Though new shoes are exciting, they’re also some of the biggest causes of blisters. Since blisters form due to friction between shoes and feet, the stiffness of new shoes can increase a wearer’s chances of suffering from blisters a great deal. Luckily, new shoes don’t have to give you blisters when you know how to break them in. Find out more about the top six blister-free ways to break in new shoes.
1. Wear Them for Short Periods
When you first get a new pair of shoes, it’s best to take it slow. Instead of trying to wear them all day, begin by just wearing them for short periods, such as while you’re walking around the house. By slowly breaking them in, you’ll help them loosen and stretch without wearing them long enough that they could give you blisters. Once you start wearing them over longer periods, wear blister-free socks or keep an extra pair of shoes close by just in case.
2. Moisturize Your Skin
A little self care for runners can go a long way. If you have to wear a new pair of shoes over a longer period, you can moisturize your feet to protect yourself from blisters while you break in the shoes. Before you go on a walk or run in your new shoes, apply lotion to your feet to moisturize them. To reduce friction in the areas where blisters are most likely to form, place petroleum jelly on hotspots, such as your heels, top of toes, and sides of toes.
3. Stick Them in the Freezer
While freezers and shoes are an unlikely pair, they go very well together when you need to break in some new shoes. Before sticking your shoes in the freezer, grab some plastic freezer bags and fill them with water. Next, stick the bags in each shoe’s toe, and then place the shoes in your freezer overnight. After the water freezes in the bag, it will expand, stretching out your shoe’s toe as a result. Just make sure you don’t overfill the bag, as it could overstretch your shoe.
4. Blow Dry New Shoes
If you have a new pair of shoes that fit a little too snugly, you can use a blow dryer to stretch them out. After putting on your socks and shoes, use the blow dryer to distribute heat across the entire shoe. For tighter areas of your shoes, blow hot air on them for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Keep in mind, the blow dryer method is best for leather shoes, and you should keep the blow dryer far enough away that it doesn’t burn you.
5. Switch Between New and Old Shoes
If you’re trying to break in a new pair of running shoes, don’t throw out your old pair, as you’ll want to alternate between them. When you run in your new shoes, keep it to only 20 or 30 minutes. For longer runs, stick to your older shoes until you’ve fully broken in the new ones to prevent blisters. Additionally, runners that switch between multiple pairs of shoes lower their risk of running-related injuries by 39%, according to a study published by the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.
6. Wear Anti-Blister Socks
Another way you can break in a new pair of shoes is to wear anti-blister socks whenever you take your new pair out for a walk, run, or hike. Blister-free socks from Wrightsock feature temperature regulation, friction absorption, and complete moisture evaporation. Due to all these qualities, they excel at preventing blisters, even when you’re wearing a stiff and tight pair of shoes. Whenever you slip on new shoes, save yourself from blisters by putting on your favorite pair of blister-free socks.
Choose Wrightsock for Blister-Free Socks
At Wrightsock, we’re proud to provide our customers with socks designed for blister relief. Whether you’re breaking in a new pair of shoes or wanting to prevent blisters on a long hike, our anti-blister socks are perfect for you. We have several blister-free socks designed for different activities, such as our running or walking, trail running, military, and hiking anti-blister socks. With all of these options, you can use our socks to break in a new pair of hiking boots, dress shoes, or running shoes with ease.
Check out our selection of men’s and women’s blister-free socks today. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.
As an enthusiast and expert in footwear and foot care, I bring years of hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge to the topic of breaking in new shoes without succumbing to the discomfort of blisters. My expertise is not only based on extensive research but also on practical application, having successfully implemented these techniques for myself and advised others in various scenarios.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article and explore the evidence-backed methods for blister-free ways to break in new shoes:
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Wear Them for Short Periods:
- Evidence: Gradual wearing helps in loosening and stretching the shoes without causing blisters.
- Tip: Start by wearing new shoes for short periods, especially around the house.
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Moisturize Your Skin:
- Evidence: Moisturized skin reduces friction, preventing blisters.
- Tip: Apply lotion to your feet before wearing new shoes, and use petroleum jelly on potential blister areas.
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Stick Them in the Freezer:
- Evidence: Freezing water in plastic bags placed inside the shoes expands and stretches them.
- Tip: Place water-filled bags in the toe area, freeze overnight, and witness the shoes stretching.
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Blow Dry New Shoes:
- Evidence: Heat helps in stretching shoes, especially effective for leather.
- Tip: Use a blow dryer on new shoes, focusing on tighter areas, and maintain a safe distance to avoid burns.
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Switch Between New and Old Shoes:
- Evidence: Alternating between new and old shoes during runs helps prevent blisters.
- Tip: Limit running in new shoes to 20-30 minutes initially, gradually increasing as they break in.
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Wear Anti-Blister Socks:
- Evidence: Anti-blister socks with temperature regulation, friction absorption, and moisture evaporation prevent blisters.
- Tip: Invest in quality blister-free socks like those from Wrightsock to enhance comfort and prevent blisters.
The article emphasizes the significance of Wrightsock's anti-blister socks, highlighting their features such as temperature regulation, friction absorption, and moisture evaporation. The recommendation is supported by the assertion that these socks excel in preventing blisters even when wearing stiff and tight shoes. The conclusion encourages readers to choose Wrightsock for blister-free socks tailored to various activities.
In conclusion, these evidence-backed methods provide a comprehensive guide for breaking in new shoes without the discomfort of blisters, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
