How to Break In New Shoes Without Getting Blisters

New shoes that hurt are a common reason good purchases end up unworn. Sometimes a short break-in period solves the problem. Sometimes the shoe simply does not fit, and no amount of breaking in will fix it. Knowing the difference saves money: you either get comfortable shoes or you return the wrong pair while you still can.

Which shoes need breaking in?

Most modern athletic shoes need very little. Running shoes and sneakers with mesh or knit uppers are designed to feel comfortable almost immediately. A few short wears may help the insole and upper settle, but if an athletic shoe hurts on day one, that is usually a fit problem.

Leather shoes and boots need more time. Full-grain leather is stiff when new and gradually softens and molds to your foot. Work boots, hiking boots and leather dress shoes can take days to weeks of regular wear to feel their best.

Stiff soles take time to flex. Thick rubber soles, especially on boots, loosen up with use.

Before you wear them outside

Check whether the retailer accepts returns only for unworn shoes. Many do. Wear new shoes indoors first, on clean floors, for an hour or two. This tells you a lot about fit without affecting your return options. Our returns checklist covers what to confirm before buying.

A sensible break-in schedule

1. Indoors first. Wear them around the house for an hour or two on a few occasions.
2. Short outings. Then wear them on short errands of 30 to 60 minutes.
3. Gradually extend. Add time over a week or two, depending on how stiff the shoe is.
4. Not on a big day. Do not wear brand-new shoes for the first time on a long hike, a race, a wedding, or a long shift at work.

For running shoes, a couple of short easy runs before a long run is a sensible precaution even if they feel great.

How to prevent blisters

Blisters come from friction combined with moisture and heat. You can reduce all three.

• Wear the right socks. Synthetic or wool-blend socks wick moisture better than cotton, which holds sweat against the skin.
• Fix the fit before it rubs. Heel slip is a common cause of blisters. Try a heel-lock lacing technique (using the extra top eyelet many athletic shoes have) to keep the heel in place.
• Protect hot spots early. If you feel a warm, irritated spot, deal with it straight away. Blister plasters or tape over the area can prevent a full blister.
• Keep feet dry. Change socks if they get wet, and let shoes dry fully between wears. See our guide to drying wet shoes properly.

Tips for stiff leather

• Wear thicker socks indoors to gently stretch the leather.
• Flex the shoe by hand at the toe crease to loosen it.
• Use a leather conditioner suited to the material, following the manufacturer's directions, to keep it supple.
• A cobbler can professionally stretch leather shoes slightly in width if needed. This works for leather, not for synthetics.

Avoid shortcuts such as soaking leather shoes or heating them aggressively. These can damage the leather and the glue.

Signs a shoe does not fit (and will not "break in")

• Your toes touch the end of the shoe when standing.
• The widest part of your foot overhangs the insole.
• Pain in the same spot gets worse, not better, after several wears.
• Numbness or tingling in the toes.
• Your heel lifts significantly with every step even when laced well.
• A seam or stiff part of the upper presses into a bone.

Length and width problems do not improve with break-in. If you see these signs, return or exchange the shoe if you can. Use our guides to measuring your feet and wide fits to choose a better size.

When to get help

Blisters usually heal on their own if the cause is removed. If a blister looks infected (increasing redness, warmth, swelling or pus), or if you have diabetes or circulation problems, seek medical advice promptly rather than treating it yourself.

The bottom line

Athletic shoes should feel good almost immediately; leather shoes and boots need a gradual break-in. Test new shoes indoors first, build up wear slowly, prevent friction with good socks and fit, and do not try to break in a shoe that is simply the wrong size.