretching services, using special machines and techniques to stretch your shoes without damaging them.
While these tips should help with most shoes, we always recommend investing in high-quality footwear to begin with. Quality shoes from reputable manufacturers tend to use better materials and construction techniques, making them more comfortable from the start.
Remember, every pair of shoes is different and what works for one might not work for another. Therefore, patience and gentle care are the keys to successfully breaking in your new office shoes. After all, fashion may be pain, but your feet don’t always have to pay the price!
