A Doctor Says This Is the Easiest Way to Break In Your Shoes

Getting new shoes is both a blessing and a curse… but mostly a blessing, let's get real. Aside from the pure joy that a new pair of kicks can bring you, the reality is that it can also bring some discomfort, blisters, and an unwarranted stiffness. Okay, so what? Just break them in. But how exactly is one supposed to break in shoes? Is there a right and a wrong way? Is there a way that's easier than others? Since I am no foot doctor or shoe expert myself, I reached out to someone who actually is for the answers to all of these questions.

Bobby Pourziaee, DPM, also known as the High Heel Doctor, is the founder of Rodeo Drive Podiatry and was kindly willing to share his doctor-approved hacks on how to break in your shoes in the most efficient way possible. From at-home hacks to preventative actions, Pourziaee's tips and tricks will have your new soles feeling just as great as they look in no time at all.

Go on to read up on podiatrist Bobby Pourziaee's tips on how to break in your shoes.

1. Stretch them out.

"Any new shoe affects the position of the joints of the foot along with your ankles, knees, hips, and back. Anytime you get a new pair of shoes, give yourself at least three days to break them in little by little. The first day, wear them for 30 minutes around the house. This will allow your foot to adjust to the shoe and allow the joints of your body to properly align. The second day, 60 minutes inside or outside the house out and about. The third day, wear them at least two hours. By the third day, you will know if the shoes are fully broken in."

2. Break them in at the end of the day.

"Begin breaking in your shoes in the afternoon or at the end of the day when your feet are more swollen. This will allow the shoe to stretch to your appropriate foot size."

3. Use a blow-dryer.

"If you feel pressure along your toes when you put on new leather shoes, you can use a blow-dryer to stretch out the area of concern. By doing so, this will help reduce formation of ingrown nails and painful bunions. I suggest blow-drying the area for at least 30 seconds before putting the shoe back on. Repeat as needed."

4. Identify hot spots.

"Try to identify 'hot spots' while you are initially breaking in your shoes. Make sure you accommodate those hot spots with moleskin that be can be purchased over the counter at any drugstore. This will help you to be protective versus reactive to possible future problems."

5. Dry your feet.

"Make sure you have dry feet while breaking in your new pairs of shoes. This can be accomplished by spraying under-arm antiperspirant spray on your feet before putting your shoes on. By doing so, you will reduce painful blister formation and possible fungus."

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