Why Do Leather Shoes Need Breaking In
If you've ever purchased a pair of Goodyear welted shoes, you may have noticed that they feel quite stiff when you first try them on. But why is that? In this post, we'll explore the reasons why these shoes start off hard and what you can do to make them more comfortable.
The initial firmness of Goodyear welted shoes is often attributed to the specific treatments used during the leather tanning stage. These substances are necessary to ensure the durability and long-lasting nature of the shoes. Over time, and as you begin to wear them more frequently, the heat from your body and the moisture from perspiration interact with these chemicals. This process leads to the leather gradually softening and becoming more pliable.
A Leather Hide
The transformation doesn't stop there. As the leather starts to yield, it subtly adapts to the unique shape and contours of your foot.
A Leather Hide
Moreover, it's essential to acknowledge the role of the various types of soles utilized in Goodyear welted shoes in contributing to their initial stiffness. Be it rubber, leather, or lug soles, each type has its own unique flexibility level. The use of additional layers can lend a sense of initial stiffness to the shoes. But much like the upper leather, these soles too gradually break in, adjusting to your feet's unique pressure points and movement patterns, ultimately enhancing the overall comfort factor.
Upper Flex Points
Breaking into a GYW Shoe
Their initial stiffness is a small but essential part of the journey to achieving a shoe that is not just comfortable but a perfect fit for your foot.
Breaking into a GYW Shoe
If want to avoid the break-in period, our Easy Goodyear Collection may be the perfect solution. Made with fine milled leather, these shoes are soft right from the start and require no break-in period.
