Breaking into new leather shoes can be a real pain and suede shoes are no exception.
Our guide on how to break in suede shoes will show you how to make your new suede shoes feel super comfy in no time.
We’ll show you seven easy ways for breaking in your suede shoes without ruining the leather.
Precautions
- Before breaking in your suede shoes, read the care label. Don’t ignore this step because all suede shoes are not made equal. Be aware of special instructions.
- It’s best to break into suede shoes slowly. Start by wearing them for a couple hours and gradually increase wear time.
- Do not use a shoe stretcher on the shoes with a narrow-toe design. Narrow-toe shoes can disfigure easily and you don’t want to end up with an oddly shaped pair.
- Do not use the heating method on shoes made from real suede. Real suede is very soft and delicate and excessive heat can damage it.
- When storing your suede shoes, stuff them with newspaper to help maintain their shape. Be sure to store your shoes in a cool and dry place.
Wear the Shoes Regularly
One of the best ways to break in your suede shoes is to wear them regularly. The more you wear them, the more comfortable they will become.
You can try wearing your shoes around the house. This will help them to mold to your feet and become more comfortable.
Start by wearing the shoes for 20 minutes and gradually increase the wear time. If your shoes are too tight and pinches the ankle, place a cotton ball or tissue inside the shoe. This will prevent blisters and sore feet.
You can also try wearing them for a few hours while running errands etc.
When to use This Method
You can use this method if your shoes are stiff. This will increase their flexibility and make them comfortable to wear.
Before moving on to the other methods, always use this method first. This method may take a couple of days to work. However, this is the best way to break into your shoes without causing any damage.
The Socks Method
Wearing thick socks is also a great way to break in your suede shoes. Wearing thick socks will effectively increase your foot size and help stretch the sued shoes and make them more comfortable.
Start by putting on a thick pair of socks. If you don’t have thick socks, you can wear two pairs of socks together.
Then, put on your shoes and walk around for a few minutes. Avoid heavy walking to prevent blisters. You can simply wear the shoes for 20 to 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, take off your shoes and socks. You may need to repeat this process for a week or so before your shoes feel comfortable.
When to use This Method
You can use this method if you find that your shoes are too tight or if they are giving you blisters. This method is best for people with wide feet or who need to stretch out their suede shoes evenly.
Also, check out these 11 practical tips on how to stretch shoes for wide feet.
Using a Shoe Stretcher
A shoe stretcher is used to stretch shoes width-wise and length-wise. You can use a shoe stretcher if you want to quickly break in your suede shoes.
First, insert the shoe stretcher into your shoes. Then, turn the T-Handle and Lengthening drum to expand the shoe stretcher. (Read our shoe stretcher guide for a detailed explanation of how to use them)
You can leave the shoe stretcher in your shoes overnight. Remove the stretcher in the morning. Walk around in your shoes for a few minutes to check the fit and comfort.
Repeat the process if the shoes still feel uncomfortable. However, be careful not to overstretch your shoes. Overstretching will permanently damage your shoes.
When to use This Method
This is a great method for people who want to quickly break into their suede shoes. You can use this method if your shoes are too tight and you want to increase the width or length of your shoes.
Using Shoe Stretcher Spray
Shoe stretcher spray is the solution that helps to break in your shoes quickly.
Shoe stretcher sprays contain leather-softening liquids. These liquids penetrate the fibers of the leather and break them down. This makes the shoes more flexible and comfortable to wear.
There are different types of shoe stretcher sprays for different kinds of shoes. Make sure to choose the right spray for your suede shoes. Bickmore and KIWI are two good options for shoe stretcher spray.
First, spray the inside and outside of your shoes with the stretcher spray. Make sure to coat the entire surface evenly.
After spraying the solution, wear your shoes and keep walking until the spray dries. If your shoes are too tight, you can wear a thick pair of socks before putting them on.
Lastly, remove your shoes and check if they have stretched out. If the shoes are too tight, you can repeat the process for a comfortable fit.
When to use This Method
You may use this method if your shoes are somewhat fitting but tight. This method will also help to break into your suede shoes quickly.
The shoe stretcher spray will break down the fibers of the suede and make your shoes more flexible.
Using Newspapers
Using newspapers is one of the most affordable and accessible ways to stretch sued shoes.
To break in your suede shoes using newspapers, crumple up some newspaper, and stuff your shoes with it. Use as many sheets of newspaper as you need to break in your shoes.
Squeeze the newspaper tightly into the shoe so the material can stretch out. Tie up the shoelaces to keep the newspaper or clothes in place.
Leave them for at least 12 hours for the best results. The newspaper will help them retain their shape and stretch out the material gradually.
After 12 hours, remove the newspaper from your shoes and put them on to see if they have stretched out. Repeat the process if they are too tight. The best time to do this is at night before going to bed.
When to use This Method
This is not a quick breaking in the method. Therefore, people who have time on their hands can use this method to break into their suede shoes.
This method is also suitable for people who want to break into their shoes without using chemicals.
Using Rubbing Alcohol
Another great way to break in your suede shoes is rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol will break down the fibers of the suede and make your shoes more pliable.
Firstly, mix one part of rubbing alcohol with one part of the water in a spray bottle. Shake the bottle to mix the stretching solution well.
Next, spray the solution on the inside of your shoes evenly. Make sure to cover the entire surface. After spraying, wear your shoes and walk around until the rubbing alcohol dries out.
Lastly, remove your shoes and check if they have stretched out. If not, you can repeat the process for a comfortable fit.
When to use This Method
This is the method for you if you are looking for a quick way to break in your suede shoes. You can stretch slightly tight suede shoes using this method.
However, be sure not to overdo it, as too much-rubbing alcohol can damage the suede.
Using Hair Dryer
Using a hair dryer is a great way to quickly break in our suede shoes. The heat from the hair dryer will soften the suede and make your shoes more flexible.
However, be careful using this method as too much heat can damage the suede.
Apply some shoe conditioner or cream on the inside of your shoes before using this method. The shoe conditioner will protect your shoes from heat and prevent them from drying.
First, set the hair dryer to the lowest setting. Then, hold the hair dryer a few inches away from the inside of your shoes.
Move the hair dryer back and forth so that the heat is evenly distributed. Do not heat a particular spot for more than a few seconds, as it can damage the suede.
After heating up the shoe, put them on and walk around until they cool down. The heat will help to break into your shoes quickly.
When to use This Method
This is a great way to break in your suede shoes quickly. Use this method if you are in a hurry and need to break into your shoes fast. You can also use this method to stretch a particular shoe area.
However, be sure not to overdo it, as too much heat can damage the suede.
FAQ
How can I stretch my shoes wider?
If your shoes are too tight, you can use a shoe stretcher to break them in. This will help stretch out the width of your shoes to make them more comfortable. You can also use a two-way stretcher if you need to break in both the length and width of your shoes.
How long do shoes take to break in?
It depends on the method you use to break in your shoes. Generally, breaking in can take one to two days to three to four weeks.
Do suede shoes loosen up?
Yes, suede shoes will loosen up over time. However, you can speed up the process using one of the methods described above. You can use the suede stretching spray to stretch your suede shoes safely.
Conclusion
So there you have it, our top tips for breaking in your suede shoes. We hope you find them helpful and that they help your new suede shoes feel like old ones in no time. Just take your time and be careful not to damage your shoes.
What are your favorite methods for breaking in new shoes? Share them with us in the comments below.
