We often buy particularly hard shoes that can cause injuries the first time they are used. This happens with leather shoes. In this article, we’ll explore different methods for softening your shoes and improving their comfort. It’s also crucial to understand the importance of the materials used in shoe manufacture to choose the best softening techniques.
The problem with hard, tight shoes is a common one. As the material is new, it causes pain in the foot. What’s more, you run the risk of leaving the shoes on the shelf, wasting a perfectly new pair of shoes.
Want to know how to soften leather shoes? Don’t buy any chemicals, you’ve already got what it takes to make them soft and comfortable: Grandma’s remedy for softening leather. These methods are completely natural, but extremely effective!
Why are leather shoes uncomfortable?
Leather shoes can be uncomfortable because of their rigidity and lack of adaptability to the shape of the foot. Leather is a natural material that takes time to adapt to the specific morphology of each foot. When you wear new leather shoes, you may experience pain and blisters due to the friction and pressure exerted on your feet.
Adapting leather to the shape of the foot
Leather has a unique property: it molds to your feet over time. This means that the longer you wear your leather shoes, the more they will relax and adjust to the shape of your feet. However, should you experience any particular discomfort, there are solutions to speed up this adaptation process.
Problem areas in new shoes
Certain areas of new shoes are particularly problematic. The heel, toes and sides can cause a lot of pain. Blisters usually form on the heels, sides and toes due to friction caused by new shoes.
Five grandmotherly remedies to soften your leather shoes
Leather is a noble material that helps feet breathe. However, its hardness can cause foot injuries and discomfort when walking.
Fortunately, there are some simple home tricks you can use to protect your feet from the consequences. Follow these steps to soften your leather shoes: use forcing lasts and specialized products to achieve the best results in the softening process.
Hair dryers and thick socks
One very simple and effective method is hot air. All you need to do is put on some thick socks and your leather shoes.
Next, set your hair dryer to high and run it over the entire shoe. Don’t remove the shoe until it has cooled down completely. This grandmotherly trick will make the leather more supple. Use cedar wood shoe trees to maintain the shape of your shoes.
Ice bags
Take a bag of water and place it inside the shoe. Put the shoe in the freezer and, once it’s frozen, take it out and let the water in the bag melt. This grandmotherly remedy will make the leather stretch without damaging the shoe or blistering your hand! It’s important to question the effectiveness of this method and consider the potential consequences for the materials.
With oil
A simple cotton pad soaked in olive oil can be useful for softening shoes.
Use a few drops sparingly, rubbing well into the leather shoe (especially on hardened spots, such as the heel and toe) without leaving stains, and the oil will penetrate the material, making it softer. This grandmotherly remedy can also be used with coconut oil, but you’ll need to warm the shoes or boots beforehand and remove the excess the next day. Tricks that cost next to nothing…
*Olive oil-based recipes also work on leather garments.
Alcohol and Vaseline
Wipe the surface of the shoe with a cotton bud soaked in alcohol. Once dry, apply Vaseline and leave overnight.
After this time, wipe with a dry cloth and you’ll notice that your shoe leather is much softer. You can repeat the process if necessary, thanks to this grandmotherly remedy.
In addition to these remedies, there are undoubtedly other grandmotherly tricks designed with other products to soften leather and widen leather. We’ll mention them briefly below:
- spray the outside of the shoe with a water/alcohol mixture and leave to dry;
- insert newspaper inside the shoe and place in the freezer. The cold softens the leather and the paper will stretch it;
- apply a moisturizing cream all over the shoe and let the lotion soak in to increase its flexibility. A beauty treatment your shoes will appreciate!
Use steam to soften leather
Steam is an excellent way to soften the leather of your shoes. You can heat water in a kettle or saucepan and place your shoes on top to let the steam seep in. Remain in this position for 30 seconds and check the condition of the leather. If it’s supple and easy to shape, you can stop there.
The new silicone remedy
If DIY isn’t your thing, there are a few remedies on the market for softening moccasin leather at very low cost.
Get a soft silicone gel protectorto put inside the shoe in critical areas.
These are special insoles, smaller than normal ones. They don’t take up the entire shape of the shoe, but are specifically designed to protect only certain areas:
- The back heel.
- Big toes.
- Toes.
So, if none of these remedies has convinced you or solved your problem, try this silicone protector and finally slip on your pretty pair of moccasins without annoying rubbing against the shoe.
Finally, another strategy for widening shoes is to wear them at home. Many models prove difficult to wear the first time around, but over time they manage to adapt to your feet.
Tips for choosing shoes that are easy to stretch
Choose shoes that fit your feet right from the start. When buying shoes, it’s advisable to select models based on the shape of your feet to ensure greater comfort and proper softening.
Selection criteria for a good pair of shoes
When choosing a pair of leather shoes, there are several criteria to take into account. First, it’s important to choose a pair that matches the size of your feet. Also, look for shoes, like moccasins, with a padded insole and arch support.
If you ever find yourself facing this problem, try these grandmotherly tips to soften the leather of your shoes. Feel free to leave a comment to let us know if they worked for you! We look forward to hearing from you.
