Monday, July 16, 2007

How To: Break In New Shoes

It's like "Welcome Home Loubies - Part Two." That's riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...

Thanks to Neiman Marcus' fab sale, I was able to bring home my second pair of Christian Louboutins. These dainty, canvas-covered heels were a steal at right around 50% off!

I've been walking around my house with these on, trying to break them in from the comfort of my home, rather than out and about. "How does one break in heels?" you ask.

How to Break in Your New Heels:
There are lots of methods, but my fave is wearing thin socks with my heels whilst hanging around the house. Of course, if you're just sitting on your couch all day, this isn't very helpful, but even just making quick trips from one room to another can gently start to break in your heels. Wearing thin socks helps to gently stretch out the shoes to fit your feet perfectly. Be sure to wear thin socks if you do this...you don't want to stretch them out too much!

If you're not sure if your shoes are broken in enough to wear a full day, I'd bring an extra pair, just in case your heels become to excruciating to bear. This happened to me last week, and thank goodness I had a spare on me!

I've also heard it takes three full eight-hour work days in your new shoes to fully break them in, but I'd rather give it a go from home first - at least to start the process, ya know?

Does anyone else have any good tips on how to break in new heels?

11 comments:

FB @ FabulouslyBroke.com said...

Gorgeous.. totally covet-worthy shoes, they look elegant and fab :)

Another way to break in shoes (unconventional) is to fill a tub with warm water, and stand in it with your shoes and your feet in your shoes of course :P

Apparently the water will loosen up the fibres then mold to your feet.. But if the shoes are VERY expensive (in which case, yours), I'd suggest just wearing thin socks for now, but the only true way to break in shoes is to use them for 3-4 hours at a time, like at a networking sessions or just in general, walking back and forth all the time in them.

My cheap pair of black heels that are .. well, basically plastic :P ended up molding to my feet this way during my last year of University, and now they are my MOST comfortable pair of shoes to wear, EVER. I never want to throw them out, even though Husband's pestering me to :P But if I do, I'd get Nine West black heels to replace them :)

Shopaholic D said...

Good tips Fab! That reminds me that one person told me you should wear wet socks when you try this trick. I agree with you, though - not on my Loubies! haha. Maybe I'll try that one out with a different pair.

:) D

Catlin said...

I don't have any tips but I like yours! Thanks!

beauty411 said...

Ok, first the Chanel purse and now Louboutins. You're killing me! Seriously...happy for you at the fab find; they're gorgeous!

G.G. said...

Love the shoes, congrats! While I wouldn't do this on Louboutins, a good tip for leather (esp boots) is putting 1/4 of bag of water in a ziplock bag (double bag it or badness will ensue) and then stick the boots/shoes in the freezer. Water expands when frozen, so as the water expands, so do your leather shoes :) An experienced costumer once imparted that secret to me and I just used it on a pair of boots, so it does work!

BTW, I just tagged you for something (but no fear, it's not a meme)

Shopaholic D said...

Thanks Catlin!

Thanks Girlfriend - I've actually had the Chanel for a few months now - a treat from last year's bonus!

:) D

Shopaholic D said...

Hey GG - great tip - that makes sense (the frozen water expanding thingy). Maybe I'll give this one a go sometime?

:) D

tarmarbro said...

Wow, I have never had to break in shoes. My rule has always been that if they are not comfortable, then I won't buy them. My Manalo's have never needed broken in and I only have one pair of Louboutin's, they are patent, and still no breaking in required. I like your sock idea though, maybe I will be more flexible with my shoe purchases.

Shopaholic D said...

Candid Cool - how do you get your shoes rubber soled? I tried asking one shoe repair person about it and they showed me this icky black, very thick, rubber sole, so I declined. Do you know of something better? Or better yet, could you email me a picture of your rubber-soled shoes?

Thanks!

:) D

Anonymous said...

ok, so how much were they? (cuz i have a feeling once i hear it, i'll be heading to the store...)

Shopaholic D said...

Hey TheDailyObsession - they were right around $250 before tax - a steal for Louboutins!

Neiman's took all their Last Call items down, but they should be sending them to one of their "Last Call Stores." I hear they have one of these in NY.

Happy hunting - I hope you find them!

:) D