How to break in new shoes
Reading time: 5 minutes | Last updated: October 3, 2025
Breaking in shoes—we’ve all been there. It’s that (sometimes never-ending) phase where your new kicks slowly start to mold to your feet. And honestly? It can be a real pain. But here’s the good news: if you’re wearing a pair of Wolkys, you’re already one step ahead. Why? Because most Wolky shoes don’t need breaking in. Just slip them on and go!
Still ended up with a pair that needs a little warming up? Don’t worry—below are some handy tips to help ease the process.
Tips for breaking in your shoes
It all starts with the right purchase. While style might catch your eye first, fit is what really matters. A shoe that fits well is already miles more comfortable. But there’s more you can do to get your shoes to feel like they were made just for you:
1 | Take it slow
Gradually build up how long you wear them. Start with an hour or so the first few days, then two hours, then half a day, and so on. Yes, it takes a little patience—but before you know it, they’ll feel like they were made for your feet. This method helps your feet get used to the shape and structure of the shoe, while the shoe also molds to your feet. And most importantly, it lowers your risk of blisters.
2 | Use softening products
Leather softeners or shoe stretch sprays can make a big difference. No, you can’t turn a size 6 into a size 9, but a few extra millimeters can work wonders. Just spray the tight spot, wear the shoes for a bit, and repeat as needed.
3 | Break them in at home
Wear your shoes around the house. You’ll get a real sense of how they fit—whether they pinch or feel loose anywhere. The best part? If they don’t feel right, you can still return them (within 14 days at Wolky!).
4 | Use shoe stretchers
Shoe stretchers can help maintain your shoes’ shape and even gently stretch them over time—especially handy with leather shoes. Use them after wearing your shoes so they keep the shape your foot just created.
Need more stretching tips? Check out these 7 hacks to stretch your shoes.
DIY tricks on how to break in your new shoes
1 | Wear thick socks
Thick socks can relieve pressure points and help stretch the shoe slightly. Once they’ve given a bit, you can switch to thinner socks—and enjoy a much comfier fit.
2 | Use a hairdryer
Yes, really. Gently heating your shoes makes the material more flexible. Use medium heat, no more than 30 seconds at a time, and always move the dryer around (you don’t want to melt the glue!). Wiggle your toes while heating for extra stretch. Use this trick at your own risk!
3 | Wear them while biking
Sounds weird, but it works! Your feet move naturally while pedaling, helping to loosen up the material. Bonus: your feet get used to the shoes too. So hop on that bike and ride your way to comfort!
When in doubt, visit the cobbler
Tried everything and still no luck? A professional cobbler can stretch your shoes precisely where needed—length, width, or pressure points. Breaking them in will be a breeze afterward.
Better yet: Don’t need to break them in
Want to avoid the whole breaking-in hassle altogether? Then start at the source—get shoes that fit well right out of the box. Here’s how:
1 | Get the right size (really)
Obvious, right? But many people don’t wear their actual shoe size. Sometimes a half size is the sweet spot—and Wolky offers both full and half sizes in many styles!
2 | Try on shoes at the end of the day
Feet tend to swell as the day goes on. If your shoes fit perfectly in the morning, they might feel snug later. So it’s best to try them on in the afternoon or evening—that way, they’ll stay comfy all day long.
Reading tip: How much space should you have in your shoes?
3 | Ask for expert advice
Shopping in-store? Don’t hesitate to ask one of the staff for fit advice—they’re total pros. Shopping online? Our customer service team is ready to help too!
Do you need to break in Wolky shoes?
Here’s the beauty of it: most of the time, you don’t. We hear it all the time from our customers—just slip them on and go. That makes us very happy at Wolky.
And let’s be real—nothing beats the comfort of a shoe that’s fully molded to your feet. That’s why your oldest pair always feels the best. But if that pair is a Wolky? Chances are, they felt amazing from day one.
Do you need online advice about shoe choice?
Contact us through the options below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
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