Breaking in a new pair of heels can be a daunting task, especially if you have an upcoming event or a long day at work that requires you to wear them. Typically, heels require some breaking in before they become comfortable and flexible enough to wear for extended periods. Though the breaking in process may take some time, there are some tips and tricks that can help to speed up the process. In this post, we will provide you with some practical tips that will help you break in heels fast.
1. Wear Thick Socks with Your Heels
One of the easiest ways to break in heels is by wearing them with thick socks. When you put on your new heels with a pair of socks, the extra padding provides more cushioning and pushes the shoes to flex and conform to your feet more quickly. It is advisable to wear the socks for an extended period while walking around the house. You can also walk short distances outside wearing the socks and heels. By doing this repeatedly, you will expedite the process of breaking in your heels.
2. Use a Hairdryer to Stretch Them Out
If you want to speed up the process of stretching out your heels, you can use a hairdryer to help. Wear a pair of thick socks and put on your heels. Then, switch on the hairdryer and aim the hot air at the tight areas of the shoes while wiggling your toes. This will help the material to stretch so that it conforms to your feet. Keep doing this for a few minutes until you feel comfortable in your heels. Be careful not to overheat your shoes as this may cause damage to the material.
3. Apply Heat with a Warm Compress
Another way to loosen up the material of your heels is by using a warm compress. Wet a thin towel and heat it up in a microwave for a minute or two. Place the warm towel inside your shoes and leave it there for about fifteen to twenty minutes. You can also wear the shoes while the towel is inside them. The heat from the towel will help to soften and stretch the material, making it easier to break in the heels.
4. Wear Them Around the House for Short Periods
Another effective way to break in your heels is by wearing them around the house for short periods. Start by wearing them for five to ten minutes and increase the time gradually. Do this a few times a day, and you will notice a significant difference in how comfortable your heels feel. Walking around the house allows your feet to get used to the new shoes and for the material to stretch out as you move.
5. Protect Your Feet with Moleskin Pads
New pairs of heels can cause blisters and painful spots when they rub against your feet, especially in areas that are prone to friction. Reduce this friction by using moleskin pads. Simply apply the pad to the affected area of your feet before putting on your heels. Moleskin pads create a barrier that protects your feet from rubbing against the shoes, which can help to prevent blisters. They are also useful in relieving any discomfort that comes with new shoes.
Conclusion
Breaking in a new pair of heels can be a tricky process, but it is achievable. Try these tips to help speed up the process and ensure that your heels are comfortable enough to wear for extended periods. Remember to be patient as no two pairs of shoes are the same, and the breaking in time may vary. Happy walking!
FAQ
How long does it take to break in heels?
Breaking in a new pair of heels can be a daunting task, but it is essential to make them comfortable and easier to wear for longer periods. When you first buy a new pair of shoes, they can be stiff and unforgiving, but with the right technique and patience, you can break them in to fit like a glove.
The break-in time for heels varies depending on the style, sole, leather, and personal preferences for how you like your shoes to feel. Typically, it takes between 3 to 4 weeks to break in a new pair of heels fully. Of course, this timeline could be more or less depending on the specific shoes.
Factors that can affect the break-in time include the style of the heel itself. Platform heels or thick heels are generally more comfortable to wear for extended periods, making them easier to break in. On the other hand, thin heels like stilettos usually take longer to break in because they put more pressure on a smaller surface area and require more time to conform to the shape of your foot.
The sole of the shoe also plays a significant role in the break-in time. Rubber or foam soles tend to be more comfortable and require less break-in time than leather soles. Leather soles, especially those made of thicker leather, will take longer to break in.
The leather used in the shoe’s construction can also impact the break-in time. High-quality leather is more supple and easier to break in, while cheaper or synthetic materials are stiffer and harder to conform to your foot’s shape.
Your personal preferences also play a role in the break-in time. Suppose you’re used to wearing heels or shoes with tight-fitting areas like the toe box or heel counter. In that case, your break-in time could be shorter than someone who prefers a looser fit.
Breaking in a new pair of heels can take a little bit of time, but it’s worth the effort to ensure a comfortable fit. Keep in mind that the break-in time can depend on the specific pair of shoes, the style of the heel, the sole of the shoe, and the type of leather used. By paying attention to these factors and being patient, you’ll have a pair of beautiful, comfortable heels that you can wear for hours at a time.
Can you train your feet not to hurt in heels?
Wearing high heels is not easy, and most women will agree that they are beautiful, but that beauty comes at a price. Hours spent in towering heels can make you feel like you’re walking on knives, giving you blisters, tired feet, and joint pain. While some may think these risks are worth the fashion statement, others may not be willing to compromise on comfort. But is there a way to train your feet not to hurt in heels?
The answer may be yes and no. It is not possible to “train” your feet to wear all types of high-heeled shoes without pain because the shoes’ design inherently causes discomfort. However, there are ways you can reduce your chances of experiencing discomfort while wearing high heels.
Firstly, choosing the right type of high heels makes all the difference. Chunky or block heels provide more stability and support than stilettos. Lower heels are easier to wear for longer periods than taller ones, and shoes with a platform can lessen the incline of the arch. A shoe with a padded insole provides extra cushioning for the foot, relieving some of the discomfort.
Breaking in a pair of heels is also essential. It is much easier to wear a pair of heels for an extended period once your feet have adjusted to them. Start by wearing them around the house for short periods. Wear thicker socks or even ankle socks to prevent blisters and add an extra layer of cushioning.
Additionally, practicing exercises to strengthen the feet and ankles can help minimize pain while wearing high heels. Regularly stretching and massaging the feet can increase their flexibility, preventing cramps and stiffness.
Lastly, taping your third and fourth toes together before putting on heels is supposed to relieve some pressure on the nerve between those two toes, which can cause pain. This technique is used by many women, including celebrities, to reduce discomfort while wearing high heels.
It is not always possible to train your feet not to hurt in high heels because they are not designed for comfort. However, with the right shoes, proper break-in techniques, foot exercises, and perhaps a little toe-taping, it is possible to lower the chances of experiencing pain and discomfort.
Why do my feet always hurt after wearing heels?
Wearing high heels can have negative effects on your feet, leading to various painful conditions. One of the most common issues is plantar fasciitis, which is caused by the increased pressure on your heels from wearing high heels. Plantar fasciitis is a condition that occurs when the ligament that runs along the bottom of your foot (the plantar fascia) becomes inflamed and irritated, causing pain in the heel or a burning sensation or ache on the bottom of the foot.
High heels also change the way you walk, forcing the balls of your feet and your toes to bear the weight of your body. This added weight puts extra pressure on the nerves and bones in your feet, leading to conditions such as metatarsalgia (pain in the ball of your foot) and Morton’s neuroma (a thickening of the tissue around a nerve leading to your toes).
Additionally, wearing high heels can cause issues with your Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects your heel to your calf muscle. Wearing high heels can cause the tendon to gradually shorten and tighten, leading to discomfort and pain in the heel and calf.
Finally, high heels can also cause more general discomfort in your feet. They can cause blisters and calluses, as well as lead to pain in the arch and instep of your foot if the shoes are too tight or not properly fitted.
If you’re experiencing foot pain after wearing heels, you’re not alone. High heels can cause a variety of conditions that lead to pain and discomfort in your feet, from plantar fasciitis to metatarsalgia to pain in your Achilles tendon. If you regularly wear high heels, it’s important to take steps to minimize their negative effects on your feet, such as choosing lower heels or wearing supportive insoles.
