How to Break in Your Running Shoes 

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You can break in your new running shoes in a few different ways. 

1. Wear Your Running Shoes Around the House

The first way is by wearing them around the house for short periods. This will help the shoes gradually mold to your feet without putting too much stress on them. For example, you can wear them while doing chores around the house or even when you are just relaxing. Ensure that you take them off before they get too sweaty, so they don’t start to smell already!

2. Wear Them for Slow Jogs

Another way to break in your new shoes is by wearing them for slow jogs. This will help to gradually loosen up the shoes and make them more comfortable to wear for running. Start by only wearing them for a few minutes and then slowly increase the amount of time you wear them. Eventually, you should be able to wear them for an entire run without any discomfort!

3. Use a Hairdryer 

If your shoes are still too tight, you can use a hairdryer to help loosen them up. Just make sure you don’t put the hairdryer on too high, or you could damage the shoes! Also, heating them up and then cooling them down will help break down the fibers in the shoes so that they are more pliable.

4. Put Them in the Freezer 

Another way to break in tight shoes is by putting them in the freezer overnight. This will help stretch out the shoes, making them more comfortable to wear. Make sure you wrap them in a plastic bag before putting them in the freezer so they don’t get damaged!

5. Go for Short Distance Walks in Them

Walking is another excellent way to break in your new shoes. Start by going for short walks around the block and gradually increase the distance you walk. Eventually, you should be able to walk for miles in your new shoes without discomfort!

6. Try Wearing Them With Thicker Socks

If your shoes are still too tight, you can try wearing them with thicker socks. This will help fill up the space in the shoes so they are more comfortable to wear.

7. Do Some Foot Stretches 

Lastly, you can do foot stretches to help break in your new shoes. This is especially helpful if your shoes are too tight in certain areas. There is a variety of different foot stretches that you can do, so find one that feels comfortable for you and hold it for 30 seconds. Repeat this several times per day until you feel the shoes loosen up!

Young fitness woman runner stretching legs before run in the park

How Long Should You Take To Break Running Shoes?

It’s widely accepted that to avoid injury, it’s essential to slowly break into new running shoes. How long should you take to break into a new pair? It varies depending on the person and how their bodies respond to change. 

A general guideline is around two weeks, but some people may need more time, especially if they’re susceptible to injuries. If you’re not sure, it’s always best to lean on the side of caution.

FAQs

Are there any risks associated with breaking in new shoes?

There are always risks associated with any change, but they are usually minor. The most common risk is developing blisters or other types of skin irritations. However, these can usually be avoided by taking the proper precautions (such as wearing socks and gradually breaking in the shoes). 

What if my shoes still feel tight after I’ve broken them in?

If your shoes still feel tight after breaking them in, you may need to try a different size or style. Additionally, you can try using a hairdryer or putting them in the freezer to help loosen them up. Finally, if all else fails, consult with a shoe professional to see if they have other suggestions!

Bottom Line

Breaking new running shoes may seem like a lot of work, but it is worth it in the end. By taking the time to break them in, you can extend their lifespan and get more use out of them. So don’t wait any longer; start breaking in those new shoes today! 

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