“Breaking in leather sandals can be a painful process, but with the right hacks and tricks, you can kick off summer in style without sacrificing comfort.”

Kick off Summer in Style: Hack Your Leather Sandals

Ah, summer. It’s the season of sun-kissed skin, beachy waves, and, of course, sandals. But what happens when your favorite pair of leather sandals starts to show signs of wear and tear? Do you toss them aside and buy a new pair, or do you try to salvage them? We say the latter.

That’s right, with a few simple hacks and tips, you can extend the life of your leather sandals and look great doing it. So, let’s dive into how you can break in leather sandals and keep them looking their best throughout the summer months.

1. Loosen Up Those Straps

One of the most common complaints about leather sandals is that they can be stiff and uncomfortable. If this is the case for your pair, don’t worry – there’s an easy fix.

Use a Hair Dryer

Hold a hairdryer about 2-3 inches away from the straps of your sandals while flexing the straps with your hands. The heat will make the leather more pliable, and the flexing will help stretch the leather.

Stretch Them Out with a Plastic Bag

Fill up a sandwich bag with water and insert the bag into the sandals. Then, put the sandals in the freezer. When the water in the bag freezes, it will expand and stretch out the leather. Take the sandals out of the freezer, let the ice thaw, and remove the bags. Voila! Your sandals should be stretched out and ready to go.

2. Keep Leather Soft and Supple

Proper maintenance of your leather sandals can go a long way in extending their lifespan.

Condition Them

Use a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple. This will help prevent cracks and keep your sandals looking new.

Protect Them

Apply a water and stain protector to the leather to help prevent damage from water and other elements. This will also help keep your sandals looking fresh.

Leather sandals with a repaired sole and newly dyed straps, ready for summer adventures.

3. Repair Any Damage

If your leather sandals are already damaged, don’t throw them away just yet. There are a few easy fixes to try first.

Glue Down Loose Soles

If the sole is starting to come off, use a strong adhesive, like Shoe Goo, to glue it back down. Follow the instructions on the product carefully for best results.

Cover Up Scratches

Use a matching leather dye or shoe polish to cover up any scratches or scuffs. This will help make them less noticeable and extend the life of your sandals.

With these simple hacks and tips, you can keep your leather sandals looking stylish and comfortable all summer long. So, don’t toss aside your favorite pair just yet – give them some TLC and enjoy them for seasons to come.

A pair of leather sandals with a hairdryer and plastic bag lying on a white surface.

FAQ – Kick off Summer in Style: Hack Your Leather Sandals

1. How can I make my leather sandals more comfortable?

You can make your leather sandals more comfortable by using a hair dryer to loosen up the straps. Hold the hair dryer about 2-3 inches away from the straps of your sandals while flexing the straps with your hands. The heat will make the leather more pliable, and the flexing will help stretch the leather. Another way is to stretch them out with a plastic bag filled with water and inserting the bag into the sandals. Then, put the sandals in the freezer. When the water in the bag freezes, it will expand and stretch out the leather. Take the sandals out of the freezer, let the ice thaw, and remove the bags.

2. How can I maintain the softness and suppleness of my leather sandals?

You can keep the softness and suppleness of your leather sandals by conditioning them regularly. Use a leather conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple. This will help prevent cracks and keep your sandals looking new. Additionally, apply a water and stain protector to the leather to help prevent damage from water and other elements. This will also help keep your sandals looking fresh.

3. What should I do if my leather sandals are already damaged?

If your leather sandals are already damaged, don’t throw them away just yet. There are a few easy fixes to try first. If the sole is starting to come off, use a strong adhesive, like Shoe Goo, to glue it back down. Follow the instructions on the product carefully for best results. Additionally, use a matching leather dye or shoe polish to cover up any scratches or scuffs. This will help make them less noticeable and extend the life of your sandals.

4. How can I protect my leather sandals from damage?

You can protect your leather sandals from damage by applying a water and stain protector to the leather to help prevent damage from water and other elements. This will also help keep your sandals looking fresh.

5. What are some recommended summer leather sandals?

There are many great leather sandals to choose from for the summer. A few of our favorites include the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals, the Madewell Boardwalk Lace-Up Sandals, and the Sam Edelman Gigi Sandals.