How to Know If Your New Shoes Fit (And Whether or Not You Should Return Them)
So, Santa hooked you up with a fresh pair of sneakers or boots for Christmas. They look incredible, and you’re dying to break them out for your New Year’s Day walk. But hold on! Before you go tearing the tags off and sprinting down the block, we at PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center urge you to check if they truly fit—not just if they fit “okay,” but if they really fit.
Here’s how to tell if those shoes are keepers or if you should be heading back to the store for a return.
The Fit Test for New Shoes
To get a real sense of fit, try on your shoes in the late afternoon or evening when your feet are naturally swollen from a day of walking.
Next, put on the socks you actually plan to wear with them. Then, slide your foot in and check for the Rule of Thumb. You should have about a half-inch (a thumb’s width) of space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
If your toes are touching the front, or if you have to scrunch them to feel comfortable, they are too small. And if they are too tight, even if the laces aren’t, that’s another indication.
When to Return Your Shoes
If you feel a pinch at the pinky toe or a rub on the back of your heel just walking around your living room, return them. Modern sneakers and high-quality boots should feel relatively comfortable right out of the box.
If the arch feels like it’s in the wrong place or your heel is slipping out with every step, don't convince yourself they’ll stretch. Most athletic shoes are made of synthetic materials that don't stretch at all. If the fit is wrong now, it’s most likely wrong forever.
How to Properly Break In New Shoes
Let's say they passed the test. Don't go run a 5K in them tomorrow.
Wear them around the house for an hour a day for three days. This allows the heat from your feet to soften the materials.
After your hour is up, take the shoes off and check your feet. Any red spots? Those are your hot spots. If you see redness on your heel or over a bunion, apply a little moleskin or a thick band-aid to that spot before your next wear.
Your first outside excursion should be short, like a trip to the grocery store. Only once they’ve survived a few mini-missions should you take them on a full workout or a long commute.
At PodiatryCare, PC, and the Heel Pain Center, we care for a wide variety of foot and ankle ailments. Dr. Charlotte George, Dr. Matthew Tschudy, Dr. Rebecca Wiesner, Dr. Kristen Winters, Dr. Laura Vander Poel, and the rest of our team are ready to serve our Hartford County patients. To schedule an appointment at our Enfield location, call (860) 741-3041; for an appointment at our South Windsor location, call (860) 644-6525.