How to Break in New Sandals Without Getting Blisters
There is nothing worse than finding the perfect pair of sandals in just the right color and just the right height, only to wear them once and end up with aching feet or a band-aid on every toe. I have been there more times than I can count. Blisters can turn a fun day into a painful one real quick, especially when you are on vacation or spending time outside in the summer heat.
The good news is you do not have to suffer, gurls! With a little prep work and a few smart tricks, you can break in your new sandals and enjoy all the style without the sore spots. Here is what works for me and what might just save your feet, too.
Why Your Sandals are Giving You Blisters
Sandals and really any new shoes can cause blisters because the material is still stiff and has not had time to mold to your feet. Add in a little heat and friction, and your skin is not going to be happy. Sandals also leave more of your foot exposed, so there is less protection where the straps hit. That means more rubbing and more risk of blisters.
Tips to Break In New Sandals
Wear Them Around the House First
Before you head out the door for a full day in new sandals, give them a little trial run at home. I put on a pair of thick socks and wear the sandals like that. It looks ridiculous, I know, but who cares? You’re stretching out those straps and softening things up without tearing up your feet. Try it for thirty minutes to an hour a day for a few days, and you’ll be shocked at how much better they feel.
If they still feel stiff, I’ll grab the hairdryer. I put on socks, slip into the sandals, and hit them with medium heat for about thirty seconds while wiggling my feet around. That little bit of heat helps loosen up tight spots without damaging the shoe. Just don’t get crazy with it.
Fight the Friction
If there’s one thing I always have on hand during sandal season, it’s an anti-chafe stick. There are so many good ones out there now, and they make a huge difference.
Before you head out the door, swipe a little on the places that usually rub, like your pinky toe, the back of your heel, or across the top of your foot. It helps cut down on friction, so those straps don’t leave a mark.
If a pair of sandals has stitching or seams that dig in, I’ll take a strip of moleskin and stick it right where it bothers me. You can trim it to fit, and nobody will even know it’s there. You can also grab some clear gel pads for the heel or ball of your foot if the sole feels too hard.
Stretch Them the Smart Way
Sometimes the sandal just needs a little more give, and you can help it along. If you’ve got a leather pair that’s feeling too snug, try rubbing a little leather conditioner on the inside of the straps. It helps soften things up and makes them more flexible.
You can also try the freezer bag trick. Fill a small plastic bag with water, seal it tightly, and place it inside the sandal. Then pop the whole thing in the freezer overnight. As the water expands, it gently stretches the straps. Just make sure your sandals aren’t made from a material that’ll get ruined by moisture.
If you’re really struggling, a shoe stretcher might be worth looking into. They’re especially helpful if you have wide feet or a high arch.
Ease Into Your New Shoes
Don’t go out and wear your brand-new sandals for a full day. That’s asking for trouble. Start slow.
Give your feet time to adjust. If you’re going to be out longer, toss a pair of backup shoes in your bag. I’ve done that more times than I can count, and it’s saved me from having to walk barefoot through a parking lot. Don’t laugh. I know I’m not the only one.
If it’s going to be hot and humid, skip the sandals and give them another day to break in. When your feet swell, shoes always feel tighter. I try to break in new sandals in the evening when it’s cooler or on days when I won’t be doing much walking.
Sometimes They’re Just Not Worth It
Here’s the deal, gurls. Not every sandal is going to work out. If you’ve tried everything and they’re still cutting into your feet or leaving blisters, it might be time to let them go.
I’ve had a few pairs that were beautiful but just weren’t meant to be. If the straps are digging into your skin no matter what you do, or you’re constantly getting blisters in the same spot, it’s not your fault. That sandal just isn’t right for your foot.
Breaking In Sandal FAQs
How long does it take to break in sandals?
It depends on the material and how often you wear them. Some feel great after a day or two of walking around the house. Others might take a week of wearing them on and off before they stop rubbing.
Can I use Vaseline to prevent blisters?
You can, but I prefer the anti-chafe sticks because they’re not as greasy. Vaseline will work in a pinch, though.
Should I size up to avoid blisters?
No. A sandal that’s too big can actually cause more problems because your foot slides around more. The right fit should be snug but not tight, and the straps shouldn’t dig in.
What if I already have a blister?
Cover it with a blister bandage and let it heal before wearing those sandals again. Don’t try to push through the pain. It will just make things worse.
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Do you gurls have any other tricks or tips for breaking in a new pair of sandals??
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Verse Of The Day
Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV)
1“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
:)Great tips.
🙂 Thanks for the recommendations!
In case I forgot to smile . 🙂
My feet hurt just thinking about blisters.
Great suggestions. 🙂
🙂 Moleskin sounds like a great idea, thanks
😊 I have a blister stick and it has made such a difference this summer!
😊. Great suggestions. If shoes don’t feel comfortable when I first try them on I know they are not for me!
😊 I’ve never heard of a blister blocker. I’m glad you wrote about it!
😊I think regular stick deodorant would work the same as the blister blocker. I’ll have to try that.
☺️ Great tips!
😁 Great suggestions. I always keep moleskin in my suitcase
Great information!
🙂
All great tips. I did not know about the hairdryer trick!
🙂 good tips
Found it 🙂
Tips on how to avoid blisters with new shoes is great!
🙂 such good tips on breaking in new shoes, thank you
🙂 Found it.
That was a great post. I usually just take a spare pair of shoes and leave them in the car. I will certainly look into some of the products you mentioned.
🙂 Great suggestions, thanks!!!
🙂I wear socks around the house plus I have shoe stretchers.
😊Great tips! Many of these products are new to me!
😊 I need to save this blog! Every change of shoe season I end up with blisters!
😊 Love these tips, especially the thick socks with the blow dryer. Not sure why I never thought of that before! Thanks!
😊
All good tips.
🙂 great ideas
😊
Great tips I never thought of!!
🙂 Anti-chafe sticks? Who knew? You did. Thanks for the info.
🙂 If the shoe hurt my feet, I don’t even bother with them. Comfort is the key this time in my life!
😃 Great tips and pointers. I swear by the moleskin if I have a pair of sandals that rub wrong.
Wow- you really do know all the tips and tricks. I’ve had more than my share of blisters so will use them for sure!
🙂 Found it. Great ideas!!!
🙂Thanks for the great advice.
🙂I didn’t realize there were so many options. Thank you
I have tried the sock and hair dryer trick – it works great! 🙂
That’s good to know.
😊appreciate the helpful hints! When you’re over 50, comfortable feet are important!
🙂 Great items! Those new shoe blisters can ruin a day (and the next if you really mess up).
🙂 Thanks for the good info.
😊 Great tips! Thank you!
😊. Found it.
Great ideas and advice. Nothing worse than trying to look cute and stylish in the summer with cute sandals that are very uncomfortable and painful.
🙂 I have had a pair of slip on shoes that I had to give up after wearing just a couple of times because they just weren’t right for my feet. Disappointing but we need to be comfortable!
🙂 great tips
😀. Great tips! Moleskin has always been my foot savior!
🙂 The sticks work great.
🙂 Anti chafe stick is worth every penny.. I worked in a Med tent for a 60 mile Breast Cancer walk.. and did the walk a few times.. Great stuff even with shoes that were broken in..
😊What a great article! Love all the tips!
Great tips! We have always been there with shoes that are killing our feet!
That Body Glide foot anti blister balm works really well! That’s my go-to product for any shoe that is new or if I feel a “rub”.
😊 Gurl, great advice
😊. I do the sock trick as well, feeling totally silly but it works most of the time.
: ) Good to know
🙂
Interesting article
😊 Thanks for the info on how and what to use for breaking in sandals.
Found it :). I just added the shoe stretcher to my cart. I have some boots that need to be stretched out. Thanks for the info.
🙂 Some good suggestions that I was not familiar with.
😊 Thanks for these tips on breaking in new shoes! The leather conditioner would be great to use on any new shoes.
😊 Great tips!
found it!
thanks for the recommendations!
🙂 your Bible verse today was one I needed to hear. Also enjoyed seeing pictures from your vacation!
😊Cute dress.
😊great tips. Thanks!
😊Great tips! Luckily, I haven’t had any blister problems this year!
😀great tips
😃 It sounds like the family is having a great time. Thanks for the great tips! I’ve learned that it’s not a good idea to wear a pair of new sneakers when I’m going to be doing a lot of walking, without breaking them in first.
😀 Thank you for this useful information! For me sneakers tend to be too high & cut into my heels. I love it when my son comes home & I have an active house! Have fun! 🇺🇸