You have probably heard the phrase “breaking in your shoes is a myth” when you are shopping for new footwear.
If this is the first time hearing the term, it may seem confusing and hard to believe. What do they mean by breaking in your shoes?
Is there really no need to break them in before wearing them? This article will answer the top 7 questions on breaking in shoes for you!
Is Breaking In Shoes A Myth?
The answer is no, breaking in shoes is not a myth. If you are buying new shoes, You need to break in shoes because they will feel stiff when you put them on in the store.
This is because the leather and material need to stretch out so that they can mold to your feet comfortably. Leather has some spandex (a natural elastic fiber) in it. This will help the material stretch a little bit.
The shoes may not feel as comfortable as they would be after you have broken them in, but if you want to wear them out of the store they should fit fine.
However, it is recommended that you walk around the house with your new shoes for a few minutes so that they have a chance to stretch out.
There is a misconception about breaking in shoes because people feel like they are broken in for good once you break them in. In reality, the fabric and leather will stretch differently depending on your foot size and shape.
Some people say that breaking in shoes is just a myth. However, what they really mean to say is “I don’t like wearing uncomfortable shoes.”
Believe it or not, there are plenty of people who do enjoy the breaking-in process. If you’re one of them, you’ll appreciate these tips for shortening the duration and reducing discomfort.
If you like the break-in process, I recommend doing it gradually according to this list:
- Wear the shoes around the house, in 10-minute increments, every day.
- Placing inserts in new shoes.
- Use shoe stretchers to stretch tighter areas of the shoe.
- Wearing loose laces that give your feet some wiggle room
- Investing in a quality pair of shoes that are worth breaking in.
- Breaking in boots by wearing them while walking on wet grass, then gradually moving to hard surfaces like dirt and asphalt.
If you want to break in shoes that are too small check out this article How to break-in shoes that are too small.
1. What Does It Mean For Shoes To Break In?
Breaking in your shoes means the material is stretching to fit your feet.
Your feet will swell during the day, so it’s important that your shoes can expand with them. This way you’re not putting extra pressure on certain areas of your feet which could cause pain and discomfort.
With proper care, many new shoes can be broken in at home.
2. How Long Does It Take To Break In Shoes?
It depends on the shoe, fabric, and foot size.
I personally enjoy breaking in shoes because I like wearing only comfortable ones.
For me, it’s a process that takes anywhere from 1-3 weeks on average, but for some people, this may take months.
If you don’t like waiting (like I do), try the above-given tips to speed up the break-in period.
More detail here How long Does It Take to Break in Shoes
3. Fastest Way To Break In Basketball Shoes?
The fastest way to break in your shoes is by wearing them for a couple of hours every day, plus taking them outside.
Many people were asking how to break into basketball shoes quickly?
You can buy shoe stretchers, which is a tools that will stretch the material and shoes to your feet. but it is advised that don’t do it quickly, let it stretch naturally or it can damage the material.
Heat, dirt, and dust will help the material stretch faster so that it’s molding to your feet.
If you don’t like wearing uncomfortable shoes and want to shorten the process of breaking them in, check out the tips given above.
I hope that these tips will be helpful to you.
4. Should Basketball Shoes Fit Tight Or Loose?
The answer to the question of what’s better for basketball, tighter shoes or looser shoes, is really personalized.
There are pros and cons to each style of shoe – tight or loose even within the two categories. For example, if you prefer quick movements with the less lateral motion you might choose tight ones for higher maneuverability.
Whereas someone who relies on pushing off their toes would tend towards a looser version that gives them more room underfoot.
There is no way one can say that this style of footwear will be best all the time because it depends on both your preference and playing style within certain games.
5. Why Do My Feet Hurt When I Wear Basketball Shoes?
In many cases, the issue is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a band of tissue on the sole of your foot that connects to your heel bone and supports your arch.
When it becomes inflamed or irritated, you may experience heel pain or tenderness when pulling off a shoe, pressing on the middle of your foot, or standing for too long.
Basketball shoes are designed with a tight-fitting upper with individual external padding for each toe. Your toes are not only tucking inside the shoe but also being squeezed by it.
The squeezing of your toes can lead to swelling in your feet and this can sometimes cause swollen ankles due to the added pressure.
6. Should I Buy Basketball Shoes A Half Size Bigger?
It’s always better to buy the right size of footwear. And, yes, it is equally important that shoes are of the right fit and of good quality.
Many people believe that buying shoes big would help them prevent any injury but it’s not the right thing to do. If you wear a bigger size on your feet it will cause blisters and wounds because your foot will move inside the shoe which could cause injury.
7. How Do I Break In My Converse Shoes?
To break in a new pair of Converse all you have to do is wear them as often as possible. Wear them with different types of socks, to see which feels the most comfortable.
Wear them at different times throughout the day to avoid foot aches and soreness. The more you wear your shoes, the better they will feel!
8. Do shoes actually break in?
Yes, shoes actually break in. The leather or other material stretches and molds to the shape of your feet over time. This is why it’s important to break in your new shoes before wearing them for a long period of time.
Final Thought
There are many questions people have about breaking in shoes. We hope you feel more confident now that you understand how to break in your favorite sneakers!
If not, please let us know and we will be happy to help answer any of your shoe-related questions or concerns. Contact our team today for a consultation on the quickest way to break up with those uncomfortable basketball shoes!
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