Is there anything more thrilling than bringing home a new pair of shoes? You comb shop after shop until you find the perfect pair, one that boosts your confidence and takes your outfit to the next level. The first time you go to slip them on, you know it is going to be a good day!
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Fast forward a few hours and your new shoes have betrayed you: Toes are pinched, heals are rubbed raw, and blisters are starting to form. So now you have two choices: You can go through multiple days of this pain while breaking them in or you can shove them to the back of your closet (to rest in peace) in the uncomfortable shoe graveyard. Or you can take matters into your own hands and take cautionary measures to make your shoes comfortable—there’s no need to suffer; you can vanquish new shoe pain, we promise. Let us help!
Perfect Fit
The best thing you can do to make new shoes comfortable is to buy shoes that properly fit. Have your feet measured if you haven’t in awhile, as the size of feet change as you grow older. Always shoe shop at the end of the day because feet swell throughout the day (and thus become larger).
Also, one foot is generally larger than the other, so make sure you choose a pair large enough for the larger foot to remain comfortable. After you try the shoes on, stand up and make sure there is enough space for your longest toe. Walk around for a few minutes and make sure the shoe stays in place and doesn’t slip off your heel. When shoes slip, they will rub your skin, which never feels good.
Stretch
Is there any worse feeling than wearing too tight shoes? With a little effort you can stretch your shoes before you take them out for a night on the town. One way, with minimal effort, is to wear them around the house for small periods of time until they stretch out. Stop wearing them when they start to hurt and repeat the process until you feel confident they are stretched enough. To speed up this process, wear thick socks while wearing the shoes and apply some heat. For 30 second intervals, blow-dry shoes while wearing to help them stretch. Make sure to leave the shoes on until they have completely cooled.
To stretch your shoes when you can’t wear them, try balling up socks and stuff them in until the shoes are full. Leave the socks in them until you need to wear the shoes. If you are really serious about stretching your shoes, you can purchase wooden shoe stretchers or take them to a professional cobbler.
Create a Barrier
Do you want to know why men never complain about their shoes hurting? It’s because they almost always wear socks. Friction is the cause of most shoe woes, so nip it in the bud by adding a buffer between your skin and the shoe. Apply strips of moleskin to areas of the shoe that rub your feet. For shoes that rub because they are too big, add gel cushions for a better fit.
Source: La Prendo
Emergency Kit
Even if your new shoes feel comfortable, pain can take you by surprise—which is why it is best to always have a few emergency supplies in your purse or desk. Keep a few bandages or a friction block stick with you for when you start to feel uncomfortable. If you spend long days on your feet, a pair of gel insoles can do wonders if your shoes don’t have proper support. While not the chicest option, a pair of ballet flats (like those designed to fit in a clutch) can be a lifesaver when walking home after a long night in heels.