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Tips on how to break in new shoes?

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#21 ·
IMO, you only get one chance to "break in" a new pair of shoes. Best to error on the side of caution. I would never use H2O to "condition" shoes, but do what you like.

My two cents:

Out of the box, I condition the leather after cleaning. I like Lexol pH balanced cleaner followed w/ Lexol conditioner. As leather is natural and varies from manufacturer, test on a hidden portion before conditioning the whole shoe. I like to test the tongue edge. Lexol can darken leather, but I have not found it to be true in the shoes I HAVE CONDITIONED, from black to dark brown to cognac to white. YMMV.

I clean, then dry twice (w/ 2 different cloths) before applying the conditioner. I apply the conditioner w/ a latex glove, dipping a finger in the product and working it well into the leather. No need to waste product IMO. Let sit for 5 min. and wipe clean (w/ yet another different cloth). Allow to set/breathe/absorb for 15 min and then repeat conditioner step 2 times.

Regardless of who makes the shoe, I ALWAYS find the leather to be softer and more pliable than it was upon receiving it.

Then I wear around the house - initally for 15 min. or so one day, then 30 another and finally 60 min. I then consider the shoe ready to wear.
Here is a shot of a pair I conditioned, wore around the house and then wore outside for about 3 hours - not polished/waxed and excuse the grey on the outsides as it is merely a light reflection (I understand the style is not for everyone - just trying to impress upon all the overall condition):

Image
 
#23 ·
Most of my shoes would be considered 'cheap' by this forum. That said, I like to let them sit overnight with a coat of Lexol on them. Next day, rub that off and, if dry, polish them with shoe cream. This may darken them, so be warned.

If they aren't perfectly comfortable out of the box, I spritz the inside with a little water from a spray bottle and wear them barefoot while I'm sitting around, or a little bit of walking around the house. I had to do this a few times with a pair of NOS Florsheims I found. I could tell that the shoe took on the shape of my foot after doing this twice.

Then, I wear them with thin socks the first few wearings.
 
#25 ·
I don't really believe in a necessarily painful break-in period. If shoes fit comfortably, they fit comfortably. I especially don't believe that loafers should cause you blistering during break-in, as implied upthread!

I don't bother with going through any sort of pre-wearing conditioning routine either, barring a little neutral cream if they look a touch dry.
 
#26 ·
I am a tenderfoot. When I buy a new pair of shoes (it doesn't seem to matter the style, brand, etc.) I always have trouble with the heels. My solution is to tape my heels with adhesive tape before I have a chance to get blisters.

I will wear a new pair of shoes with tape several times before I even try to wear them without it. I once had a pair of Doc Martins that I wore twice a week for about a month with my heels taped before I was able to wear them without. I have only had one pair of shoes that didn't eventually break-in using this method (a pair of cap-toe Johnston & Murphy's that I had to donate to Goodwill).
 
#27 ·
alexanderc said:
I am a tenderfoot. When I buy a new pair of shoes (it doesn't seem to matter the style, brand, etc.) I always have trouble with the heels. My solution is to tape my heels with adhesive tape before I have a chance to get blisters.

I will wear a new pair of shoes with tape several times before I even try to wear them without it. I once had a pair of Doc Martins that I wore twice a week for about a month with my heels taped before I was able to wear them without. I have only had one pair of shoes that didn't eventually break-in using this method (a pair of cap-toe Johnston & Murphy's that I had to donate to Goodwill).
Click to expand...
Duct tape is even better. A staple on the Appalachian Trail
 
#29 · (Edited)
You can get moleskin sticky patches for any area that might rub and special anti blister gel patches for the heel. They are very good. In the UK go to a larger branch of Boots and look for the footcare section.

I have heard of pliers being used to break the back of the shoe (i.e gently force back the bit that digs into the heel, not rip it apart), esp very hard shoes like Doc Martens. But I have not seen it and would never do it. It would certainly curtail the life of the shoes, and with good leather it would be a crime. I have heard it in relation to uncomfortable uniform shoes (police and the like), not beloved personal shoes.

Also heard about boots being helped by standing in a bath and filling up to cover the foot area with very hot water. Again, this may be crazy and I would never do it, but I have heard it said (in relation to millitary guys actually).
 
#30 ·
dks202 said:
I guess I don't get it. If the shoes hurt, rub, cause blisters, etc. they don't fit. They should fit perfectly out of the box. That's my opinion.....
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Every leather shoe I've ever owned has required a break in period. It may take a half-dozen wears but then they are comfortable, and as they adjust closer to the natural contours of my feet they get better and better.
 
#31 · (Edited)
Hey All! This is my 1st post. I would put some Bickmore Bick 4 on the shoes overnight (won't darken the leather,) it's the only conditioner I use. I would then put on some very thick socks, maybe even 2 pair, walk around the carpeted house a few days. That should stretch the leather enough to keep the pain to a minimum.
 
#32 ·
Nerev said:
If it's lace ups, they may be too small. You lace your shoes so it gets tight so you can get away with a tiny bit of room. Loafers with room will later fall out of your foot.
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I agree. If you're getting blisters from new loafers, they're probably too big. Or they certainly will be by the time you've broken them in. Try for a different size, model or manufacturer.
 
#33 ·
brink2627 said:
Hey All! This is my 1st post. I would put some Bickmore Bick 4 on the shoes overnight (won't darken the leather,) it's the only conditioner I use. I would then put on some very thick socks, maybe even 2 pair, walk around the carpeted house a few days. That should stretch the leather enough to keep the pain to a minimum.
Click to expand...
I agree. This will help stretch the shoes, and help protect your feet from blisters.

Welcome brink2627!
 
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