Moccasins allow you to look fashionable and stylish all the while, giving your feet ultimate comfort. When you first purchase a pair of real leather Canadian handmade moccasins they might feel a little stiff at first, before you break in the leather. Traditional style moccasin shoes and slippers fit like a dream once they’re broken in, but how do you achieve a comfortable fit even faster?
Please note: we carry a product called Tana Universal Shoe Stretch Spray which helps relieve tightness for a more comfortable fit.
It is important to note that wetting leather could change the color and texture of the leather from it's original state, so you may not want to use this method if you really like the way the leather feels or looks.
The best way to break in footwear is to constantly wear it, even if it feels little uncomfortable at first, once you endure a little bit of discomfort the leather will eventually stretch and loosen.
Please note: we carry a product called Tana Universal Shoe Stretch Spray which helps relieve tightness for a more comfortable fit.
1 - By Hand
Keep in mind that genuine leather, suede and sheepskin are natural materials so they will stretch to mold to your foot. If you find a portion of the moccasin uncomfortable, whether the heel or the toe, you can bend it by hand. You can also use a wooden shoe stretcher to help give the moccasin a little give.
2 - Golf Balls
Another tip that you can try to help widen the toe box portion of your moccasins is by inserting one or two golf balls into your moccasin width wise. Leave the golf ball(s) in the shoe for 1 - 3 days to help achieve the extra wiggle room you desire.
3 - No Socks
Remember that you are wanting a perfect fit and for the leather to mold to your feet, so don’t wear socks with your moccasins during these first days. One of the marvelous properties of natural materials is that they will custom form to your foot so keep those toes in their clean, dry, natural state. Once the moccasins are fitting like a glove (shoe rather), then you can start wearing socks if you wish.
4 - Wet Them & Wear Them
This is a trick farmers and cowboys have used to help achieve a custom fit with their leather boots: wetting them then wearing them. Whether you prefer to stuff wet newspaper into your moccasins and allowing them to dry or spraying your moccasins with water then wearing: both techniques help to achieve a more comfortable fit. Some people have created a mixture of 1/3 rubbing alcohol and 2/3 water to spray on the moccasins: the moisture helps give the wearer a little more flexibility while allowing the leather to form to the foot as it dries.It is important to note that wetting leather could change the color and texture of the leather from it's original state, so you may not want to use this method if you really like the way the leather feels or looks.
5 - Walk In Them
Lastly, you can place your foot flat on the floor and move your toes toward the toe lacing. You want achieve an imprint mold in the moccasin and before no time you’ll feel like you’re wearing no shoes at all.
The best way to break in footwear is to constantly wear it, even if it feels little uncomfortable at first, once you endure a little bit of discomfort the leather will eventually stretch and loosen.
13 comments
Scott Kay
January 26, 2024How do I get a 12wide. They sent mediums hurts my for to wear them
The Brown Bear
December 21, 2023In response to Cindy: I am not sure what stores in Grand Rapids Michigan sells moccasins however we ship world wide and relatively fast. I’m not sure what you mean by ‘no soled moccasins’ however we do have a section on our website that has “earthing” moccasins which are moccasins that have soles with ONLY leather. Perhaps you can check that section out.
Cindy kramer
December 21, 2023Where in the GrandRapids mi area can I purchase no soled mocs w/ beads thanks
Shermance Morris
November 18, 2022Can you stretch out the moccasin if it feels too short for my toe? Should I stretch it or get a bigger size?
Karen
June 16, 2022Response to Corrine. Not sure if you found them yet but Meredith Trading Post in Meredith, NH has them in a variety of colors. I was there yesterday and bought a pair myself. Www.mocshop.com. I would call if you don’t see what you’re looking for. They had more than what is online. Good luck!
Geneva Bowman
May 06, 2022How do I soften the bottom of moccasin they are hard? They make a clacking sounds.
Kiddo
December 02, 2021I was told to by 1 size smaller I am a 7 so a 6 would be ok?
I want to buy for my husband he’s a 9 should I go 8
Kandis Stevens
December 02, 2021I’m Not sure which size of moccasin to buy? My feet are normally a size 7 or 7 1/2. The size 7 fits but it’s small and the toebox, and my toe is right at the end. The size 8 sleeps on the hill when I walk. Any ideas?
The Brown Bear
April 21, 2021In response to Lynne: Yes, loosen the shoe until it stretches to the desired fit, at which point you can tighten then back up. The leather will soften a great deal, including the laces.
Lynne Schaack
March 18, 2021Any ideas on how to make the shoelace inside the tongue more comfortable? I’m having a problem with them lvn indents on top of my feet. I have high arches but I DONT WANT to return them. Maybe I’ll try loosening the shoe tie ??