Don’t ignore your ‘first line of defense against blisters’ to break in new shoes – when that fails, my other tips help

AN expert on all things footwear has dished the details on avoiding the dreaded blisters.

He said his tips will help break in new shoes while avoiding pain.

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The owner of a shoe company has weighed in on how to make a new pair of footwear as comfortable as possible (stock photo)[/caption]

Gabriel Miller, the owner of Gatsby Shoes, weighed in on the dos and don’ts of footwear.

From why it happens to addressing the discomfort — Miller has shoe-lovers covered.

He pointed out that new shoes can often be a painful experience due to their manufacturing.

Rest assured, he included ways to circumvent the woes of breaking in new kicks.

BLISTERS BE GONE

Miller suggested starting small when it comes to a new pair of shoes.

He does this by wearing them for 30 minutes to an hour around the house before taking them out for a spin.

Miller recommends the test drive to allow the shoes to fit to the natural curve of the foot.

Those concerned about blisters shouldn’t go without a buffer, according to the shoe pro.

“Socks are your first line of defense against blisters and irritation,” Miller said.

“Choose comfortable, breathable socks made from natural fibers like cotton or wool.

“Consider thicker socks for initially stiffer shoes or if you experience rubbing.”

He recommended wiggling your toes while wearing the shoes with cotton or wool socks.

WALK IT OFF

Miller has even more footwear tips for when wearing socks doesn’t cut it.

Some leather shoes, for example, can be safely stretched.

“Apply heat on low settings from a safe distance, focusing on tight spots for a few minutes,” he said.

He pointed out that patience is a virtue and to avoid any overheating that could damage the shoe.

Miller added that a professional fitting may help with getting the perfect fit.

There are also multitudes of shoe stretchers on the market that could make kicks a bit more comfortable.

Stubborn areas can also be targeted with a small dab of petroleum jelly to combat friction.

“Breaking in new shoes shouldn’t be a painful process,” Miller said.

“With these expert hacks, you can enjoy both style and comfort without sacrificing one for the other.”