Are you the proud owner of a new pair of shoes that are just a little too stiff for your comfort? Do they rub the back of your heels raw every time you wear them? If so, don’t worry there are several easy ways to soften the back of new shoes that hard, unyielding leather. In this post, we’ll explore three different methods: using a hairdryer, stuffing with newspaper, and using glycerin. Read on to find out which method will work best for you!
Methods to Soften the Back of New Shoes:
1. Hair Dryer:
One quick and easy way to soften the back of your new shoes is to use a hairdryer. Simply aim the hairdryer on the area of the shoe that’s giving you trouble, and hold it there for about 30 seconds. The heat will help to loosen up the leather, making it more pliable.
2. Stuffing with Newspaper:
Another method you can try is stuffing the shoes with newspaper. This works best if your shoes are made of a softer material, like suede or fabric. Start by crumpling up some newspaper into balls, and then stuff them into the toe area of your shoes. Leave them overnight, and in the morning, remove the newspaper and give your shoes a good shake. The paper will help to stretch out the shoes, making them more comfortable to wear.
3. Glycerin:
Glycerin is a substance that’s often used to soften leather. You can find it at most drugstores or online. To use it, simply mix a small amount of glycerin with water and apply it to the area of your shoe that’s giving you trouble. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then wipe off any excess with a cloth. Your shoes should now be much more flexible and comfortable to wear!
4. Ziplock Bags:
This method is similar to the newspaper method, but instead of using crumpled up paper, you’ll use ziplock bags filled with water. Start by filling a few ziplock bags with water and then placing them inside your shoes. Make sure the bags are evenly distributed so that your shoes don’t get misshapen. Then, put your shoes in the freezer and let them sit overnight. In the morning, remove the bags and give your shoes a good shake. The water will have helped to stretch out the material, making them more comfortable to wear. There are a variety of ways that you can soften the back of new shoes.
5. Thick Padded Socks:
This is a great way to stretch out new shoes if you don’t have the time to let them sit overnight. Simply put on a pair of thick, padded socks and slip your shoe on over top. Wear them around the house for an hour or two, and then take them off. Your shoes should now be more comfortable and easier to break in.
6. Heel Grips or Inserts:
If you’re having trouble with the back of your shoes rubbing against your heels, then heel grips or inserts can help. These are small pieces of padding that you attach to the back of your shoes. They provide a barrier between your heel and the shoe, preventing them from rubbing together and causing discomfort.
7. Wear Them in the Shower:
This may sound like an odd method, but it actually works! The steam from the shower will help to soften the leather of your shoes and make them more pliable. Simply put your shoes on and stand in the shower for a few minutes. Then, take them off and let them air dry.
8. Soak Them in Water:
This is a good method to use if your shoes are made of suede or another absorbent material. Start by filling a basin with warm water and then soaking your shoes for about 15 minutes. Then, take them out and stuff them with newspaper. Let them sit overnight, and in the morning, remove the newspaper and give your shoes a good shake.
If Your Shoes Are Made of Leather:
Leather is a bit trickier to soften than suede, but it can be done! One popular method is to stuff the shoes with newspaper overnight. This will help stretch out the leather and make it more pliable. Another option is to apply a small amount of glycerin directly to the areas that are bothering you. Glycerin is a natural lubricant that can help loosen up stiff leather. Let it sit for about an hour before wiping off any excess with a soft cloth.
If Your Shoes Are Made of Canvas or Another Sturdy Fabric:
If your shoes are made of a sturdy fabric like canvas, you can try using a bit of water to help soften them up. Wet a cloth with warm water and rub it over the areas that are giving you trouble. The warmth will help loosen the fibers and make the fabric more pliable. You can also try wearing the shoes around your house for an hour or two with some thick socks to help stretch them out.
Hopefully, one of these methods will work for you and you’ll be able to enjoy your new shoes in comfort! If not, there’s always the old standby of breaking them in by walking around in them until they’re molding perfectly to your feet. Happy shopping!
