How To Break In Your New Leather Sandals: The Ultimate Guide

New leather sandals should feel like a celebration, but unfortunately, you get the feeling that your feet are being pinched or squeezed with each step. The common “stiffness” of premium hides can be uncomfortable. 

Breaking in sandals is a natural process for high-quality footwear, like the sandals produced by Jerusalem Sandals. So, you might be wondering how to make leather sandals softer. Explore our guide to breaking in your new leather sandals.

Patience Is Key: The Best Ways To Soften Leather Sandals

Take a slow and steady approach to breaking in your leather sandals. You might be wondering how to soften leather sandals if you can’t instantly do it. It’s a delicate method that requires patience. There are several ways to break in your sandals, but rushing the process will only lead to damage to your feet or warping of your sandals in the wrong places. Wearing your sandals around your home in short increments is the correct way to approach softening the leather. 

Slip on a pair of socks and then put on your sandals. Body heat helps the fibers relax and mold better. Wear them for a few hours, and after a few days, they will be soft and ready to wear. There are a few more ways to soften the leather, each requiring patience and determination. The result depends on how badly you want them to fit correctly. Choose one of our methods when you’re ready to soften your leather sandals.

The Custom Experience: Sandals That Mold To Your Feet

The unique property of Jerusalem Sandals’ vegetable-tanned leather sets our sandals apart from others. Our sandals are carefully designed to mold to the shape of your feet. The footbed and straps react to pressure and moisture to create a one-of-a-kind fit. 

Sandals that mold to your feet require breaking in. Our sandals, although they are designed to fit perfectly, still require a bit of shaping and forming. Breaking in leather sandals can be a complex task, but it can be done with the right methods.

Pro Tips On How To Make Leather Sandals Softer and More Flexible

Jerusalem Sandals, made of vegetable-tanned leather, are made to fit perfectly once broken in. Here’s how to break in leather sandals:

• Conditioning: This should be one of the first steps you take to soften your sandals. Leather conditioner relaxes the stiff leather, reducing the risk of friction. Let your sandals absorb the conditioner overnight. 

• The sock method: Wear your sandals around the house with a pair of thick socks to stretch the leather. The socks will add a bit of pressure that will force the leather to stretch without damaging your skin. 

• Heat: Use a hair dryer to heat the sandals for about 20-30 seconds. Then, place your feet with the socks on into your sandals. After walking around and allowing the sandals to cool on your feet, you can remove them and allow them to form into that shape.

• Dampening: Lightly spray the inside with water or walk in them shortly after getting them damp to help them mold to your feet.

Depending on the thickness of the leather, it may take several days or even weeks for your sandals to feel comfortable. Remember to have patience when you try these methods.

Why Your Effort Pays Off: The Longevity of Artisan Leather

Once the break-in process is complete, you will have the most comfortable shoes in your wardrobe. Unlike cheap synthetic materials that never truly adapt to the foot, Jerusalem Sandals will fit like a glove. Explore Jerusalem Sandals’ collections of men’s and women’s leather sandals.