New Shoes Hurt Feet? Orthofeet Ensures Comfort from Day One

There's something exciting about slipping into a brand new pair of shoes — the crisp, clean surface, the fresh smell, and the promise of new strides ahead. But the beginning of this beautiful friendship tends to be tough, and that first wear often comes with quite a bit of discomfort and even pain.

Luckily, there are effective ways to make breaking in new shoes less painful, and this is exactly what we’re here for — to give you some tips on how to break in shoes.

Why do new shoes often cause pain?

New shoes hurt feet, and that’s a fact. If you’ve ever bought a new pair of shoes only to find them hurting your feet after just a few hours, you know how disappointing and, well, painful it can be. It’s pretty common that new shoes feel stiff and uncomfortable in the first weeks you start wearing them, and there are a few reasons why.

• One big reason new shoes hurt feet is the rigid materials that might not flex the way your feet need them to, restricting the natural movement of your foot and causing rubbing. 

• Another issue is the tight-fitting uppers, which can create pressure points, leading to sore spots, blisters and a host of foot problems. This is why alternatives like orthopedic shoes have become popular among those looking for immediate relief.

• And then there’s the lack of proper arch support and cushioning. Many shoes don’t offer the right kind of support for your feet, which can lead to discomfort and pain. In most cases, you’ll need to break new shoes in unless you learn how to make shoes more comfortable right from the start. It’s not fun, but it’s part of the process with standard shoes.
  
  

In most cases, you’ll need to break new shoes in, unless you learn how to break in shoes the easier way. It’s not fun, but it’s part of the process with standard shoes. 

Still, not all new shoes hurt feet. With Orthofeet, you don’t have to worry about that uncomfortable phase. Our shoes are designed to provide comfort and fit properly from day one, so you can skip the pain and go straight to feeling really good and comfortable.

How to break in new shoes

If you’ve already got your new pumps and need to know how to break in shoes, this list is for you. With a few simple tricks, you can ease into them and make them as comfortable as they are stylish.

Here are some tips to make it easier to break shoes in and effectively tackle the 'new shoes hurt feet' problem.

• Make sure they fit

So, how should shoes fit? If your shoes hurt your feet, before anything else, make sure your new shoes fit properly and are the right length and width. 

• Use shoe stretchers

Shoe stretchers are effective tools that help gradually expand the size of your shoes. They work especially well for leather footwear. Over the course of a few days, the stretchers can gently stretch shoes, increasing their length or width, or stretch out a specific spot.

• Expose shoes to the sun

Letting your shoes sit in the sun for a few hours can help loosen up the material, especially if they’re made of leather or similar materials. A couple of hours should be enough, because any longer may cause damage.

• Use a hair dryer

For leather shoes, a hair dryer on low or medium heat can help loosen up tight areas. Put on thick socks, wear your shoes and heat the problem spots for 20-30 seconds. Then, walk around in them until they cool down.

• Freeze the shoes

Freezing your shoes can help. Fill sealable bags with water, place them inside the shoes, and stick them in the freezer. As the water freezes, it expands and gently stretches the shoes. After a few hours, let the shoes thaw before removing the bags.

• Wear them indoors first

Wear your new shoes only around the house for short periods at first to allow them to soften and adapt to your feet. Gradually increase the time you wear them each day until they no longer hurt.

• Try gel pads or insoles

Using gel pads, insoles, or shoe cushions can help by providing support and cushioning, which can make the break process more bearable. Just make sure to place them in areas where you're feeling friction or discomfort. A proper insole measurement can also ensure a better fit.

• Massage the tight areas

For leather shoes, gently massaging the stiff spots can help speed up the break-in process. By softening the material with your hands, you can help the shoes mold more quickly to your foot’s shape. Repeat this a few times to get the best results. For those with delicate skin, consider what to wear for sensitive feet to further prevent irritation.

Common mistakes that make new shoes hurt more

Even if you follow the right steps to break in your shoes, some common mistakes can make the discomfort worse. Avoiding these pitfalls can make the process smoother:

• Wearing them too long, too soon – Jumping straight into a full day of wear before breaking them in can lead to blisters and foot strain.

• Ignoring your socks – Thin or ill-fitting socks can increase friction and cause rubbing. Opt for comfort socks to protect your feet.

• Lacing too tight (or too loose) – Over-tightening can create pressure points, while loose lacing may cause unnecessary friction. Adjust your laces for a snug but comfortable fit.

• Skipping moisture control – Excess sweat can make your feet more prone to blisters. If your feet tend to sweat, use moisture-wicking socks or footpowder.

• Forgetting foot shape differences – Not all shoes work for all feet. If you have wide feet, high arches, or bunions, standard break-in techniques may not be enough—choosing the right shoe design matters.
  
  
  

When to stop wearing painful shoes

Breaking in new shoes takes time, but there’s a difference between temporary discomfort and shoes that will never fit right. Here’s when to stop wearing shoes that hurt:

• Persistent pain or numbness – If your feet still ache even after short wear periods, your shoes may not be the right shape or size for you.

• Blisters in the same spots – Some friction is normal at first, but repeated blistering in the same areas suggests a poor fit.

• Tingling or loss of circulation – If your toes go numb or your feet feel unusually stiff, your shoes might be too tight.

• No improvement after a week or two – Even with stretching and wear, new shoes should start feeling better over time. If they don’t, it’s a sign they may not be the right pair for you.
  
  
  

Orthofeet’s comfort technology explained

At Orthofeet, we believe that comfort should be instant, not something you have to break in. Our shoes are built with innovative design features that provide support and relief from the moment you slip them on. 

Here’s a closer look at the key elements that make our shoes so comfortable.

• Advanced orthotic insoles

Foot pain affects approximately one-quarter of the population at any given time, impairing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life [1]. A lot of this pain can be mitigated by the right shoes, and that's where orthotic insoles can make a real difference. 

Our orthotic insoles are designed to provide superior arch support and cushioning. This support helps address common foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and flat feet. By distributing your body weight evenly across your foot, our insoles reduce pressure on the heel and ball of your foot, promoting better alignment and improving your gait. This not only relieves foot pain but also reduces strain on your ankles, knees, hips, and back.

• Ergonomic sole design

Orthofeet’s lightweight, shock-absorbing soles are specifically designed to enhance comfort and stability with every step. The ergonomic design helps minimize the impact on your joints, lower back and legs.

With a mild rocker bottom, the soles promote smoother movement and propel the foot forward as you walk or run, minimizing effort and reducing fatigue.

Cushioned soles have been found to prevent foot injuries, such as blisters or joint strain, by absorbing shock and providing the support needed to reduce the risk of repetitive impact [2].

• Soft, non-binding uppers

In many of our shoes, we use breathable and stretchable uppers, designed to adapt to your foot’s unique shape, and all our shoes are made with non-binding uppers. This feature is especially helpful for those dealing with foot swelling, bunions, or sensitive feet. The non-binding fit reduces pressure on the toes and sides of the foot, preventing irritation and discomfort throughout the day.

The flexibility of the uppers has also been found to help alleviate discomfort linked to foot ailments such as fallen arches or bunions, providing much-needed relief without compromising on fit or comfort [3].

Key benefits of choosing Orthofeet

Orthofeet shoes go beyond regular footwear by offering a new level of comfort, support, and pain relief. Our orthopedic shoes for women and orthopedic shoes for men are carefully crafted to help you stay active, alleviate and even eliminate pain, and enjoy comfort all day long. 

Here’s how our shoes stand out:

• Immediate pain relief

Unlike regular shoes, Orthofeet footwear like our shoes for foot pain provides all-day comfort from the moment you put them on — no painful break-in period necessary. Thanks to our cushioned insoles and ergonomic design, we help alleviate common foot pain such as heel discomfort and arch strain.

You’ll feel the difference from the first step and in every step that follows, allowing you to move more freely without the aches that often come with new shoes, and helping to improve both daily function and overall well-being.

• Enhanced arch support

If you have flat feet, high arches, or conditions like plantar fasciitis, you’ll appreciate the anatomical arch support in Orthofeet shoes.

Proper arch support helps keep your feet aligned, improving posture and gait, and reducing overpronation. This can make a significant difference in your comfort and foot health, offering relief from foot pain while also improving the alignment of your legs and back.

Conditions like fallen arches or flat feet are common causes of foot pain. Wearing orthopedic shoes that provide optimal arch support has been found to help correct misalignment, reduce pressure on the foot, and prevent further complications [3].

• Injury prevention

The cushioned soles and precise foot support of our shoes such as our men’s shoes for foot pain and women’s shoes for foot pain help reduce the risk of common foot and leg injuries, from blisters to joint strain. The extra depth, wide toe box, and stretchable uppers provide a pressure-free fit, preventing discomfort caused by bunions or swollen feet.

Plus, the Ortho-Cushion™ System ensures a low-impact walking or running experience, absorbing shock with every step to keep you moving comfortably and with a lower risk of injury.

According to studies, using the right shoes can help reduce the likelihood of foot injuries, including plantar fasciitis and other ailments related to improper footwear, by absorbing shock and providing the necessary support with each step you take [2].

Explore Orthofeet’s comfortable shoe collection

Looking for shoes that feel as good as they look? We offer a wide variety of styles designed to keep your feet comfortable and supported throughout the day. 

From arch support running shoes, sneakers and boots, to sandals and slippers, each pair is made with thoughtful features that cater to different needs and foot conditions. Whether you’re dealing with foot pain or just want shoes that offer more comfort from the get go, check out our collection to find the perfect match for you.

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[1] Fiona Hawke, Joshua Burns. Understanding the nature and mechanism of foot pain. Springer Nature Link. 14 January 2009. Accessed February 25, 2025.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1757-1146-2-1

[2] Krista O'Connell, medically reviewed by Angela M. Bell, MD. What You Need to Know About Foot Pain. Healthline. December 20, 2023. Accessed February 25, 2025.
https://www.healthline.com/health/foot-pain#causes

[3] Matthew Hoffman, MD., medically reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD. Foot Pain: Causes and Treatment. WebMed. March 19, 2024. Accessed February 25, 2025.
https://www.webmd.com/pain-management/foot-pain-causes-and-treatments