Breaking In Tight Shoes

Happy Friday!! What are you guys up to this weekend? We are going to two birthday parties and a couple museums with friends, so I broke in a new pair of shoes to wear and thought I would share my technique. I've seen similar ideas other places online - it's such a good one!

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You know how when you try on a pair of shoes in your size that fit, but you just know that they'll definitely give you blisters for the first couple of wears? Shoes like that can be risky purchases, especially when you live in a walking city like NYC. 

I found these red leopard loafers at Century 21 a couple weeks ago. They fit, but they were stiff and they rubbed bad around my ankles. I still bought them though because I knew I could make them comfortable in just a couple minutes.

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The basic idea is to wear a pair of really thick socks (I borrowed some from Michael) and then just heat up the shoes with a blow dryer for a couple of minutes. I always get the best results if I'm standing in the shoes while heating them up.

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Then let the shoes cool down with the socks still on. After just a couple minutes of heating and cooling, the formally tight shoes will fit like a glove. Promise! Works every time. :)

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Happy weekend, friends! Hope it's a good one, full of formerly-tight-now-comfortable, pretty shoes. :) xo
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52 comments:

  1. UnknownMay 17, 2013 at 2:37 AM

    That is a genius idea! You have really helped me, as I have very wide feet and finding shoes that don't pinch or rub is incredibly difficult. I often stick to boots, trainers or mens shoes. I just need the confidence to buy something and try it ...

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  2. Polly RowanMay 17, 2013 at 3:42 AM

    What a genius idea! I have quite big feet and often buy shoes which are slightly too small so I will give this a go!

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  3. LegalMissSunshineMay 17, 2013 at 4:17 AM

    I will be trying this tomorrow! I have the most adorable pair of violet TOMS ballet shoes, but they kill my feet and I never wear them. Crossing my fingers that this works! Thank you!

    www.LegalMissSunshine.com/blog

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  4. Gabby @ CookieCutterUnique.comMay 17, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    This is genius! Thanks for sharing, I always end up with beat up feet after a new shoe purchase.

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  5. Gabby @ CookieCutterUnique.comMay 17, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    This is genius! Thanks for sharing, I always end up with beat up feet after a new shoe purchase.

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  6. ColleenMay 17, 2013 at 6:57 AM

    That is awesome! I have some great shoes I got at a sample sale that I've never worn because of the blister situation. I'm going to try this ASAP.

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  7. Handbags*and*PigtailsMay 17, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    I've never heard of this. Thanks for the tip and enjoy your weekend!

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  8. HanhMay 17, 2013 at 8:06 AM

    Oh thank you! I really really needed this tips.

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  9. NazMay 17, 2013 at 8:41 AM

    I just bought a pair of Cole Haan's for half price and will try this out.

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  10. quinncooperMay 17, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    Amazing idea! I wish I had known this little trick years ago. I will definitely be doing this today for a pair of stiff sandals I just bought.
    Thanks for sharing.
    xo Quinn

    Quinn Cooper Style

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  11. My Notting HillMay 17, 2013 at 8:44 AM

    Thank you for sharing - can't wait to show my daughter this!

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  12. ErinMay 17, 2013 at 9:24 AM

    Love the tip. Freaking love the shoes!!!

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  13. AnonymousMay 17, 2013 at 9:38 AM

    I wrote a blog post on this method too! http://elisabethcrisp.com/2013/01/31/if-the-shoe-fits/ It really works!

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  14. Amy at Ms. Toody Goo ShoesMay 17, 2013 at 9:45 AM

    What a great tip! I'm going to try it today. Also, LOVE those shoes! I am a big Beverly Feldman fan!

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  15. UnknownMay 17, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    This is great! I bought a really cute pair of shoes the other day that are a little snug, but of course I had to have them. Thanks for the tip!

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  16. La DolfinaMay 17, 2013 at 10:05 AM

    What a great tip!
    Thank you

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  17. TrishaMay 17, 2013 at 10:07 AM

    I have done this for hockey skates (hockey store have special equipment to heat up your skates before you put them on) but not shoes. Would it work for patent leather?

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  18. JulieMay 17, 2013 at 10:25 AM

    This is the best method. I use it all the time and it works like a charm.

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  19. JulieMay 17, 2013 at 10:26 AM

    This is the best method. I use it all the time and it works like a charm.

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  20. UnknownMay 17, 2013 at 10:32 AM

    Great tip! I'm going to try right now! :)))

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  21. AnonymousMay 17, 2013 at 11:11 AM

    I tried this and it did not work for me! I did it over and over again because I wanted to wear these particular shoes so bad, still no luck.

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  22. Michelle PantingMay 17, 2013 at 11:11 AM

    Thanks for the great tip! Just got some new ones in from ShoeMint that I will try this with!

    http://www.fullbellywornsoles.com/

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  23. UnknownMay 17, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    Great solution! Thanks for Sharing.

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  24. UnknownMay 17, 2013 at 11:20 AM

    Great solution! Thanks for Sharing.

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  25. kstyleMay 17, 2013 at 12:09 PM

    Wow that is a great tip. I only wish Id known it soon. Thanks for sharing, k

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  26. Colleen @ TwoDelightedMay 17, 2013 at 12:14 PM

    I have tried a version of this but I'm pretty sure I screwed it up so I will be doing this tonight on this one pair of shoes that is so cute but makes me want to hit things after I wear them.

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  27. AnonymousMay 17, 2013 at 12:38 PM

    Seriously!?! Why doesn't everyone know this?! This is the kind of thing people need to know! Thanks for sharing! Just got a cute pair of Tory Burch shoes that gave me a blister. I'll do this tonight. LOVE IT!

    http://simplymodernhome.com/

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  28. GirlieBekuMay 17, 2013 at 1:06 PM

    I did almost the same thing the other day. Did some house chores on my new shoes with super thick gym socks on. Now they fit perfectly.
    Will try the hair dryer!

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  29. authorMay 17, 2013 at 1:16 PM

    For my narrow feet, they would then be too stretched out and loose if I did that.

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  30. authorMay 17, 2013 at 1:17 PM

    For my narrow feet, they would then be too stretched out and loose if I did that.

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  31. AnonymousMay 17, 2013 at 1:48 PM

    Thank you for sharing!!! I've always wondered how I could do this at home, I can't wait to try for my next new pair!!!

    P.S. Love the moccasins!

    xoxo PARIS BEE kids blog

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  32. Karen at Home Sweet HollywoodMay 17, 2013 at 1:49 PM

    Great idea! Doing this on a new pair!

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  33. jarymaneMay 17, 2013 at 2:05 PM

    You are an angel and I love you, this is such a well-timed tip. I bought a really pretty pair of dove gray suede heels at BR last weekend, they were a little snug but I figured they'd stretch, being leather... wrong. Three hours into a long graduation ceremony I was in agony! I'll definitely try this out!

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  34. AliceartMay 17, 2013 at 2:08 PM

    This is great for breaking in shoes - thank you! If they are seriously tight, try this one: Fill freezer baggies with water, stuff them in your shoes, and place in the freezer. When the water freezes it expands and so do the shoes.

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  35. DanielleMay 17, 2013 at 2:29 PM

    This is such a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

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  36. Keggy25May 17, 2013 at 2:47 PM

    Hi Jenny what a fabulous blog!!! Omg all those cute shoes on sale 1/2 size too small now I can get them. Woo hoo TOTAL ROCK STAR JENNY.

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  37. SimplePrettyThingsMay 17, 2013 at 3:08 PM

    Ummm LOVE this tip! Thank you for sharing. It never occurred to me to look up a way to break shoes in on the internets...

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  38. YvonneMay 17, 2013 at 3:47 PM

    great tip! I am totally doing this. Thanks!

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  39. AnonymousMay 17, 2013 at 6:27 PM

    I'm in love with those shoes!!

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  40. UnknownMay 18, 2013 at 8:55 AM

    Haha the socks are funny. But nice tip. What I do is wet my feet and let them dry inside the shoes. Will try this one next time.

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  41. Nancie NelsonMay 18, 2013 at 9:08 AM

    Wonderful info! My wide feet thank you.
    And love love love those shoes.

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  42. AnonymousMay 18, 2013 at 11:40 AM

    Clever I will have to try since I buy them to fit and then after wear they start slipping off my heels!
    Happy Nesting.

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  43. Danielle V.May 18, 2013 at 5:32 PM

    Ah, how awesome! This seems so simple. Can't wait to try it with the new flats I bought! :)

    Best,
    Danielle
    http://awriterinlove.blogspot.com

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  44. MichelleMay 18, 2013 at 6:59 PM

    I assume this would work best with natural fibers. I've been thinking about dressing up some heels with some lace, but I always have a hard time getting shoes to fit well. I'll have to try this method.

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  45. AnonymousMay 18, 2013 at 8:34 PM

    Great tip!! Thank you. I really need this now that I'm all swollen with child (:

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  46. ElizabethMay 18, 2013 at 8:59 PM

    It's like you answered my prayers! I was just thinking, how the heck am I going to get these shoes to fit?

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  47. UnknownMay 19, 2013 at 6:56 AM

    Incredible--www.motownsavvy.com

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  48. PMM pamela mungerMay 19, 2013 at 9:25 AM

    So happy to read this. I recently bought a pair of ballet flats from banana republic that are killing me....thought I would have to try and sell them on ebay but i think your idea will work, thanks!

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  49. PMM pamela mungerMay 19, 2013 at 9:26 AM

    So happy to read this. I recently bought a pair of ballet flats from banana republic that are killing me....thought I would have to try and sell them on ebay but i think your idea will work, thanks!

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  50. That Girl ShelleyMay 19, 2013 at 10:21 AM

    I am going to try this for breaking in new shoes! This is such a great idea!

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  51. TamaraMay 20, 2013 at 2:19 PM

    This is a game changer! Holy cow, THANK YOU for sharing. Used it this morning on a pair of peep toes that I've worn once & didn't want to put on again...and i have to tell you i cannot wait to get home and do it to at least 5 more pairs of shoes. Amazing. Thanks SO much.

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  52. UnknownMay 30, 2013 at 6:29 PM

    Ok. YOU are a genius, and these shoes are ADORABLE! :) XO

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)