By PAGE Editor

Are you starting off the new year with a fresh pair of kicks? or perhaps you’ve received a pair for Christmas you’d been desperate to get your hands on? 

The excitement around a new pair of sneakers is just the first step; breaking them in is another story. From blisters to cuts on our heels and feet, the dreaded pain that comes with debuting new sneakers can really dampen our mood.

eBay has connected with professional and celebrity stylists to reveal the best ways to break in a new pair of kicks,  so you can be showing off your new footwear as soon as possible.

Get to know your new kicks in the comfort of your own home

Before wearing new sneakers outside, it’s recommended to first wear them in the comfort of your own home, giving you the option to remove them when needed.

In fact, Dylan Capelle, fashion stylist and founder of Noir Nice LTD, suggests folks warm their shoes (literally) before putting them on over a thick pair of socks to help mold the sneakers more comfortably to their feet. “Walk around your house at least until the shoes have cooled - the longer you can keep them on the better” he advises.

Remove the insoles temporarily

If you’re certain your sneakers are definitely the right size but you’re still finding a touch of discomfort , Capelle advises taking the insoles out for a few days to help loosen them up, “Use your shoes for 3 to 5 days without the insoles until the shoes stretch out. After stretching, put the insoles back in for comfort,” he suggests. You should consider getting a shoe stretcher for your sneakers in general.

If needed, insoles can also be replaced for others that provide more comfort. Sites such as Feelyoursoul and Insolegeeksmanufacture alternative insoles for popular sneaker models such as Vans Old Skool, adidas Yeezy Boost, and Nike Air Jordans.

Try a well-regarded sneaker stretcher and spray

If the sneakers are pinching the side of your feet or toes, Marian Kwei, celebrity personal stylist, suggests placing a shoe stretcher inside both shoes overnight to help soften them.

If your sneakers are made of leather or have leather portions, Kwei also advises using a shoe stretch spray to help reduce any pinching. It is recommended that folks remain  cautious when using stretching methods however in order to avoid making them too wide.

Wear them as much as possible

Anthony Levine, sneaker expert and founder of All About Anthony, reveals his main tip is just to wear your new sneakers as much as possible.

Try wearing  the kicks in short bursts, even if this is just to the shop down the road or wear around the garden.

Here’s to a new year, new you. 

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