There’s nothing quite like a pair of leather shoes or boots, but they may need a little help to become your most comfortable footwear. Breaking in leather can be a challenge, so we’ve gathered some advice to help your full-grain leather shoes fit perfectly. Follow our step-by-step guide to break them in while avoiding blisters and discomfort. Skip the pain and start enjoying your stylish leather shoes sooner.
Timeless Durability, Flexibility and Comfort
Leather shoes are made from natural materials that adapt to your feet over time. With proper care, they offer exceptional longevity, making them a truly sustainable choice—there’s no need to replace them every few years. Natural leather is remarkably durable, flexible and comfortable, especially once it has been worn in.
The 1910s–1920s Britta boots in black, full-grain leather
At memery, all our shoes, boots and sandals (apart from our vegan range) are made from full-grain leather—the highest quality available—ensuring they stand the test of time.
Breaking Them In
Although we design our memery shoes to fit perfectly straight out of the box—a common compliment from our customers—leather shoes sometimes need a short break-in period to achieve their maximum comfort. This is perfectly normal. The more you wear them, the softer and more comfortable they become. A few simple techniques can help speed up the process.
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Wear Them Around the House
Begin by wearing your new leather shoes or boots at home. This way, you can take them off if they start to feel uncomfortable or create pressure points, without committing to a full day of wear. -
Opt for Slightly Thicker Socks
Slightly thicker socks can help to gently stretch the leather while protecting your feet from blisters. Avoid overly thick socks, which might overstretch the leather and cause the shoes to feel loose later on. -
Apply Leather Care Products
Regular leather care keeps the material supple, helping it to mould to your feet more easily. It also improves resistance to water and dirt while maintaining a fresh, polished appearance. We’ve created our own memery leather care, ideal for keeping your shoes and boots in excellent condition. -
Massage Problem Areas
If certain areas are causing discomfort, warm the leather with your hands and gently massage the troublesome spots. This is especially effective for hard-to-reach places such as the toe box. -
Use the Blow-Dryer Method
If massaging isn’t enough, try the blow-dryer method. Wear the shoes with slightly thicker socks, then use a hairdryer to gently warm the uncomfortable areas. This will soften the leather, making it more pliable. Be careful not to overheat the leather, as excessive heat can damage it or cause overstretching.
The 1920s–1930s Tom menswear boots in brown, full-grain leather
Choosing the Right Size
Selecting the correct size is essential. Leather shoes should fit snugly without causing pain. If you’re used to looser footwear such as trainers or slip-on sandals, leather shoes may initially feel tight. However, they will stretch slightly and mould to your feet with wear. A close fit from the start is part of the process. Our customer service team is always happy to help with sizing queries, and you can even book a one-to-one video call for personalised advice.
Trust the Process
Don’t be discouraged during the break-in phase. Once your leather shoes have moulded to your feet, they’ll likely be the most comfortable and best-fitting shoes you’ve ever owned. The effort is well worth it.
If you’re ready to put these tips into practice, explore our collection of 1930s-inspired footwear—or you can read more about the history of a classic leather shoe, the oxford shoe.