Straps, rubbing and the break-in that should not hurt

“Break them in” is used to explain away footwear that never fits. Some settling is normal; pain is information.

Normal settling

A sole flexing more freely after a few wears, a strap softening where it crosses the foot, a slight impression forming in the footbed — all expected within a week of ordinary wear.

Not normal

• A strap cutting a line into the skin — the width is wrong for your foot, not the strap.
• Heel slipping with every step — the pair is too long.
• Toes touching the front edge — too short; this does not stretch away in an open sandal.

The first week

Wear a new pair indoors for short stretches. If it is wrong, you will know before the sole is marked — and an unworn pair in its packaging is one we can take back within the window on our Return & Refund Policy page. Once a sole is scuffed from outdoor use, a return is no longer possible.

One thing we do not do

We are a retailer, not a fitter, and nothing on this site is orthopaedic or medical advice. If a foot problem is driving the choice, that is a conversation for a doctor — we can only tell you what a listing specifies.