October 5, 2011
DIY: Breaking Shoes In The Easy Way
I am in no way a one-shoe man, and because new shoe loves come into my life quicker than it takes to break in the current pair, I’ve devised a method of accelerating the process of breaking in. I was inspired by the way old wives in the Philippines help break in hard leather shoes: they let hot candle wax drip on to the tough spots, then rub it in with the candlestick. I was bored and alone in my apartment back in Boston when I devised this, and made do with what I had at hand; so far my technique has served me well.
Here’s what you’ll need: petroleum jelly, a curling iron, and shoes to break in. I recently acquired a pair of the Made in England Dr. Martens oxfords in dark red and though they were nice and sturdy, they were also impossibly tough.
Spread Vaseline generously all over the tough spots, getting into every corner. Lay it on extra thick on the bumps.
Set the curling iron to high and melt the petroleum jelly into the leather. If it sizzles, you’re doing it right. The trick is to use the curling iron to sort of curl the leather outward so it doesn’t dig into the foot as you walk. While you’re at it, bend the shoe back and forth as if to simulate the bend that occurs when walking. Do it several times, but if you could devote one episode of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding per shoe, all the better.
Allow to cool, and there you have it: your perfectly broken-in pair of shoes. (Dr. Martens creepers, Florsheim longwing brogues, Dr. Martens oxfords)
For those without a curling iron at home, go ahead and use a butane blowtorch. I could imagine the char marks could look quite charming!
14 Comments
October 5th, 2011 at 4:24 pm
very interesting indeed, it sounds like a good idea if not on super expensive one. is it likely to fry up the leather on the outside at all? i have some new grenson brogues but dunno whether to risk that
October 6th, 2011 at 4:57 am
Only issue – I hate those worn-in creases across the top of my shoes! Always trying to walk without causing them…and then I get drunk and go dancing in them.
October 6th, 2011 at 5:22 am
What would we do without you!?
C.
October 6th, 2011 at 10:26 am
mat: it may bust a few stitches (it's happened before, but on lower-quality docs), but nothing you could see from the outside. my made in england docs were very slightly broken-in after minutes of frying, so if you were gentle with your Grensons, you should be fine.
duck: shoe trees can help, to a certain extent, but i say embrace the creases!
c: and what would I do without you?
October 6th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
To be honest I've always found that wearing two pairs of socks & wandering around my house for an hour works & is ever so slightly safer!
October 6th, 2011 at 9:59 pm
"I could imagine the char marks could look quite charming!"
I JUST found you on stumbleupon and I think love this blog already :')
October 7th, 2011 at 12:24 pm
Never, ever would have thought of this… might have to borrow a curling iron and hope the petroleum jelly doesn't leave any effect on the iron….
http://www.drapersjobs.com/
October 9th, 2011 at 4:53 pm
This is the first time I have ever heard of this, one of these days I will come back to this blog and try it out.
November 20th, 2011 at 3:43 pm
This is very helpful!!! Especially cause I love wearing footsocks. Salamat! I'll try this
November 29th, 2011 at 5:26 pm
Blogged about this method (with a video demo!) here: http://www.makeuptomakeout.co.uk/2011/11/breaking-in-the-creeper-brogues/
Thank you for the tip!! x
November 29th, 2011 at 6:41 pm
Lina: thanks for sharing! I'm glad it worked for you.
February 23rd, 2012 at 10:18 am
Thoughtful post! I hope to be able to read more just like it in the future!
March 26th, 2012 at 10:48 pm
seems very logical.
i HATE breaking in my feet on a new pair of stiff shoes. it usually takes an entire season of wear (and tear) before the shoes give a bit. but i too am a bit timid to attempt this on any of my more precious footwear. bandaids with rochas sandals look great though…right?
April 27th, 2012 at 9:05 pm
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