There's nothing quite like the excitement of buying a beautiful new pair of white heels. Whether you've found the perfect stilettos for a special occasion or invested in classic pumps for work, that excitement can quickly turn to disappointment when you discover your stunning new shoes leave your feet aching after just minutes of wear. The good news? With the right techniques, you can break in new heels comfortably and have them feeling like old favourites in no time.
Breaking in heels isn't just about comfort—it's about protecting your feet from blisters, calluses, and long-term damage. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through proven methods that professional stylists and podiatrists recommend for breaking in heels the right way.
Understanding Why New Heels Hurt
Before diving into solutions, it helps to understand why new heels are often uncomfortable. Fresh from the box, heels are typically stiff because the materials haven't yet moulded to your foot's unique shape. The leather (or synthetic material) needs time to soften and stretch slightly, while the insole requires compression to match your foot's contours.
Additionally, new heels often have pristine, slippery soles that can cause your foot to slide forward, putting extra pressure on your toes. Understanding these factors helps explain why the techniques below work so effectively.
The Sock Method: A Classic for a Reason
The sock method remains one of the most popular and effective ways to break in heels, and it's incredibly simple. Here's how to do it properly:
- Put on a pair of thick socks—the thicker, the better. Hiking socks or multiple pairs of regular socks work well.
- Slip your feet into your new heels. They'll feel tight, which is exactly what you want.
- Use a hairdryer on medium heat to warm the tight areas of the shoe, particularly around the toe box and back of the heel.
- Keep the shoes on as they cool down, allowing them to mould to your sock-enlarged feet.
- Walk around your home for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove the socks and try the heels barefoot or with thin stockings to check the fit.
Repeat this process over several days rather than trying to stretch the shoes dramatically in one session. Gradual stretching is gentler on the materials and produces better results.
The Freezer Bag Technique
This method might sound unconventional, but it's remarkably effective for leather and faux leather heels. Water expands when it freezes, gently stretching the material without damaging it.
- Fill two zip-lock bags about a quarter full with water and seal them tightly, removing excess air.
- Place one bag in each shoe, positioning them in the areas that feel tightest.
- Put the shoes in your freezer overnight.
- Remove the shoes and let them thaw for about 20 minutes before removing the bags.
- Try them on to assess the stretch.
This method is not suitable for satin, silk, or suede heels, as moisture can damage these delicate materials. Stick to leather or synthetic materials only.
Wear Them Around the House
One of the simplest yet most overlooked methods is simply wearing your new heels around the house before their big debut. This approach offers several advantages:
- Soft surfaces like carpet are more forgiving on your feet than hard floors
- You can sit down immediately when discomfort arises
- The shoes won't get dirty or scuffed, preserving your return options
- Gradual wear allows the materials to soften naturally over time
Aim to wear your heels for 30 minutes to an hour each evening for a week before wearing them out. This gradual approach is gentler on both your feet and the shoes.
Invest in Shoe Stretchers
Professional shoe stretchers are worthwhile investments if you frequently buy heels or have particularly challenging feet to fit. Available at most shoe repair shops and online retailers, these devices apply gentle, even pressure to stretch shoes precisely where needed.
For the best results, insert the stretcher overnight and spray the shoes with a shoe stretching solution beforehand. Some stretchers come with attachments that target specific problem areas like bunions or high insteps.
The Newspaper Hack
This budget-friendly method has been used for generations and works particularly well for the toe box area:
- Dampen sheets of newspaper (not soaking wet, just moist).
- Scrunch the paper into balls and stuff them tightly into your shoes.
- Leave overnight and remove in the morning.
- Let the shoes dry completely before wearing.
The moisture softens the material while the paper expands to stretch it gently. This method is safe for most materials except satin and silk.
- Always break in heels gradually over several days rather than all at once
- The sock method combined with gentle heat is effective for most heel types
- Avoid moisture-based methods on delicate materials like satin or suede
- Wearing heels around the house first protects your feet and preserves return options
- Professional shoe stretchers are worth the investment for frequent heel wearers
When to Seek Professional Help
If home methods aren't working, don't hesitate to visit a professional cobbler. They have industrial-strength stretching equipment and years of experience working with different materials. Many cobblers can also add extra padding, adjust heel heights slightly, or make other modifications to improve comfort.
A good cobbler can work wonders with white heels specifically, as they often have experience preventing yellowing and maintaining the pristine appearance of lighter-coloured footwear.
Preventing Discomfort in the First Place
While breaking in is sometimes necessary, you can minimise the need by shopping smart:
- Shop for shoes in the afternoon when your feet are slightly swollen—this is closer to how they'll be when wearing heels for extended periods
- Always try both shoes and walk around the store before purchasing
- Look for heels with padded insoles and good arch support
- Consider your activities—block heels are easier to break in than stilettos
- Choose genuine leather when possible, as it moulds to your feet better than synthetics
Breaking in new heels doesn't have to mean suffering through blisters and pain. With patience and the right techniques, you can have your beautiful white heels feeling comfortable and ready for any occasion. Remember, the key is gradual stretching and softening—your feet (and your shoes) will thank you for taking the time to do it properly.