There’s nothing quite like a pair of leather shoes or boots, but they may need a bit of help to become your most comfortable footwear. Breaking in leather shoes can be a challenge, but we’ve gathered some advice to help your full-grain leather shoes fit perfectly. Follow our step-by-step guide to break them in while avoiding blisters and discomfort. Skip the pain and start enjoying your stylish leather shoes.
Timeless Durability, Flexibility, and Comfort
Leather shoes are crafted from organic materials that naturally adapt to wear over time. With proper care, they offer long-lasting durability, making them a fantastic sustainable choice—no need to replace them every few years. Natural leather is highly durable, flexible, and comfortable, especially once it’s broken in.
The 1910s-1920s Britta boots in black, full grain leather
At memery, all our shoes, boots, and sandals (apart from our vegan range) are made from full-grain leather—the highest quality available—ensuring they stand the test of time.
Breaking Them In
While we aim for your memery shoes to fit perfectly right out of the box—a frequent comment from our customers—leather shoes sometimes require a break-in period to reach their full comfort potential. This is entirely normal. The more you wear them, the softer and more comfortable they become. However, a few tricks can help speed up the process.
1. Wear Them Around the House
Start by wearing your new leather shoes or boots at home. This allows you to remove them if they feel uncomfortable or put pressure on your feet, avoiding committing to a full day out.
2. Use Slightly Thicker Socks
Wearing slightly thicker socks can help stretch the leather gently and prevent blisters. Avoid overly thick socks, as they may overstretch the leather and cause the shoes to become loose.
3. Apply Leather Care
Regular leather care keeps the material soft, aiding the break-in process. It also improves resistance to water and dirt while maintaining a shiny, fresh appearance. We have created our own memery leather care, perfect to keep your memery shoes and boots in excellent condition.
4. Massage Problem Areas
For specific areas causing discomfort, warm the leather with your hands and gently massage the troublesome spots. This works particularly well for hard-to-reach areas like the toe box.
5. Try the Blow Dryer Method
If massaging doesn’t work, the blow dryer method can help. Wear your shoes with slightly thicker socks, then use a blow dryer to gently warm the areas causing discomfort. This softens the leather, making it more pliable. Be cautious with the heat—excessive warmth can damage the leather or overstretch it, leaving the shoes too loose.
The 1920s-1930s Tom menswear boots in brown, in full grain leather
Buying the Right Size
Choosing the correct size is crucial. Leather shoes are meant to fit snugly but not painfully. If you’re used to looser footwear like trainers or slip-on sandals, leather shoes may initially feel tight. However, they’ll expand slightly and mold to your feet as you wear them. A snug fit on the first try is part of the process. You're always more than welcome to write to our customer service if you have any questions regarding sizing, or you can book a 1:1 video call, where we'll be happy to guide you.
Trust the Process
Don’t lose heart during the break-in period. Once your leather shoes mold to your feet, they’ll become the most comfortable and perfectly fitted shoes you’ve ever owned. It’s worth the effort!
If you’re looking for a new pair of leather shoes or boots to try these tips, explore our collection of 1930s-inspired footwear or consider some dancing shoes for your next soirée.
