Breaking Bad: How to Wear in Your Boots
From ankle booties to equestrians, no fall or winter wardrobe is complete without a new pair of boots. But while boots may be one of my very favorite items to shop for (I just splurged on this Burberry pair in black), my initial enthusiasm is often undermined when I wear my new pair out for the first time. (If you’ve ever slipped on a brand-new pair of shoes only to discover they rub at the heels and pinch at the toes, then you know what I mean.) Luckily, there are steps you can take to minimize the not-so-comfy break-in period. Without further ado, here are my 5 sole-saving tips for wearing in new boots…
1. Wear them around the house.
I like to wear new boots around the house with a few pairs of thick socks. They will feel a bit snug, but the extra padding should protect your skin from blistering while you break the boots in.
2. Stuff them.
When I’m not wearing my boots, I like stuffing my boots with a rolled towel to stretch them. This is also a great way to help your boots keep their shape once you’re past the break-in period.
3. Spray them.
Fill a spray bottle with a 1:1 mixture of rubbing alcohol and water, and then lightly spritz the inside of your boots. This is the same formula that shoemakers use to stretch and relax leather fibers.
4. Leave it to a professional.
A cobbler is good for much more than repairing broken heels and replacing worn out soles. If you have a professional you trust with your footwear, you can also ask them to stretch out a pair of brand new boots for you. It usually takes 30-minutes or less!
5. Freeze them!
Fill an airtight freezer baggie with water (preferably the larger size) then place the baggie inside the boot so it hits the toe. If you’re nervous about the baggie leaking, use duck tape to keep it sealed. Then place the boot into another plastic bag and seal it tightly. Repeat with your second boot and then place both boots (upright) into your freezer for one full day. The idea is that the water will freeze and the ice will expand, thus stretching the boot from the inside. After 24-hours, set the boots outside of the freezer and let them thaw out and then remove the baggie and wear your freshly stretched boots!
If you have trouble with the above techniques, bare in mind that different boots will require different amounts of break-in time depending on how stiff the leather is to begin with. The hard truth is that most pairs of boots will need to be worn for a couple of weeks before they’re truly comfortable. If you can work though this break-in period, however, the leather will mold to the shape of your foot and you’ll never want to take them off. If all else fails, follow tip #4!
Do you have any tips of your own for wearing in new boots?
Let me know in the comments below.
Also, if you have any tips to prevent sweaters from pilling, share that below too!
XO Lauren
Photo: Cupcakes and Cashmere
107 comments
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Thats is great post for us..You should keep it up Lauren!
http://www.localnumberone.com/PPC_mng.aspx -
Another good tip for breaking in your shoes:
- put on thick socks (winter wool works well)
- warm your shoes with your hair dryer
- wear them and walk around in them a bit until the shoe cools
this may be a bit toasty and uncomfortable, but your shoes will be considerably more formed to your foot when they're done
-T -
Just got a new pair of boots for Christmas and will be trying these tips! Thanks Lauren!
You might like tips on this site too:
http://www.liveitmag.com/ -
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Great tips! Didn't know about the spray or freezing them! :)
XO Nat
http://www.natinlove.com?cm=1 -
i stuff my boots with left over tissue paper to keep their shape and works great!
http://befashionfit.blogspot.com -
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Love the tip about freezing them! Def going to try that because mine are really tight in the toe area and no matter how much I wear them they won't stretch. -
Good advice! I want to get a pair of good leather boots this winter! I am in desperate need of one xD
xoRosie
http://teacupsanddresses.blogspot.com/ -
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Freezing is a new one for me. Usually I would just opt for wearing them around the house with a thick pair of socks. Comfy! -
Such clever ideas. I would never have thought of half of them!
Love from South Africa
http://arumlilea.blogspot.com -
These are great ideas, Ive actually tried that freezer one and it works!
xo Dina
http://www.sweetestsomethings.com -
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Such great & useful tips for braking new boots & shoes in general...
xo, Violeta
http://www.shoegaloutintheworld.com/ -
I bought a sweater that started to pill and I started to just hand wash it or send it to dry-cleaning(which I found was MUCH cheaper than I thought it would be). And I never, EVER put it in the dryer.
I did a post a week ago about my favorite shoes currently. Check it out if you get the chance!
http://breakfastatvictorias.wordpress.com/2012/11/15/high-top-sneakers/ -
I don't have any other advice on breaking boots in, but always remember to water-proof your boots! I always spray my new boots with a spray I got at Nordstrom. This helps them to last a lot longer! (but spray them outside, since it does smell a bit!)
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i've heard that with a razor on your pilly sweater, just
pull the fabric taught and glide the razor across the surface
Just like when you shave your legs.
This tip can be used on pilly sweater or wool skirts and pants.
Great tips LC <3 -
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I need to try the water and alcohol mixture. thanks for those great tips.
xo
Rachelle
http://pinksole.com -
Wow this post is amazing! I am literally wearing my new boots for the first time that I bought at Nordstrom's black friday sale and my feet are killing me! Will definitely be using these tips :) -
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Great ideas! I heard of freezing shoes, but haven't heard about boots until now! I guess you better have a big freezer to fit them! ;)
Please check out my fashion and beauty blog at: http://myfashavenue.blogspot.ca/ Today's post - Look Of The Day: Black & Gold
I would love to hear what you think!
xo
Deanne
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