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Sliding into a new pair of leather sandals is unlike any other feeling. The unique nature of artisan leather requires a specific technique to break it in. It’s a “living”, natural, organic material that evolves, changes color, and develops a unique patina over time, rather than remaining static like synthetic materials.
It breathes, softens with use, shapes itself to the user, and bears unique, natural markings like scars or grain variations that reflect its organic origin. The stretching process is a major part of the journey toward a “custom fit” rather than a fix for a “wrong size”. Jerusalem Sandals provides the ultimate guide to achieving your perfect fit.
The Best Way to Stretch Leather Sandals in Eight Simple Steps
1. Take them out on the town (Wear them around the house with socks)
Spend time with a friend or get to know someone new while you wear your new pair of sandals. Stroll the neighborhood, bike through the park, or walk down Memory Lane. Wearing your leather sandals will gradually soften and form them to the shape of your feet. They will adjust to every groove of your feet in no time.
2. Take it slow (The importance of incremental wear-time)
There's no need to rush into this relationship with your new sandals. Spend an hour or so wearing them every day, then let them have some alone time. Your feet and these handcrafted sandals need time to get used to each other, to read each other's signals. Keeping it low-key at first gives you both a chance to adjust.
3. Be hands-on (Massaging the leather to loosen fibers)
While you're taking it slow, you can certainly explore your leather sandals with your hands. Work any straps or spots that chafe or feel tight on your short excursions. The heat and natural oils from your hands will soften the leather. Squeezing them with your hands mimics the friction of walking, which helps speed up the breaking-in period.
4. Go for a soak (Briefly dampening the leather while wearing)
100% vegetable tanned leather is water-resistant but porous. That means your sandals will absorb water when they are fully immersed. To gain headway on stretching your leather sandals, strap them onto your feet and step into a pool or bucket of water for just a moment. Step out, then walk around in the sandals until they dry. This will help imprint your unique footprint onto your leather sandals.
5. Warm things up (Using a hair dryer on stubborn straps)
A little heat can really loosen up the shape of your sandals. Emphasis on little! Target the tightest, most uncomfortable areas of your sandals by using a hairdryer set to its lowest heat level. Let them cool slightly, then work that area with your hands to stretch the sandals.
6. Moisture to go around (Using professional stretching sprays or conditioners)
Combine self-care and shoe care with an at-home spa treatment: moisturize your feet, slip on your sandals, and let the lotion soften the leather. The sandals will mold to your foot shape as you walk around in them. Our all-natural Leather Cream deeply conditions, protects, and revives leather goods, making it ideal for dry and cracked leather. With our Petroleum-Free formula, your leather sandals will be safe against excessive damage.
7. Protect your sandals (Post-stretch conditioning to prevent cracking)
Many people wonder how to break in leather sandals properly. One way to stretch leather sandals is to make your feet seem bigger. Put on a pair of socks to add a half size or so to your feet, then wear your sandals around the house. The socks-and-sandals look is not considered fashionable in some circles, so we recommend keeping it on the down-low. The bonus here is that wearing sandals with socks will protect your toes and heels from blistering while you're breaking them in.
8. Seek a professional (When to take your artisan sandals to a cobbler)
Professional cobblers have special tools and skills for stretching women's or men's sandals without risking any damage. If there's a shoe shop in your area, take your men's or women's leather sandals in for an inspection and a quote.
