Prom night is one of the most exciting and memorable events of your high school life. You want to look your best and have a great time with your friends. But what if your new shoes are giving you blisters, pinching your toes, or making you wobble on the dance floor? That’s not fun at all!
Don’t worry, we have some tips on how to break in new shoes before prom night, so you can enjoy the night without any shoe-related troubles. Whether you’re wearing heels, flats, or dress shoes, these steps will help you make your shoes more comfortable and easy to walk in.
Wear Your New Shoes Around the House
The first step to break in new shoes is to wear them around the house for a half-hour a day in the weeks leading up to your prom night. This will not only stretch and soften the material of your shoes, but also help you get used to walking in them. You can also wear thick socks to speed up the process and prevent rubbing.
If your shoes are too tight or too loose, you can use a shoe stretcher or a hair dryer to adjust the fit. Just be careful not to overdo it and damage your shoes.
Use Shoe Liners and Gel Pads
Another way to make your shoes more comfortable is to insert shoe liners or gel pads. Shoe liners are thin, adhesive strips that you can stick inside your shoes to prevent friction and cushion your feet. They come in different shapes and sizes, and you can cut them to fit your shoes exactly. They are suitable for both guys and girls, and you can find them in most drugstores or online.
Gel pads are similar to shoe liners, but they are made of soft, gel-like material that conforms to your feet. They are meant to sit under the balls or heels of your feet, and provide extra support and comfort. They are especially helpful for heels, as they can reduce the pressure and pain on your feet. You can also find them in drugstores or online, and they are easy to apply and remove.
Scuff Up the Bottom of Your Dress Shoes
One of the most common problems with new shoes is that they are too slippery. This can be dangerous, especially on a polished dance floor. To avoid slipping and falling, you need to create some traction on the bottom of your shoes. You can do this by scuffing up the soles with sandpaper, or gently scraping them on your sidewalk or driveway. The scuffs will create some roughness and grip on your shoes, and help you break in them faster.
However, don’t go overboard with this step, as you don’t want to ruin your shoes. Just do enough to make them slightly less smooth and shiny.
Gently Knead the Heel Back and Forth
If your shoes have a stiff or rigid heel, you may want to loosen it up a bit. A tight heel can cause blisters, cuts, or bruises on your heel, and make it hard to walk or dance. To soften the heel, you can gently knead it back and forth with your hands, or use a wooden spoon or a rolling pin. This will make the heel more flexible and comfortable.
Be sure to knead the heel slowly and carefully, so you don’t damage the shoe or hurt yourself. You can also apply some leather conditioner or shoe polish to the heel, to make it smoother and shinier.
Make Sure You’re Wearing the Right Size Shoe
This may seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of people will buy a size too big or too small if it means getting the shoe they want (preferred brand or color). This is a big mistake, as wrong-sized shoes can hurt your feet, and ruin your prom night. Please, spare your soles and your cash, and buy shoes that fit you well.
To find your correct shoe size, you can measure your feet with a ruler or a tape measure, and compare it with a shoe size chart. You can also try on different shoes at the store, and walk around in them for a few minutes. The shoes should feel snug but not tight, and leave some room for your toes to wiggle. You should also check the width and the arch of the shoes, and make sure they match your feet.
Conclusion
Breaking in new shoes before prom night is not hard, but it does require some time and effort. By following these steps, you can make your shoes more comfortable and easy to walk in, and avoid any shoe-related problems on your big night. Remember, your shoes are not just an accessory, but an essential part of your prom outfit. They should complement your dress or suit, and make you feel confident and beautiful. So, don’t settle for anything less than perfect, and break in your shoes well in advance. You’ll thank yourself later!
