New sandals can feel stiff for the first wear or two. A gentle break-in stops rubbing and gets them comfortable fast. Here's how.
Do sandals need breaking in?
Most do, a little — straps soften and the footbed settles to your foot over the first few wears. Quality footbeds like memory foam need less breaking in because they mould to you quickly.
How to break in sandals
- Start short. Wear them around the house for 20–30 minutes at a time.
- Protect hot spots. A blister plaster or a little balm where a strap sits prevents rubbing while they soften. More on preventing blisters.
- Build up gradually over a few days before a long day out.
Less breaking in by design
A memory-foam footbed contours to your foot from the first wear, so there's far less to break in. See the bases or build your set.
FAQ
How long does it take? Usually a few short wears over a few days.
Can I speed it up? Short, frequent wears beat one long, painful day.