How to Break In My Shoes That Are Too Stiff Around the Heels

Oct 7, 2011 / By Megan Mostyn-Brown

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Don't worry, breaking in a new pair of shoes is both simple and easy.

Photo: Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

You finally bought that pair of leather heels you've been coveting for months, only to get home and find out they are wicked uncomfortable. Do you suffer for fashion? No way, every gal knows too-tight heels can lead to major foot drama. Do you return those beautiful shoes? Not a chance, you've waited far too long to get them. Instead, use a few easy, at-home techniques to stretch those shoes to comfortably fit your feet.

Slip your heels on with a pair of thick athletic socks and wear them around the house. Don't wear them outside, athletic socks and heels are a major fashion faux pas.

Put a little bit of rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and rub the inside of the shoe where you want to stretch it. Wear the heels with a basic stocking and walk around for 15 minutes. Unlike an athletic sock, heels are meant to be worn with stockings.

Slip a pair of heel liners into your shoes. They help break in the shoe and prevent your heel from slipping or rubbing.

Use a hair dryer to warm up the leather. Wear the shoe around and let the warmed leather stretch and mold to your feet.

Insert a shoe stretcher into your heels. A shoe stretcher allows you to expand your shoes to fit the size of your foot.

1.Athletic socks

3.Cotton swab

5.Heel liners

2.Rubbing alcohol

4.Hair dryer

6.Shoe stretcher