Is it normal for feet to hurt with new shoes?

The new shoes feel tight around the toes, they rub at the heel, and they pinch with every step. They felt great at the store. What happened? It's the dreaded break-in period, when a new shoe rubs against tender feet, causing blisters and abrasions, until shoe and foot find a way to conform to each other in harmony.
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How long does it take for your feet to get used to new shoes?

Let your shoes get to know you

This is standard practice for high-quality shoes and guarantees your comfort and satisfaction in the long run. The break-in time depends on your choice of style, sole, leather and personal preferences for how you like your shoes to feel, but it will typically be between 3 and 4 weeks.
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Are shoes supposed to hurt when you first wear them?

Sometimes, new shoes can be exceptionally uncomfortable and even painful at first and then turn into the comfiest pair you own. You definitely want to try to avoid painful blisters, ingrown toenails, overpronation, unnecessary rubbing, sore feet, and heel pain, which is why slow and steady is usually the way to go.
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What to do with new shoes that hurt?

Here's what to do:
  1. Put thick socks on your feet.
  2. Blast one of the shoes all over with a hair dryer for around a minute, until it's warm and soft.
  3. Put the shoe on your foot.
  4. Repeat with the other shoe.
  5. Walk around your house at least until the shoes have cooled - the longer you can keep them on the better.
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Why do my feet hurt in new boots?

Why Do My Work Boots Hurt My Feet? It all comes down to support. Unless your boots are custom, they don't have enough arch support built in to support your feet properly. Each day, the impact on your feet is equal to the weight of a fully loaded cement truck.
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Shoes Causing Your Foot Pain? Simple 30-Sec DIY Shoe Wear Test



How long does it take to break in leather shoes?

Leather shoe break-in can take anywhere from one to four weeks. It all depends on the leather, the fit, and how they were constructed.
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Why do boots hurt at first?

Hard leather is the main reason your boots hurt like hell. 90% of breaking in a boot is stretching and softening the leather in those areas where your foot is shaped a little differently. Maybe you have high arches, or the ball of your foot is especially wide. The leather will stretch around those areas.
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Are my shoes too small or do I need to break them in?

Generally speaking, there should be about one finger's width of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Another way to check this is to slip a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of your shoe. There should be just enough space for your finger to fit nice and snugly.
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How long should new shoes hurt?

The break-in time depends on your choice of style, sole, leather and personal preferences for how you like your shoes to feel, but it will typically be between 3 and 4 weeks.
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Do shoes need to be broken in?

“Shoes with rubber soles and fabric uppers will need a minimal 'break in' period, and 90% of the time should feel good to wear immediately,” she says, “whereas leather soles and leather upper shoes are among the stiffest ready-to-wear shoes.” Leather is likely to stretch, so Rajput advises buying a pair of shoes that ...
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How can I make my new shoes more comfortable?

10 Easy Ways to Make Shoes More Comfortable
  1. Make Sure You're Wearing the Right Size and Width. ...
  2. Wear Moisture-Wicking Socks. ...
  3. Try Deodorant. ...
  4. Be Mindful About Breaking Them In. ...
  5. Consider Shoe Stretchers. ...
  6. Break Them In with a Blow Dryer. ...
  7. Tape Your Toes. ...
  8. Get Orthotic Inserts.
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Do tight shoes loosen up?

Typically shoes loosen up naturally as you wear them from place to place, but that entire process could take weeks of tiptoeing around with crunched toes and blooming blisters. But walking in shoes that pinch is something you can totally avoid.
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How do you know if your running shoes are wrong?

7 Signs You're Wearing the Wrong Running Shoes
  1. You've had your running shoes for longer than 6 months or 300 miles. ...
  2. Your feet ache during or after your run. ...
  3. You lose your toenails. ...
  4. Blisters, calluses, and corns (oh my!) ...
  5. You develop plantar fasciitis. ...
  6. You can't get your shoes off without completely loosening the laces.
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Why do new shoes burn my feet?

This is usually because the shoes are too tight, inhibiting blood circulation in your feet. Your toes and soles feel like they are burning. This may be because the shoes' soles are too stiff.
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How are sneakers supposed to fit?

Stand up and make sure there is 3/8" or 1/2" (about the width of your finger) between your longest toe (usually the second toe) and the end of the shoe. Always stand and walk around in the shoes to see if they are comfortable, fit well, and don't chafe or rub anywhere.
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How do you soften sneakers?

7 ways to stretch out your shoes
  1. Wear them in the evening. If your shoes are just a little uncomfortable, try wearing them around the house. ...
  2. Thick socks and a blow dryer. ...
  3. Frozen zip-close bag. ...
  4. The peeled potato trick. ...
  5. Adjustable shoe trees. ...
  6. Shoe stretch sprays and liquids. ...
  7. Find a shoe repair professional.
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Does 0.5 shoe size make a difference?

It does make a difference. One problem is that sometimes one foot is a half size larger than the other. Size to your larger foot. If you run in a shoe that's too small, as your foot slides forwards on downhills you can jam your toes causing black toe nails.
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Do shoes stretch over time?

Shoes will typically stretch all on their own as you wear them. Leather shoes, whether it be men's dress shoes or women's heels, will fit over time. But if they are too tight and uncomfortable to wear in, try some of these easy hacks to stretch your shoes up to half a size or so to accommodate your feet.
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Is it better for shoes to be tight or loose?

Bear in mind that when buying the perfect pair of shoes, they should be a snug fit, not tight nor loose. Because this will give you comfort feel, provides enough support, and that your toes can wiggle a bit, as well as your heel and ankle, won't cause any blisters or feel constricting.
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How long does it take to break in new boots?

New boots can take around 80 to 100 hours to break in. That being said, don't subject yourself to wearing your boots for 4 days straight and expect your feet to be happy with you. Instead, space this time out to about 2 to 3 hours a day and keep a second pair of boots to change into.
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How tight should new boots be?

It should not pinch across the ball of the foot or the toes, but should be comfortably snug in the instep area of your foot. Just like a good handshake. A new boot may slip some when new, but if it is snug in the instep, that slip will come out, after it is flexed from wearing.
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