Seven tips for shoes to keep your feet smiling

Everyone love a nice shiny, new pair of shoes. Everyone, that is, except for often your feet. 

After the rush you get from buying new shoes, you’re left with the slightly less fun task of breaking them in. Often breaking in new shoes can be a long and painful process, sometimes resulting in blisters and soreness. 

Here are a few tips that will help to make breaking in a new pair of shoes as quick and easy as possible, so you can get on with your day in comfort. 

1. Use sandpaper to improve the grip

One of the worst things about new shoes is that the soles can be very slippery. Especially some women’s dress shoes, as they have smooth soles not designed with safety in mind. Before you wear them, it is a good idea to lightly rub the soles with a piece of coarse sandpaper so they will grip the ground better.
Nothing will ruin your day quite like slipping over!

2. Use heat and thick socks to stretch your shoes

When you get new shoes, wear them around home for short periods first to break them in. It helps to wear a thick pair of socks with them, and apply heat to warm up the leather to help it stretch. A hairdryer is perfect for this.

3. Shop for shoes later in the day

With heat and activity your feet can swell up to half a size bigger later in the day, making this the perfect time to hit the shops. If you go shopping early in the day, you may end up with shoes that fit a little too snugly.

4. Use deodorant

It may sound a bit silly, but applying some gel deodorant inside the heel can reduce friction and help to prevent painful blisters from developing. Your feet and shoes will smell nice as a bonus!

5. Waterproof

New shoes can be uncomfortable enough without getting your feet wet too. There are various waterproofing sprays available for fabrics like suede, but fabrics with a larger weave like canvas can be waterproofed by using beeswax.

6. Tape your toes together

Wearing high heels is uncomfortable even in the most ideal of circumstances, but one way you can make them a little more bearable if you must wear them is by taping your second and third toes together. This helps to relieve some of the pressure.

7. Use tea

It’s lovely to drink, but it can also be useful for your feet! If you end up with blisters, soak your feet in a tub with warm tea to sooth them. If your shoes are a bit smelly, a dry tea bag placed inside can help absorb any odours!

Do you have any other tips for happy feet? Share them with us in the comments below.