Right of passage in many a young lady’s life; the Louboutin acquisition…

When I first unboxed my “So Kate’s” I couldn’t get my foot in them. Thanks to my ballet past I’m no stranger to breaking in pointe shoes with narrow toe boxes. However, designer shoes that I can’t take a hammer to, soften with water or jam in a door were a bit more of a mystery. Typically a shoe that caused this much pain would be returned. I did pop over to Neiman Marcus to try a half a size up. It was too big! The sales associate then suggested he stretch the shoe out in their shoe form for about 10 minutes. When he brought them back not only was I able to get my foot in the shoe but I would walk around, stand in them. I thought I’d give them a shot at home before making up my mind completely.

The following day I could still get my foot in, but they were tight around the outside of my toes. Everywhere else fit fine and I didn’t want to overstretch them. I just needed more toe room. When it comes to quality shoes made of leather you really are able to form them to your foot, and over time they will stretch out. I researched and beseeched friends advice for tried and true shoe stretching methods. One interesting method I heard, that I have yet to try, is to soak your feet in the hottest water you can stand (heat helps expand leather), then wrap your foot in a plastic bag and jam your foot into the shoe. This way the leather will form to your foot.

Going back to my dance roots I went with something familiar. The only place I needed more room were the toes so I didn’t want to use a full sock. These toe pouches (I call them ouch pouches) have found their way into the mainstream market. In ballet they provide some padding and protect toes in pointe shoes. These ones I found are called pump pouches (link below) but are the exact same product I’ve used since age 13.

Step 1: Put the ouch pouches over your toes.

Step 2: Get your foot into the shoes

Step 3: Protect your shoes as you walk around the house. Thick socks will also keep in heat from your feet which is needed to e expand the leather. Wear them for about 10 minutes increments a couple times a day. The shoe will expand. Wear more or less as needed.

After a couple of days, my shoes stretched out enough and actually began to feel on the roomy side!

Toe Pads:

Shoe Stretchers:

Pain Freeze Spray: