How to break in a stiff heel

Sometimes the problem with new shoes isn't the size, it's the protrusions. To get rid of this inconvenience, drip paraffin on the inside of the shoe in the desired place. After a few hours of wearing it around the house, the problem will go away as the material becomes more flexible and softer.

How do you break in the heel of a stiff shoe?

It's always nice to buy new stylish shoes or boots and then show them to others, especially if they're expensive and branded. But sometimes that can be a real pain. After the first day of wearing, you'll have corns and calluses on your feet, and the thought that your heel might break in a hard shoe and what to do next becomes an obsession.

How can you prevent this problem?

1. To avoid the problem, choose shoes made of quality material.
2. Buy in the afternoon rather than in the morning as feet tire and swell throughout the day and shoes bought in the morning can later become uncomfortable.
3. After purchasing your new shoes, remember to walk around the room to check their comfort. If they don't fit, you can return them before the warranty period expires, because once you walk in the shoes, you can no longer exchange them.
4. Also read our detailed post about choosing the right shoe size.

It is important to remember that wearing uncomfortable shoes is not only uncomfortable, but also bad for health: you get pain in your feet, corns on your heels and corns. So, if you continue to disregard these rules, or you notice the stiff leather on your shoes immediately, but you really like the model, you need to try to fix the situation with your hands. It's possible to pry the heel out of a stiff shoe, but it takes some effort.

Reasons why the heel of the shoe rubs on the foot

Depending on why the heel of the shoe rubs against the foot, the method of softening is chosen. It depends on whether you have to part with your favorite shoes or not.

Wrong size

The wrong shoe size is considered the main cause of discomfort. In the pursuit of beauty, women buy fashionable shoes several sizes too small. Even men don't always think about how important it is to choose the right footwear. If a man feels any discomfort when trying on, he should refuse to buy the product. Wearing patent leather shoes in a small size is difficult.

rough material.

Hard soles will always rub against the heel. You can wait for the shoe to adjust to the shape of your foot or try stretching the material. There are various methods of stretching leather and oilcloth. The wrong method will damage the material.

Incorrectly selected model

When buying shoes or boots, remember that the models differ in such characteristics:

Fashionable shoe brands are made to fit a typical foot. If the model does not fit your foot shape, you should refuse to buy it. You may want to look at products from other brands.

Swollen feet.

If the soles of your shoes pinch at the end of the day, swollen feet could be the cause. This symptom occurs when you eat a lot of salt, are dehydrated, take certain medications, wear tight shoes, or stand up. Do not immediately buy shoes in a larger size if your feet feel swollen. The first step should be to normalize your body. To do this, reduce your salt intake, drink clean water, and take breaks.

What to do if the heel hurts?

There are several methods to relieve heel pain without affecting the shoe's appearance.

How to stretch natural and synthetic leather

When the material shrinks, the shoes become uncomfortable to wear. The shoes pinch on the heel and cause blisters. Wiping natural leather shoes is not difficult. Pork lard, vegetable oil or fatty cream are used for this. This is applied to the problem areas and left for a day. The leather then softens and the shoe adapts to the shape of the foot.

The art material can be stretched by force. To do this, use a thick terry towel and a hammer. The shoe is covered with a towel to keep its shape. The bottom of the shoe is thoroughly hit with a hammer. After every 5 shots the shoe is used. If this method proves ineffective, then pharmacy glycerin is used. A cloth soaked in warm water is placed inside the shoe and left for an hour. The glycerin is applied to the hard spots and then waited for the composition to soak in.

How to stretch textiles, sneakers and sports shoes

When choosing these shoes, pay attention to the size. Sneakers and sports shoes stretch widely, but it is difficult to increase the length. Some ways to make athletic shoes more comfortable are:

• Rub the problem areas with 3%iger vinegar;
• Soaking textiles in alcohol and rubbing them with greasy soap;
• Apply paraffin wax (after that, put on socks and sneakers and walk around for half an hour);
• spraying with glass cleaner (after that you have to put on your shoes for an hour);
• Wearing damp socks at home to keep the sneakers running.

Before using liquid cleaners, make sure there are no cardboard inserts. If this material gets wet, the sneaker can lose its shape.

How do you quickly break in new shoes that are too tight?

Even the most comfortable sneakers can fail at the wrong time, leaving a blister on the heel. Often it is not due to the size or fullness of the foot, but to the individual characteristics of the foot, which cannot be taken into account when manufacturing factory shoes.
So when choosing a new pair of shoes, protect yourself beforehand by trying them on at home or nearby, because when traveling, blisters on the heels and toes can seriously spoil mood and fun. In this article you will learn how to stretch your shoes at home.

Even if a pair of shoes seemed comfortable when you tried them on, after a few hours of wearing them, they can start to pinch. The best solution for a model that is too tight is to contact a shoe repairer. Shoe repair shops often have special equipment that allows them to make shoes or sneakers longer or wider without damaging your new shoe or sneaker.
If you can't go to a store, they have helpful tips on how to wear your shoes at home.

1. Special water.
   There are a number of products that can effectively stretch a new pair of natural or eco-leather shoes in the toe and heel areas. It is important to choose the right preparation, since different impregnating agents are suitable for different types of materials.
   Alcohol is used as the main ingredient. There are also softening ingredients such as emulsions, oils or chemical additives that do not spoil the leather shoe but make it more flexible and softer. Waterproofing agents come in the form of sprays, ointments, foams or simple liquids. They must first be applied to a cotton swab or sponge, and then to the material. The product must only be applied to the inside of the shoe. Lubricate the chafing area, put on a sock, and then wear the pair around the apartment for an hour or two.
2. pads
   These can be bought at workshops or shoe stores. This method is less suitable because universal insoles do not take into account the individual anatomy of the foot. They are often used in combination with leather shoes.
3. wool socks.
   This method can also be used in combination with special plasticizers. Wear thick socks and put on shoes at home when walking around the apartment. At first you will feel some discomfort, but after a few hours trying on the shoes or sneakers you will find that they are more comfortable. This method allows you to stretch your shoes up to half a size in width and length.

How to stretch shoes from natural and artificial leather at home

Natural and faux leather shoes need to be stretched more and more often, and the wrong remedy can ruin a new pair forever. Here's how to avoid grease stains, scratches and wrinkles.

natural leather

This material has several advantages: the breathable material prevents your feet from sweating and the high durability ensures a long service life. Depending on the species, it can be waterproof, flexible or rigid. If you choose a pair of real leather shoes, you can wear them out faster than other materials.
What to do if your shoes get stiff:

1. wool sock method.
   Put on one or more pairs of socks, apply the product, and then walk for two hours. This option is ideal, since leather shoes and boots are very flexible.
2. Method with alcohol solution.
   Particularly suitable for stretching the material in the toes of the shoes. If leather or patent leather shoes become stiff at the toe, use a spray gun or cotton swab to apply alcohol mixed with water in a 1:2 ratio to the inside of the lining. Put on socks or rubber boots and walk in the pair until dry.
3. Frozen insole method.
   With this unconventional but effective method, you can stretch the width and length of the leather pair, as well as the toe area from the inside. There are several steps to follow:

• put whole sealed bags in the shoes;
• fill with water and tie;
• Leave them in the freezer for 8 hours.

Then take out the leather pair, and when the ice has thawed a bit, remove the bags. Due to the low temperatures, the water molecules expand and become ice. This method affects the vapor from the inside, making it more airy.
Such a tiphack is suitable only for genuine leather goods or durable high-quality oilcloth.

If you already have a callus

If you already have a callus on the back of your foot after wearing shoes. This should not be ignored. If not treated in time, it can lead to complications. Therefore, when a callus appears, the first thing to do is apply a bandage.

In this way, the injured area does not come into direct contact with the hard material and heals faster. Foot baths and special preparations for external use have also proven to be effective.

How can complications be avoided?

Very often swollen blisters on the heels burst spontaneously. This is dangerous because dirt or infection can get on the injured area. Then an infection develops. Eventually, the wound may begin to fester, leading to complications.

A manganese solution will help prevent complications. You should wash your feet with it once a day before bed for a week.

You can also rub hydrogen peroxide on the affected areas. This disinfects the skin and helps the wound to heal quickly.

So that the blisters heal quickly and do not leave any traces, you should apply aloe vera pulp to the injured area. This stimulates the regeneration process and helps to relieve itching and burning.

What you can do at home

Please note that all methods described in this article will only stretch the shoe a few millimeters. They don't allow you to increase the shoe by a whole size or even more.

You can only return the shoe to the store and get your money back if you complain about the quality of the product.

An expert then checks whether the manufacturer is actually responsible for the defects.

The seller then has 20 days to remedy the defect or provide a replacement.

After this period, the buyer has the right to request a full refund.

Hints. If you have damaged the shoes yourself through self-repair or accidental use, or if the product is no longer usable, the store will refuse to accept the goods.

Inquiry

So that you do not get rid of the problem of stuck shoes, adhere to the following simple tips when making a purchase:

1. Don't go to the fitting in the morning. Best in the evening after a long day at work, when the foot is already a bit swollen and enlarged. Otherwise you could be in for a nasty surprise on the very first day in your new shoes;
2. Give preference to products made from natural materials. Not only are they softer and fit better, but they are also easier to stretch when needed. However, sometimes this is a disadvantage, since they increase in size when worn, and over time they can simply fall off the foot;
3. When choosing shoes, pay attention not only to the style or quality, but also to the shape of the product. They should fit your foot without being too tight, but also without leaving too much room.

An ill-fitting shoe means foot health problems are guaranteed. Approach the purchase responsibly, and the chosen product will surely satisfy you with comfort and - with proper care - even with a long service life.

abrasions on the toes

Toe comfort depends on the correct shape of the socks - shoes with a square or pointed shape, for example, do not suit everyone. Toes are only comfortable in shoes with a gently rounded toe, but even that doesn't always protect against chafing. Silicone toe separators can prevent your toes from rubbing against each other and protect your little or big toes depending on how you wear them.

chafing of the heel

What can I do if my shoes cause chafing on the heels? If the cause is the dry and stiff sole of your shoes or boots, you can relieve it with a bottle of glycerine from the pharmacy. Prepare your shoes beforehand by putting a warm, damp cloth inside. Pull it out once it's cool, then smear the inside with glycerine. Alternatively, you can also use an oily cream, baby cream, pomade, a bar of soap or a wax candle. You have to treat your butt with it not just once, but several times until it doesn't pinch anymore.

Fall or winter boots pinch on the side, which means the pair you have chosen is too tight. To avoid blisters, use one of the stretching methods outlined above. Firm-fitting insoles (preferably orthopedic or gel insoles) are also helpful. As they move from side to side as you walk, they rub against the contour of your foot.

Gel insoles save you from another problem – the discomfort in the sole area. This feeling is particularly uncomfortable, so you should try to get rid of this problem as early as possible. For high-heeled shoes, the insoles should be heart-shaped and fit snugly in the area that feels the most pressure when walking. If the shoes are too big, the foot slips in them and is also deformed as a result. In this case, additional insoles for winter or autumn pairs or tight straps for summer sandals will be very useful.

What to do if leather shoes pinch?

Leather is a natural, absolutely environmentally friendly and durable material that stretches well over time and adapts to the shape of the foot. A shoe can pinch a little in any situation, but be aware that this is a temporary phenomenon. However, it is possible to help the skin take on the desired contours and curves a little faster. This is done with special products, in a shoe shop or at home - as we have described above. If the chafing problem is due to excessive sweating, spray the most vulnerable areas with a special foot care product to minimize friction and thereby reduce the risk of blisters.

Special products

In some cases, wearing the new shoes at home for an hour or two every day is enough. After a few days, the discomfort will likely subside. However, other means can also be used. For example, many shoemakers offer special equipment for stretching leather products. If you do not want to send the shoe to the cobbler, you should try to remedy the situation yourself.

Shoe stretchers are commercially available. The application is very simple, you just have to follow the instructions. It is usually a spray product. It is applied to the inside of the garment and then put on. This process will likely need to be repeated several times. For faster results, you can warm the shoes with a hair dryer, then apply a similar product and put tight socks over your feet.

Alternatively, you can also purchase a moleskin patch if your new pair has a heel clip. This is glued to both the cornea and the uncomfortable part of the shoe. Special soft straps are also sold that are placed inside to reduce friction. There are also silicone pads that attach to the heel where the shoes cause discomfort.

folk methods

If the question arises how to wear skirting boards, you don't necessarily have to go to the store. It is quite possible to achieve the desired effect using improvised means.

A stiff floor will soften faster if you soak it. Vinegar is recommended for leather and simple water for textiles. When the heel is wet enough, gently squeeze it out. Note that textiles often have cardboard inserts. Such a burden is not good for them.

Glycerin for leather items is a good idea. It's easy to get in pharmacies and the effects can be enormous. The treatment is carried out as follows. First, a towel is dipped in hot water and then placed inside the shoe. As soon as the shoe has cooled down, it is lubricated with glycerine. Hot water makes the skin more receptive.

tips

A regular deodorant, a roll-on deodorant, or a hard deodorant can help prevent blisters. Just smear the inside of the shoe.

If the heel of the shoe gets pinched, you can use ordinary newspapers. Tear them into pieces and moisten them thoroughly. Then place them in the problematic pair, stuff well and let dry. It is not advisable to put them on a radiator; the process should be natural.

It is no less convenient to use alcohol. Alcohol or vodka will do, but cologne can also be used. The inside should be greased, then the boots are pulled over the feet with warm socks. The shoes should walk like this for about half an hour. It is important to know that it is better to use beer for fabric or suede. Otherwise they are treated in the same way as leather.

Tip

It is not advisable to apply the product outdoors as it may spoil the appearance of the shoes. Alcohol can change the condition and color of the material. Therefore, only go out with an impregnated pair of shoes when they are completely dry.

Another popular method is freezing. Fill polythene bags with water and place the problem parts so that they fill in the areas to be stretched. It is better to take two bags for each shoe without tying the top one. In this way you can avoid an awkward situation if one of the bags turns out to be not very stable. The water expands when it freezes and thus achieves the desired effect. Once the boots have been removed from the freezer, it is not advisable to immediately remove the ice. You should let it thaw for some time. The method has proven to be quite good, but in rare cases the shoes are cracked or wrinkled.

Why does the shoe crease?

Before you break in a new pair, you should find out why the shoe pinches.

Blisters can appear in the following cases:

• The shoes are made of rough, hard material and have thick inner seams;
• The size of the shoe does not match the size of the foot - bigger or smaller;
• the shoe has a narrow instep;
• individual foot features present;
• Profuse sweating in the foot area;
• uncomfortable model.

In addition, blisters can appear in the most unexpected places due to not getting used to a certain type of shoe. For example, if you've never worn flip-flops, you're bound to get a few blisters after a one-hour walk.

New shoes should be bought in the evening when the feet are still slightly swollen. This ensures that the shoes do not pinch during the day.

Aid for stretching tight shoes

Tight, uncomfortable shoes can be 'corrected' at home. There are several best practices for doing this.

Vodka or alcohol can be used to soften the hard edges of shoes and boots. The most important thing is to test the color on an inconspicuous area before beginning the procedure, as substances containing alcohol can stain materials.

Soak cotton balls in vodka and wipe the inside of the shoe, paying special attention to the edges. When the material is thoroughly soaked, knead it with your fingers, trying to soften it. You can put on a pair of shoes and walk around the apartment for a while and repeat the treatment the next day if necessary.

The substances have a softening effect and are equally suitable for shoes and leather. Dip cotton wool in oil or glycerine, treat the inside of the material, being careful not to miss the seams, then knead with your fingers. This is not only good for a new pair, but also for a shoe that has worn down from excessive use.

If your shoes rub your heels, rub some soap or candle oil into the inside of the shoe. This can reduce friction. Repeat this process until the pair is worn out.

Mountain soles, boots and other hard leather shoes can be softened with a hammer. A piece of soft material is placed on the problem area and tapped lightly with a hammer. This method is not suitable for painted models, as the glossy surface can crack.

This is a good way to soften suede shoes. Soak the insole and heels in drinking foam, then knead them with your hands. Once the effect is achieved, the shoes should be cleaned and aired.

It is best to use white, uncrumpled paper, but you can also use newspaper. Place the damp lumps of paper in the shoes or boots and let them dry for a day. Do not force this - put the problematic pair on the radiator or take them out in drafts. The paper should take a long time to dry, and care should be taken to ensure that it dries completely.

beeswax and paraffin

A second effective remedy that can often be found on the internet is natural beeswax, which is sometimes substituted with paraffin. At home, the following simple steps are recommended:

• Melt the paraffin or wax in a water bath and allow to cool slightly;
• Using a cloth, apply the wax to the top of the shoe, paying particular attention to areas such as the heel, toes, and area around the big toe;
• Allow the wax to soak in for 5 minutes. After that you can polish the shoe or shoes with a special shoe brush.

We strongly advise against using paraffin and wax as sole leather care products as they can have negative effects on the skin. Natural beeswax is one of the main ingredients in Saphir creams and lotions. The right proportions, consistency and application will take care of your shoes much better than amateur products.

Intestinal bacon for shoe care

One way found online to soften leather shoes is bacon grease. The treatment is very simple: take a small piece of unsalted bacon fat and gently rub it into the leather near the problem area. The treatment takes place overnight, during which time the bacon fat has time to soak into the shoe leather, making it soft and beautiful. Many people prefer this method to expensive creams or lotions. We strongly advise against using this method for skin care. Mink oil, cod liver oil and other natural animal fats are indeed effective for leather care, but only in the right proportions and in a combination only found in professional preparations such as those by the French brand Saphir.

To restore the softness and attractiveness of leather shoes, homemade creams are sometimes recommended. This includes:

The mixture is first heated in a water bath until it turns into an emulsion, then it is thoroughly mixed and poured into a jar to cool. The preparation is applied like a normal cream and serves to soften the leather, impregnate the seams and protect the shoes from water and tears. After applying the cream, let the shoe soak for a while and then scrub it with a shoe brush. We advise against using homemade shoe care products. Non-professional preparations can have side effects that damage the leather. Professional creams are formulated by chemists who have been testing them on different types of leather for decades, maintaining the quality of the ingredients and adjusting their proportions. It is extremely difficult to achieve at home the properties of a cream made in a laboratory. Buying products from a trusted brand will save you time and effort and ultimately money as your shoes will last longer.

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