How to Avoid Blisters When Breaking in Your New Shoes

Intro: Do you have a pair of new shoes that are just too tight? Maybe they're uncomfortable, or maybe they're just not broken in yet. Regardless, breaking your new shoes in the right way is key to avoiding blisters and other foot problems. As a dancer, you know that breaking in new shoes can be tough on your feet. Whether you're wearing pointe shoes, tap shoes, or even ballet slippers, blisters are inevitable. The best way to avoid these nasty blisters is by making sure the shoe fits correctly and gradually wearing them for more time each day before dancing in them.

Use a lotion to ease the process: It's a sad fact of life that we will all get blisters from time to time. But do you know how to avoid them? The best way is to gradually break in your new shoes and wear toe pads or, better yet, gel inserts. It eliminates friction and helps the inside of the shoe smoothen its rough inner surface. Your feet are sensitive and require love and care before they can slip into new shoes. Apply petroleum jelly or another lubricant before putting on new shoes. If you have an uncomfortable feeling about how your toes are placed inside the shoe, try putting a little bit of lotion on the tip of your toes. It will make it easier to slide across the ball of your foot without any discomfort!
Quality buys: One of the best ways is to buy ballroom shoes that have completely smooth insides. That way, when you dance in them, there isn't any part of the shoe that can rub on your foot and cause a blister. However, if you get a pair with a little bit of grip on the bottom, don't bother trying to remove it. The best thing to do is ignore it and break your shoes in. By giving the shoe a chance to conform to your foot, you'll avoid blisters and other problems later on.
Wear them periodically: It's usually recommended that you break in new pointe shoes gradually. Wear them for only a little bit at first, then increase the time as your feet adjust. Do the same thing with new tap shoes and ballerina flats, but make sure you choose times when your feet are less likely to be sore. Try wearing them around the house for a few hours instead of breaking them in before a problematic practice or performance. This way, your feet will get used to them without having to do a lot of dancing. If you need to shop for plus size shoes, make sure to follow the same tips and take your time with breaking them in. When it comes to buying shoes, it's important to find the right fit. This is especially true for plus size shoes, as they need to accommodate a wider foot or calf.
Try to make them comfortable first: If you must dance in an uncomfortable new shoe, there are ways to make it more comfortable while breaking them in. For example, before wearing the shoes for their intended purpose, try cutting out paper inserts and sticking them inside the tip of your shoe: This will help you get used to the toe box and build up some padding. Or put in the water bags and freeze them in your freezer: you will gain some extra space in shoes. Furthermore, make sure you keep them clean and dry; if they get wet (from dew or other liquids), let the shoes air-dry before wearing them again. Stretch out your toes by using a tennis ball, rolling it back and forth under each foot.
It's not an overnight process: As a dancer, you should always know that there is no such thing as breaking in your new shoes "overnight." Most likely, it will take you a few weeks of wearing the shoes for an hour or two each day before they stop giving you blisters. Additionally, if you're having problems with your feet slipping inside the shoe, try putting some double-sided tape on the bottom of your foot to get more grip.
When wearing your new shoes, make sure that they are not too tight or loose while dancing. If it feels like something is pushing against your foot, then this means the shoe is way too small. Similarly, if you feel like you're almost falling out of the shoe when dancing, that means that it is too big. New shoes are usually pretty tight because they haven't been broken in yet. However, you don't want them to be too tight, or your toes will get uncomfortable and potentially give you blisters once danced in for some time.
Start with a pair of socks that are thick enough to cushion your feet: you don't want to wear the super-skimpy ones you bought for your wackadoo aerobic workout Wiggle your toes around a bit, so they have room to spread out. Chances are, your shoes are pretty stiff at first. If they're leather, hit them with some shoe oil (cheapie Johnson & Johnson's works just fine). Do not wear cotton socks with shoes that are new to you—it's a recipe for blisters. Instead, wear socks made from synthetic material or wool until your shoes loosen up a bit. For the rest of the break-in period, you're going to want to wear socks that cover your ankles. The more coverage, the better--preferably ones with some cotton in them so they'll breathe. Don't lace up all the way when you try them on or put them on the first time, just as you would when wearing a new pair of skis or boots.
Don't run: Don't even think about taking those puppies on a run until they have been broken in properly. If you're going to be walking around all day, they might not even need to be worn-in: some hikers wear brand-new boots and never get a blister. Make sure you buy enough shoes for the most significant part of your foot; don't get them too tight, or they're guaranteed to give you blisters. Don't try running through puddles, creeks, or other water features if you can avoid them. The water could seep in through the top of your shoe, soaking your socks and giving you soggy feet. Make sure you have a good pair of running shoes. They'll provide the support that your feet need to prevent blisters from forming. If you're going on a long run, make sure you've got some moleskin with you. It's an adhesive bandage for when you get a blister, and it pops.

Conclusion:

no matter how good your shoes look, do not rush into wearing them every day without breaking them in. be good to your feet and take care of your shoes: don't ruin them even before you have walked in on them. Lastly, if all else fails and you can't break them in, you can always take them back to the store for a new pair.