“New shoes need to hurt before they feel right” is familiar advice, but discomfort is not a requirement of a good fit. The Australian Podiatry Association says new shoes should be immediately comfortable and advises against buying a pair that needs breaking in. NHS Forth Valley gives similar guidance: a correctly fitting shoe should feel comfortable from the start and generally should not need a break-in period (Australian Podiatry Association footwear advice; NHS Forth Valley footwear advice).
“Getting used to them” is different from tolerating pain
A new pair may feel different from the shoes you wear every day. Its shape, fastening, or feel underfoot may be unfamiliar, especially if you are changing styles. That is not the same as a shoe pinching, rubbing, or putting uncomfortable pressure on your foot.
An NHS Wales podiatry leaflet makes this distinction: short periods at home can help you adjust to a new style, then you can gradually wear the shoes longer if they remain comfortable. It is a chance to notice how the pair feels, not a test of how much discomfort you can put up with (NHS Wales footwear advice).
Check the fit while standing and walking
Try on both shoes with the socks you expect to wear. Stand up, walk around, and pay attention to the whole fit rather than judging the pair while seated. NHS Forth Valley recommends room at the toes and a heel that feels comfortably secure. A printed size is only a starting point; different shapes and brands can feel different on the same foot.
- Your toes have room to move and do not feel squeezed at the front or sides.
- The widest part of your foot does not feel pinched or pressed against the shoe.
- Your heel feels held without repeated slipping or rubbing as you walk.
- Laces or straps hold the shoe in place without uncomfortable pressure across the top of your foot.
If one area feels wrong, compare another width or shape rather than assuming a larger size will solve every fit issue. Our guides to initial comfort and proper support and arch length and shoe fit offer more ways to think about the whole fit.
When should you stop wearing them?
If a pair feels comfortable at first, a few short indoor wears can help you notice rubbing before you spend a long day in them. Check your feet afterward for redness or pressure spots. If a shoe repeatedly pinches, rubs, or leaves a sore area, set it aside and reassess the fit instead of trying to force a break-in.
Persistent foot pain is not a shoe-shopping puzzle to solve on your own. For pain in the top of the foot, the NHS advises seeking medical advice if it is getting worse, keeps returning, affects normal activities, or comes with tingling or loss of sensation (NHS guidance on foot pain). A qualified clinician can assess symptoms that do not settle.
The takeaway
New shoes should feel comfortable when you try them on. Gradual wear can help you get used to a different style, but it should not be used to excuse pain or pressure. Try both shoes, walk in them, and compare another shape if something feels off.
Would you like help comparing fit, width, or fastening? Visit Disibio Shoes for in-person fitting help.
This article is for general education only and is not medical advice.
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