What’s the Best Way to Break in New Dress Shoes Without Pain?

All new shoes take some time to break in, but leather shoes take even longer. Leather shoes may feel comfortable out of the box, but they truly become an extension of the body once they're broken in and shape themselves to their owner's feet. 

There are several tricks to help leather break down but consult the manufacturer's care instructions before trying them. 

Besides, one thing people love about shoes such as Johnston & Murphy line or Nunn Bush, are their quick break-in period for each pair of shoes, which are made with exceptionally high-quality materials & construction.

Wear Them for Short Periods

Shoes are most uncomfortable when they're new, so there's a Catch-22: new shoes have to be worn to break in but wearing them can make your feet hurt. 

With a brand-new pair of shoes, try them on in advance of the event and wear them around your house for an hour or so to help break them in.

Another advantage of wearing shoes in the house is being able to sit while doing so and have the shoes mold to your feet without the weight pressing down on them. Your feet swell all day, so you can also break in your shoes at the end of the day.

Wear Thick Socks

Wear socks to minimize hot spots and chafing. You can also throw in an extra pair of thick socks for a bit more cushion—and relief during the break-in period.

Use Extra Padding

If you have areas that rub or chafe (hot spots), try covering them with Band-Aids or a blister cushion for extra coverage and cushioning as the shoes break in.

Take Care of Your Feet

Foot care while breaking into shoes is just as crucial. Clean, soft skin is less susceptible to blisters. Be sure to scrub your feet well in the shower (so many people neglect their feet), drink water, and use moisturizer or lotion to help keep your skin soft and smooth.

Warm Shoe Warm Up Bad Idea

Specific instructions may recommend heating the leather to form to your feet by using a hair dryer or heat gun directly on the boot, to warm and mold the leather quickly. 

This is always bad advice, especially for dress shoes made of nice leather. Leather consists of oils that make it naturally soft and supple. 

Adding more heat is the beginning of dehydrating the leather and removing moisture, which can result in minor wear once the leather dries, such as cracking or color change. Embrace this beautiful, slow break-in, and your leathers will love you for it—taking you further for longer.

Be Sure not to Get Shoes Wet.

Other break-in guides recommend using water to dampen the shoes and soften the leather. This is also not a good idea for the same reasons that heat isn't best. It's time-consuming. 

Though leather is somewhat waterproof, when it becomes saturated, the water actually washes away the natural oils that help to keep it looking and feeling great. Water can also cause leather shoes to shrink, and we all know breaking in is already a pain.

How long to break in leather shoes?

The leather shoe break-in period will vary from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the leather and construction. 

Men's dress shoes and oxfords from the line up of Suits Unlimited brands it carries, such as Nunn Bush, Johnston & Murphy, Florsheim, or Dockers, should be made of the best materials and made to last for a long time with proper care." Our men's shoe collection includes a range of formal options, including oxfords. The glove leather lining is super soft and supple, ensuring a no-blister break-in period—adventure and style straight from the shoe box.

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