how to break in leather shoes.

i recently waved the white flag on a pair of last year's boots that i can't seem to break in. my beloved shoe guy stretched the toe box twice and my tender slender feet still get blisters. bloody socks tested my patience and i asked him if there was anything left to do.

he smiles at me like i'm an idiot (probably true), takes one boot in his hands, and pulls a mr. miyagi move on the sole. the sound of taut leather brought me great joy after the pain these boots have inflicted.

i watched every move he made, karate kid style, and walked home in my now broken in boots. he has a fake bonsai tree in the window hence the whole ralph macchio vibe upon entrance. anywho.....

1. assuming the shoe fits correctly, blisters on the heel are likely from heel slip. bend the shoe upwards to snap the sole into having some give when you walk. this way the sole bends as your foot bends and minimizes heel slip.

2. forcefully massage the sides and heel of the shoes until they no longer feel as rigid. my shoe guy went so far as to turn the heel inside out. a quality leather shoe can withstand the beating, and better you than your feet.

don't toss your band-aid stash or anything, but hopefully you'll be walking with less pain. i also credit my girl natalie who borrowed them for a few weeks and perhaps helped with the break in process. oh sure, you can borrow my blood filled boots.... take as long as you need.