How to break in new shoes without blisters

Break in new shoes by wearing them at home for an hour or two at a time over a week, with the socks you'll wear outside, and protecting any rubbing spots with plasters before blisters form. Leather softens and moulds to your foot with wear; forcing it with a long day out in brand-new shoes is what causes blisters.

Why do new shoes cause blisters?

Stiff leather or a firm heel rubs against your skin as you walk. The friction, plus heat and sweat, separates the skin layers and fills the gap with fluid. Accra's heat makes it worse because feet swell and sweat more.

How do I protect my feet?

• Wear the right socks. Slightly thicker socks cushion the first wears.
• Cover hot spots early. Put a plaster or blister pad on any area that feels warm or rubs, before it blisters.
• Keep feet dry. Foot powder reduces friction.

Can I soften shoes faster?

A few safe methods:

1. Shoe trees overnight help shape them.
2. Leather conditioner softens stiff leather.
3. A cobbler can stretch a tight spot with a shoe stretcher.

Avoid soaking shoes or heating them with a hair dryer. Both can damage leather and glue.

How do I know if they're simply the wrong size?

If your toes hit the front, your heel lifts badly, or the pain doesn't ease after a week, they don't fit. Breaking in softens leather; it doesn't add size. See how to pick the right sneaker size.

Do sneakers need breaking in?

Usually very little. Leather sneakers soften over a few wears; mesh and knit uppers are comfortable straight away. Still, don't wear brand-new pairs to a long festival or a wedding. See festival and concert outfits.

Questions

How long does breaking in take?

About one to two weeks of regular wear for leather shoes.

Should I break in shoes before an event?

Yes, always. A groom, a pallbearer or a guest standing for hours needs comfortable shoes. See what a groom should wear in Ghana.

How do I care for them once they fit?

See how to polish leather shoes.