11 Effective Tips on How to Soften the Back of New Shoes?

Wearing a newly bought pair of shoes may get you excited, especially if you are using it for certain occasions and you have already planned an outfit to match it. Unfortunately, once you notice that your new shoes hurt the back of your feet, wearing it gets uncomfortable, and the excitement dissipates.

How to Soften the Back of New Shoes
Pain at the back of the feet is a common experience for many when wearing new shoes. The back of new shoes tend to be stiff and often ends up hurting your feet while you wear them. Sometimes, it may even cause blisters. This happens even if the shoes are the right fit for you. You would need to wear the shoes several times and endure the pain in order for its back to soften and for the shoes to become comfortable.

Fortunately, you don’t need to suffer from pain and blisters just to do this. In this article, we will present you with 11 hacks that can help you soften the back of your new shoes so they can quickly become comfortable to wear.

11 Tips to Soften the Back of New Shoes

If you are tired of having blisters and enduring the pain at the back of your feet every time you buy a new pair of shoes, try these eleven effective methods that soften the back of new shoes.

1. Spray with Shoe Stretch Solution

Spray with Shoe Stretch Solution
Using a shoe stretch spray is the easiest way to soften the back of new shoes, but you can only use it on leather shoes. Spraying them on the insides of the shoes can help it stretch up to a half size. Shoe stretch sprays are not expensive and you can easily get them in shoe stores and repair shops.

2. Apply Castor Oil, Glycerin or Petroleum Jelly

Generously rubbing castor oil, glycerin or petroleum jelly at the back of your shoes would make it softer. Leave the oil until it soaks the area you want to soften, then wipe it with cloth. Leave the shoes for several hours before wearing them, and you will see the difference. This method is most effective on leather shoes.

3. Heat the Back of the Shoes with a Hair Dryer

Back in grade school, we learned that heat causes objects to expand. You use the exact idea in using hair dryers. First, spray some water inside the area of the shoes to moisten it. Wear the shoes with thick padded socks and stretch and flex your feet as much as possible. 

Heat the Back of the Shoes with a Hair Dryer
Warm the back portion of the shoes, using the hair dryer to soften and expand it. Remove your foot only when the shoes have cooled down. Take off the socks and wear the shoes again to check if they are already comfortable for you. If it still feels a bit stiff and painful to walk in, you can repeat the process.

This method is effective for softening shoes made with suede and leather. Don’t try this method on shoes made with other materials, since the heat may cause damage. Don’t also put the blow dryer very near the shoes.

4. Freeze Water Inside the Shoes

Although it may seem unusual, this method is effective. Water expands when it freezes, pushing its container wider. To do this, get some ziplock bags and fill it with water. Stuff these inside the shoes. Wrap the shoes in a plastic bag and freeze it overnight. Take the shoes out in the morning, and you’ll notice that they have expanded a bit, eliminating the very tight fit at the back.

5. Use a Shoe Stretcher

Use a Shoe Stretcher
A shoe stretcher is a reliable tool in stretching both the width and length of the shoes. It can make the shoes roomier and can stretch its back up to half an inch. Shoe stretchers are also helpful in keeping your shoes in shape and well ventilated. This tool may be a bit pricey, but it is worth using and long lasting.

Also read:

How To Stretch Sandals Wide?

How To Stretch Rubber Boots?

How to Stretch Shoes for Wide Feet?

6. Wear Thick Padded Socks and Use Insoles

Wearing thick socks won’t only protect your feet from blisters, but also help in expanding your shoes and softening the back area. Regularly doing this lets the material give away, so when the time comes that you need to wear your new pair of footwear without socks, it won’t hurt your feet anymore. Using thicker socks expands the shoes better.

Insoles give you a better footing and more comfort. It also helps expand the shoes insides a bit, allowing it to be roomier. Combining insoles and socks make your shoes adapt to the shape of your feet, giving you comfort every time you wear it.

7. Try Some Wet Newspaper

Try Some Wet Newspaper
Another simple hack to expand the back of the shoes is using wet newspapers. Roll it into a ball, squeeze out the water and place it inside your shoes. Leave it there for 24 hours. Repeat this method a few times a week, and you’ll soon notice the difference in your shoes.

8. Rub Some Soap on It

Rubbing soap on the inner portion of the back of your leather shoes will help soften the material and enhance its elasticity. Flex the area you want to soften as you rub the soap. Repeat the process several times until you get the desired fit.

9. Spray Some Rubbing Alcohol

Spraying rubbing alcohol at the back of your shoes is another cost effective way of softening it. Wear some thick socks and spray some rubbing alcohol on it. Wear the shoes and use them for walking for a few hours. The alcohol and the pressure from your feet will soften the leather and help it mold to the size and shape of your feet. This will make the shoes comfy the next time you wear it. If you don’t get the right fit the first time, simply do the process again.

10. Try Using Kerosene and Vinegar

Try Using Kerosene and Vinegar
The combination of kerosene and vinegar makes a powerful solution that softens the back of new leather shoes. First, apply some vinegar on its back.. Do this both inside and outside the shoes. Soak the area well. Then apply the kerosene as a coating. Air dry the shoes afterwards. Don’t worry about the strong smell these substances make. It will be gone in a few hours.

11. Ask for Professional Help

Some shoes can be very expensive, so it is understandable that you may feel apprehensive about do-it-yourself methods in softening your shoes, despite its effectiveness. The best course to take them is asking for professional help. Professional shoe makers have sufficient knowledge on shoe care. They also have machines that can help enlarge your shoes to fit you snugly.

Final Thoughts

When we buy shoes, we expect them to be comfy; however, even if the shoes are the perfect size, many people still experience pain and blisters at the back of their feet because of stiff back areas of the shoes. Softening this area will help eliminate your problem and allow you to wear your new shoes pain and blister free. 

The eleven methods recommended above are tried and tested. Doing any of those will help in enlarging and softening your shoes, especially if it is made with leather.

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