How to Break in Heels? 20 Easy Tips That Actually Work

If you’re wondering how to break in heels, then you’re at the right place. Here’s the answer:

Keep reading, as we discuss steps on how you can break in heels in detail.

Key Takeaways

• Break in heels by starting with short indoor wear

• Use thick socks and a hairdryer to stretch tight spots

• Try leather-stretch spray to soften stiff areas fast

• Use heel grips or gel inserts to stop slipping and rubbing

• Freeze water bags inside heels to stretch them overnight

• Keep your feet dry to reduce friction and blisters

• If nothing works, a cobbler can stretch them professionally

How to Break in Heels? 20 Proven Methods

To break in heels, start by wearing them indoors in short sessions. This helps your feet adjust to the shape while softening the material. You can also wear thick socks and use a hairdryer to stretch tight spots gently. Leather-stretch sprays work fast if your shoes feel stiff. Flexing the soles by hand also helps reduce pressure. Also, adding gel inserts or moleskin pads makes a difference in comfort.

Always break in your heels before wearing them out for long hours.

Here’s how to break in heels in detail:

1. Wear Them Indoors First

Wearing your heels inside your home is one of the easiest and safest ways to break in the heels. Here’s what to do:

• Put on your heels for about 20 to 30 minutes at a time

• Walk on smooth, clean floors

• Avoid standing too long to prevent pain

• Repeat daily for a few days until they feel better

2. Use the Thick-Sock and Hairdryer Trick

If your heels feel too tight, this method can help loosen them quickly. The socks stretch the material and the heat makes the shoes more flexible.

Follow these steps:

• Put on thick socks and wear your heels over them

• Use a hairdryer to warm up tight areas for about 30 seconds

• Move your feet while the shoes are still warm

• Keep the heels on until they cool down

• Try this again the next day if needed

3. Apply Leather-Stretch Spray

Leather-stretch sprays are made to soften stiff spots in heels. They work best when paired with light walking to help shape the shoe to your foot. Here’s what you can do:

• Spray a small amount inside the tight areas of the heel

• Put the shoes on right after spraying

• Walk around for 15 to 20 minutes

• Repeat if the shoes still feel tight

4. Flex the Soles by Hand

Stiff soles can cause pain, especially under your arch. Bending the sole helps make the heel feel more natural.

• Hold the toe and heel with both hands

• Gently bend the sole back and forth a few times

• Flex the sides to loosen the structure slightly

• Stop if you feel resistance to avoid damage

5. Use Moleskin or Blister Pads

To break in heels, use mole skin or blister pads.

• Clean and dry your feet

• Place the moleskin or pads where you feel pressure

• Make sure they stay flat without wrinkles

• Check them after walking to make sure they stay in place

6. Add Gel or Silicone Inserts

You can break in heels by using gels. Heels often hurt the balls of your feet or make you slide forward. Gel or silicone inserts add support and help reduce pressure.

Here are the steps to do:

• Choose soft, low-profile inserts

• Stick them inside the shoe under the ball or heel

• Press down to make sure they hold firmly

• Walk a few steps to test the fit before going out

7. Walk on Carpeted Floors

Walking on carpet helps you break in your heels without hurting your feet. The soft surface protects the soles while giving your feet time to adjust. Just do the following:

• Put on your heels in a carpeted room

• Walk slowly for 10 to 15 minutes

• Stop if you feel any rubbing

• Repeat each day until they feel comfortable

8. Try the Freeze Method

Here’s how to break in heels:

• Fill two small plastic bags with water and seal them tightly

• Place the bags inside the toe area of your heels

• Put the shoes in the freezer overnight

• Remove them and let them sit for 10 minutes

• Take the bags out and try on your heels to test the fit

9. Moisturize Leather Areas

Here’s what to do:

• Use a leather conditioner or petroleum jelly

• Apply a small amount to tight or stiff areas

• Rub it in gently with a soft cloth

• Leave it for a few hours to absorb

• Wipe off any extra before wearing the heels

10. Use a Shoe Stretcher

A shoe stretcher helps you target problem spots. It can expand your heels overnight without damaging the shape. To use it properly:

• Insert the stretcher into your heel snugly

• Adjust the width and length using the knobs

• Leave it in for at least 6 to 8 hours

• Remove it and try on your heels

• Repeat if the shoe still feels tight

11. Alternate With Flats

Wearing heels for long hours without breaks can cause swelling and rubbing. Swapping them out during the day helps prevent pain and blisters.

Make it work like this:

• Wear your heels for a few hours

• Change into flats for 30 to 60 minutes

• Switch back once your feet feel relaxed

• Repeat this throughout the day when needed

12. Rub Alcohol on Tight Spots

Rubbing alcohol can soften your heels. It “relaxes” materials like leather and synthetic uppers, which ultimately helps the shoe mold better to your foot shape. Follow these steps:

• Dip a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol

• Dab it inside the tight spots of your heel

• Put the shoes on immediately

• Walk around for 10 to 15 minutes

• Let the shoes dry fully afterward

13. Warm With a Dryer on Low Heat

Low heat makes your heels more flexible, especially in areas like the toe box and heel back. Do this safely by:

• Putting on thick socks and slipping into your heels

• Using a hairdryer on low heat for about 30 seconds

• Focusing on tight areas while moving your feet

• Keeping the heels on until they cool down completely

14. Use Petroleum Jelly or Deodorant

To make heels more comfortable, you will have to use petroleum jelly or a deodorant. Reducing friction in common rubbing spots is an easy way to stop blisters before they form. Here’s how:

• Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or stick deodorant

• Focus on your toes, sides, and the back of your heel

• Let it sit for a minute

• Put on your heels and walk normally

• Reapply later if needed

15. Walk on Different Surfaces

Walking on various surfaces helps loosen the soles.

• Start indoors with a soft carpeted floor

• Switch to tile or hardwood after a few minutes

• Walk slowly and pay attention to pressure points

• Do this for about 10 to 15 minutes a day

16. Insert Heel Grips

If your heels slip at the back or rub your skin, heel grips can help. They also reduce the chance of blisters while breaking in tight shoes. How to use them correctly:

• Choose soft gel or suede heel grips

• Peel off the backing to reveal the sticky side

• Press them firmly inside the heel area of your shoes

• Put on your heels to check for a snug but comfortable fit

• Adjust if needed for even placement

17. Use Shoe Trees Overnight

Shoe trees help maintain the shape of your heels. They gently stretch them when you’re not wearing them. They’re especially helpful for leather shoes.

To get the best results:

• Place a shoe tree inside each heel after wearing

• Adjust the width slightly to stretch the fit

• Leave them in overnight or longer if needed

• Remove the trees and check for improved comfort

• Repeat this process for a few nights

18. Visit a Professional Cobbler

If your heels still feel too tight or painful, a cobbler can stretch them precisely. It’s a reliable way to break in tough or expensive heels without damage.

Here’s what you can ask for:

• Spot-stretching in tight areas like the toe box

• Padding added to reduce pressure points

• Adjustments to make the heel grip tighter

• Advice on keeping the shoe’s shape while breaking it in

• Safe stretching for delicate or designer heels

19. Break Them In Over Several Days

Trying to break in your heels in one day often leads to pain. A few short sessions over several days will always feel better and work faster in the long run.

Here’s a smart routine to follow:

• Wear your heels at home for 20 to 30 minutes a day

• Rest your feet in between sessions to avoid swelling

• Gradually increase the wear time over 3 to 5 days

• Use socks or inserts if the heels still feel stiff

• Stop if you feel any sharp pain or blisters forming

20. Keep Feet Dry and Fresh

Moisture makes friction worse, especially in new heels. Keeping your feet dry allows your shoes to break in more comfortably.

To stay dry while breaking in heels:

• Apply foot powder or antiperspirant spray before wearing

• Choose moisture-wicking socks if you’re wearing any

• Let your feet air out between sessions

• Wipe inside your shoes after wearing to remove sweat

• Avoid wearing heels for long periods in hot or humid weather

How Can I Make My Heels Less Painful?

You can make your heels less painful by reducing pressure and preventing friction. Start with small changes that improve fit and comfort right away.

• Add gel or silicone inserts under the ball of your foot

• Use cushioned heel grips to stop rubbing in the back

• Apply moleskin on spots that usually blister

• Switch into flats every few hours

• Make sure the heel height suits your foot shape

How Do You Soften Heels Fast?

To soften heels quickly, you need to loosen the material without damaging it. Heat, moisture, and gentle stretching can all help.

• Use a hairdryer on low heat while wearing thick socks

• Spray leather-stretch solution inside tight areas

• Flex the soles gently with your hands

• Wear the heels indoors for short sessions

• Condition the leather with petroleum jelly or shoe cream

Does Breaking in Heels Make Them More Comfortable?

Yes, breaking in heels makes them more comfortable by molding them to your foot shape. It helps soften stiff materials and reduce pressure points. Here’s what we suggest:

• Walk indoors in short daily sessions

• Add inserts or pads to ease pain during break-in

• Stretch tight spots using the sock and dryer method

• Use shoe trees to keep the shape flexible

• Avoid wearing them all day until fully broken in

How to Break in Heels for a Wedding

Weddings involve long hours, so breaking in your heels ahead of time is key. Comfort will help you enjoy the day without foot pain.

• Start wearing them at home at least 1–2 weeks before

• Use gel inserts to support the ball of your foot

• Try heel grips if they slip at the back

• Walk on carpeted floors to gently loosen them

• Keep backup flats in your bag just in case

How to Break in Shoes That Rub Your Heel

If your shoes rub at the heel, you need to stretch the area and reduce friction. A few simple tools can help prevent blisters.

• Stick soft moleskin or a blister pad where it rubs

• Add heel grips to close the gap at the back

• Use rubbing alcohol to soften the inner lining

• Walk in them for short periods at home

• Try a shoe stretcher to widen the heel area overnight

How Long Does It Take to Break in Heels?

Breaking in heels can take anywhere from 3 to 7 days. It depends on the material, heel height, and how often you wear them.

• Leather heels usually take 5 to 7 wears

• Synthetic or stiffer shoes may need longer

• Stretching tools can speed up the process

• Short daily sessions are more effective than one long wear

• Use inserts to stay comfortable during the break-in

How to Break in Open Toe Heels

Open toe heels need gentle breaking in, especially around the front edge. Focus on reducing pressure and softening stiff straps.

• Wear them indoors with thin socks to stretch the front

• Use a hairdryer on low heat to soften the upper

• Apply leather conditioner to the straps

• Stick moleskin on areas that press against your toes

• Flex the shoe gently with your hands

How to Break in Shoes Without Wearing Them

If you can’t wear your heels around, there are still ways to break them in. Tools and tricks can stretch them without using your feet.

• Insert adjustable shoe stretchers overnight

• Use a freeze method with water bags inside

• Spray leather-stretch solution in tight areas

• Stuff shoes with thick socks to stretch gently

• Keep shoe trees inside to hold shape between wears

How to Walk in Heels

Walking in heels is easier when you take small steps and keep good posture. Practice and balance are the keys to walking with ease.

• Start on carpeted floors to feel more stable

• Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed

• Step heel to toe instead of flat-footed

• Take smaller steps to stay in control

• Avoid rushing or turning sharply on hard surfaces

Conclusion

Breaking in heels doesn’t have to be painful or frustrating. With just a few simple tools and tricks, you can turn any stiff pair into comfortable ones. Follow the methods discussed above, and you’ll be able to walk more confidently. Plus, you’ll stay comfortable longer and actually enjoy wearing your heels. So take it slow and follow the tips that work for you.