You don’t need to suffer to get your new kicks comfortable — with a little patience and the right approach — you can turn stiff, unwieldy shoes into comfortable companions that feel like they were made for your feet.

Begin your break-in routine indoors with brief sessions. This gives your feet time to adjust and lets the materials slowly conform to your foot shape without putting too much strain on them.

Always wear the socks you’ll use during actual activity to ensure accurate sizing. It eliminates unexpected friction points and reduces blister risk.

Don’t rush into marathon runs or gym sessions. Overdoing it early may lead to soreness, swelling, or lasting foot damage. Instead, gradually increase the time you spend in your new sneakers each day. Increase usage by 30 minutes to an hour per session. It lets the shoe’s engineering sync with how your body naturally moves.

Warm the tight zones with a hair dryer for half a minute. While the shoe is still warm, put them on and walk around your house for a few minutes. Heat temporarily makes synthetic or leather materials more pliable. Avoid excessive heat, which may warp the sole or weaken adhesives.

For stubborn areas that rub, consider using moleskin or blister pads on the inside of the shoe where pressure builds. Use a shoe tree, crumpled paper, or damp socks to gently stretch tight sections. Adjust your lacing technique for optimal comfort. Varying lace tension across eyelets enhances fit and reduces rubbing.

Some shoes need time to truly break in. Full-grain leather and reinforced synthetics require weeks of gradual wear. If after a few weeks of gradual use your shoes still cause pain or discomfort, jogging juicy couture they may not be the right fit for your foot shape. Swap them out before injury sets in.

Success comes from respecting your feet’s limits. Take it slow, stay consistent, and your new shoes will thank you with comfort and support for miles to come.