Bought new shoes for a wedding, a holiday or a long day at work? Give them some time on your feet before the day arrives. Our advice at Leavys is simple: start by sitting comfortably at home with them on.
Put your feet up before you put your shoes to work.
Wear your new shoes while seated for about an hour, then take them off for the rest of the day. Repeat over the following days and gradually build up wear. Leave walking until they feel comfortable during those first seated sessions.
The idea is to let your shoes settle around your feet gradually, before asking them to see you through a full day. Warmth from your feet and gentle wear can help leather soften and adapt to your foot shape. Other materials respond differently, so begin with a pair that already fits well.
Wear socks or tights you plan to wear with the shoes. Fasten straps or laces comfortably, without pulling them too tight. For help choosing the right fit, see our shoe fitting guide.
A simple way to remember it
Sit in them → take them off → repeat over the next few days → add short walks when comfortable.
The first hour is about letting the shoes settle around your feet while you relax.
At Leavys, we use around 24 hours of total wear as a rough guide when talking customers through wearing in a new pair. It is a shop rule of thumb, not a fixed time every shoe needs: the material, construction and fit all make a difference.
We do not expect you to wear them for exactly one hour a day for 24 days. Starting with an hour while seated, then gradually adding more time over the following days, can make the first full day much easier. Some pairs settle quickly; others need a slower introduction.
If you are buying for an occasion, start this routine ahead of time. The night before a wedding or the morning of a holiday is late to find out how a new pair feels over several hours.
Wearing in a shoe means helping a suitable pair feel more familiar. It does not make a shoe longer or guarantee that a tight style will become wide enough.
| Material or style | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|
| Leather uppers | Leather can soften and settle around your feet with gentle wear. Our seated routine gives it time to do this before longer periods of walking. |
| Synthetic or patent-effect uppers | These may give less than leather. Do not buy a tight pair expecting a big change in width. Check the product description, as a glossy finish can be leather or synthetic. |
| Loafers and occasion shoes | Check the band across your instep, room around your toes and how securely your heel sits. Begin seated, then check for rubbing or slipping when you introduce short walks. |
| Lace-up shoes and boots | Use the laces to adjust the fit and wear your usual socks. Check that the tongue, collar and top of the boot feel comfortable before building up walking time. |
Your feet provide gentle warmth during normal wear. There is no need to add heat from a hairdryer or radiator, soak the shoes, or force them wider with thick extra socks. These shortcuts can alter the fit or damage materials, finishes and adhesives.
If one area still feels tight, ask us for advice before trying a stretching method. For looking after the uppers, see our guide to caring for different shoe materials.
Take them off if they pinch, rub or cause pain. Wearing in should be gradual and comfortable. Toes need room, and ongoing pressure is a reason to check the size, width or style.
These styles from our current collection offer different widths, materials and fastenings. Choose the fit that works for you, then give the shoes a gentle introduction at home.
Adjustable fit · Caprice
A leather upper, H wide fit and laces with a side zip. Set the laces to suit your foot before using the zip for everyday entry.
Your fit check: adjust the laces while seated so they hold your foot comfortably. Once you are ready for short indoor walks, take time to get used to the rounded sole.
View Caprice trainers
Wider fitting · Jana
These synthetic patent-effect loafers have an H wide fit, textile lining and a 30 mm wedge sole.
Your fit check: make sure the extra width feels right across your foot without leaving the heel too loose. Read our Jana H-fit and sizing guide.
View Jana loafers
Smart slip-on · Marco Tozzi
A glossy synthetic upper, 35 mm block heel and FEEL ME footbed give this loafer its distinctive finish and cushioned feel.
Your fit check: check the band across your instep. It should hold your foot comfortably without pressing into it.
View Marco Tozzi loafers
Autumn boots · Tamaris
Leather uppers, tall elasticated panels and a chunky 50 mm block heel create a substantial autumn boot.
Your fit check: wear your usual boot socks and check for pressure across the instep and around the top of the boot while seated.
View Tamaris bootsEach featured style had multiple sizes available when checked on 16 September 2026. Please open the product page for current sizes and prices. Product features are specific to the styles shown.
For the routine we recommend at Leavys, start seated. Wear them for about an hour, take them off for the day and repeat. Introduce short indoor walks once they feel comfortable during seated wear.
No. Around 24 hours is our rough guide to total wear, not a target you must complete. Let the fit and feel guide you. Build up gradually, and avoid making the first outing a full day on your feet.
Yes. It is a useful habit for occasion shoes, holiday shoes, work shoes and everyday pairs. Begin before you need them, so you have time for several comfortable sessions at home.
Check where the pressure is. A different width or shape may suit you better than simply going up a size. Get in touch and we can help you compare the fit. If you have reduced feeling in your feet or have been given specific footwear advice, follow your clinician’s guidance.
Originally published 16 April 2024. Refreshed 16 September 2026 with Leavys Shoes’ wearing-in advice and current product examples.
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