Autumn is in full swing and your footwear choices are vital in ensuring your feet are warm and dry, but breaking in shoes can be an uphill battle.
Footwear expert, Julian Nelson from A Fine Pair of Shoes, who are a shoe supplier with our 20 years experience in high quality mens shoes for customers across the UK, has revealed 5 hacks to break in troublesome shoes this autumn/winter.
1) “Wear thick socks
Wearing thick socks can help stretch out boots/shoes that are causing discomfort. Alternatively, doubling up on socks and wearing two pairs can provide a level of cushioning to help pad your feet.
2) Apply heat
Using a hairdryer on a low heat can help make your shoes more flexible, and this can work particularly well on leather shoes. Put on socks and then put the shoes on and hold the hairdryer 4-10 inches away from the shoe, focusing on tight areas.
3) Use ice
Put a partially filled sandwich bag of water in the tight areas of the shoe, and then put the shoe into the freezer. As the water freezes, it will expand and help stretch the shoe.
4) Stuff them with newspaper
For loosening up tight toes, pack some newspaper tightly into your shoe and leave it for a while.
5) Invest in a shoe stretcher
Investing in a shoe stretcher is a great way to stretch shoes to the length or width desired. There are several types so be careful when selecting the one you need. To use a shoe stretcher:
- Spray the shoe with a shoe stretching solution to help relax the fibres
- Place the stretcher in the shoe and turn the handle so the shoe expands
- Leave for six to eight hours
- Remove the handle and see how the shoe fits
- If it doesn’t feel comfortable, turn the handle again and repeat the process”
