Shrinking Your Sperrys: A Guide To Shrinking Boat Shoes

Sperry boat shoes are a stylish and comfortable option for those who spend their days on the deck of a boat or just want to add a nautical flair to their look. While these shoes are designed to be durable and long-lasting, they can be stiff and uncomfortable when brand new. Here's a guide on how to shrink and break in your Sperry boat shoes for the perfect fit. Firstly, it is recommended to buy leather Sperry boat shoes a half-size smaller than your regular size as the leather will stretch over time. Sperry's Authentic Original Boat Shoe features 360° lacing, allowing you to tighten or loosen the fit as needed. When breaking in your new leather boat shoes, wear them often, as the leather will mould to the shape of your feet. To speed up this process, one trick is to fill a container with warm water, soak your shoes, and then wear them as they air-dry. This will cause the leather to expand and then shrink, moulding perfectly to your feet. Additionally, you can use Sperry's Leather Cleaner & Conditioner to protect the leather from drying, cracking, and scuffing while keeping your shoes in top shape. Remember, the key to breaking in your Sperry boat shoes is patience, so give them time to mould to your feet and enjoy your comfortable, stylish footwear for years to come.

Wear them often

Wearing your Sperry boat shoes often is one of the best ways to break them in and have them mould to the shape of your feet. Here are some tips on how to do this:

Wear Them Around the House

You can wear your new Sperrys with or without socks, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that wearing socks will make the shoes feel tighter, while going barefoot will allow the leather to stretch more. Wearing them around the house for a few days before wearing them outside will help you break them in and make them more comfortable.

Wear Them Frequently When They Are New

The leather of new Sperry boat shoes is at its most pliable, so wearing your new shoes a lot when they are new will help them mould to the shape of your feet more effectively. Conversely, wearing your new boat shoes less often may impact how quickly and how well they mould to your feet.

Wear the Right Size

Ensure that you have purchased the right size. Your feet should be comfortable in the shoes. They should be roomy enough for your toes to wiggle and snug enough that they won't fall off. Too-tight or too-loose shoes cannot be broken in for a good fit, no matter how often or how much you wear them.

Wear Them Without Socks

Whether you wear socks with your boat shoes will also determine how they mould to your feet. Socks will make the shoes feel tighter because they add an extra layer to your feet and may stretch the leather. If you break in your boat shoes wearing socks, they may feel loose when you wear them without socks. No-show socks are a good option if you want to wear socks with your boat shoes, as they provide added comfort and odour protection without being seen.

Wear Them at the End of the Day

Consider trying on and buying Sperry boat shoes toward the end of the day. During the day, gravity will bring fluid to your feet, causing them to swell slightly. The footbed will compress over time, providing a little extra room.

Wet-weathering

Step 1: Fill a Container with Warm Water

Fill a spacious container, such as a bathtub, a large bucket, or a plastic or rubber storage container, with about 6 inches (15 cm) of warm water. If you don't have access to a suitable container, you can also search for a natural body of water to trample through or use a garden hose or faucet to wet your shoes.

Step 2: Add Sea Salt (Optional)

If you want to give your shoes a more weathered look, you can add sea salt to the water. Aim for about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 1/4 gallon (0.95 L) of water. This will simulate the conditions of wearing your shoes in and around the sea.

Step 3: Put on Your Shoes and Lace Them Up Tight

Slip into your Sperry boat shoes and pull the laces tight to ensure they are snug on your feet. Do not wear socks with your boat shoes, as this will make your feet feel soggy.

Step 4: Soak Your Shoes

Stand in the container of water until your shoes are wet all the way through. You may need to rock forward and backward to fully saturate the shoes. As you stand in the container, stretch your feet through their full range of motion by rocking onto your toes and heels.

Alternatively, you can place your shoes in the water and let them soak for 12-24 hours before putting them on.

Step 5: Towel-Dry Your Shoes

Carefully step out of the container and use a clean, dry towel to pat the excess water from the surface of your shoes. You don't need to dry them completely, just dab them until they stop dripping. Place an absorbent layer, such as a bath mat or a folded towel, on the floor to catch any excess water.

Step 6: Wear Your Shoes Until They Dry

For the best results, go for a short walk or do some simple exercises while your shoes air dry. The movement will help the damp material conform to your feet. Boat shoes are designed to dry quickly, so your shoes should soften up and take on a lived-in look in no time.

Leather expands when it gets wet and shrinks as it dries, resulting in a unique fit that feels tailor-made for your feet.

Wear the right size

Wearing the right size Sperry boat shoes is essential to ensure comfort and avoid foot problems. Here are some tips to help you wear the right size:

First, it is important to understand that Sperry boat shoes tend to be true to size, so you can start by selecting your usual shoe size. However, Sperry's sizing experts recommend buying leather boat shoes a half-size smaller than your normal size, as leather shoes will loosen up a bit with regular wear. On the other hand, if you opt for canvas or textile boat shoes, it is best to stick with your regular shoe size since they won't relax as much over time.

When trying on the shoes, ensure there is about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) of space between the top of the shoe and your big toe when standing normally. Your toes should have room to wiggle, and the shoes should be snug enough that they won't fall off. A good fit will ensure your toes are not crammed together or overlapping, but instead have space between each toe and are facing straight forward.

Additionally, consider whether you will be wearing socks with your boat shoes, as this will impact the fit. Socks will make the shoes feel tighter and may stretch the leather. If you plan to wear socks with your boat shoes, be sure to try them on with socks to get the right fit.

If you are unsure about the size, it is always better to size up rather than choosing shoes that are too small. You can also seek advice from experienced fitters at some shoe stores or consult a shoe repair professional if you need further assistance in finding the right size.

Wear socks

Wearing socks with your Sperry boat shoes will help you avoid blisters and other discomfort during the "breaking-in" phase. As leather shoes take time to form to your foot, wearing socks can help you avoid blisters and hotspots.

If you want to wear socks with your boat shoes, opt for no-show socks or dress socks. No-show socks are a low-cut style of sock that stays hidden by the leather upper of your boat shoes, helping you achieve the "" sockless" look while still enjoying the benefits of wearing socks. Dress socks, on the other hand, will provide a slightly more formal look while keeping your outfit relaxed and casual.

It is recommended to avoid wearing athletic socks with boat shoes, as this is considered a style faux pas.

Wearing socks with boat shoes is not only a matter of style but also of health and shoe maintenance. Not wearing socks with boat shoes can lead to foot fungus issues such as athlete's foot due to the warm, dark, and damp environment inside the shoes. Wearing socks provides a layer of protection, helping to manage moisture and keep your feet healthy and comfortable.

Additionally, going sockless can damage the insoles of your boat shoes. As your feet produce sweat, the insoles may loosen and begin to peel back, which is difficult to repair without replacing the insoles. Wearing socks specifically designed for boat shoes can help prevent this issue and extend the life of your shoes.

Use leather conditioner

Leather conditioner is an important step in the process of shrinking leather shoes. It helps to keep the leather soft and supple, preventing it from drying out and cracking. This is especially important after exposing the leather to water and heat, as these elements can be damaging to the material.

To apply leather conditioner, start by massaging a small amount of the product into each shoe using smooth, circular motions. Focus on the areas that have been treated with water and heat, as these areas will be most susceptible to drying out. Once you have evenly coated the leather, use a lint-free cloth to wipe away any excess conditioner. This will help to prevent the shoes from feeling greasy or sticky.

After conditioning, wrap each shoe separately in a piece of newsprint or paper. Store the shoes in a cool, dry place while the conditioner soaks into the leather. This process may take several hours or even overnight. You'll notice a difference in the feel of the leather after just one treatment, but repeat the process as needed if your shoes require additional softening.

In addition to softening the leather, a quality conditioner will also help protect your shoes from the damaging effects of moisture and dry air. This is especially important for boat shoes, which are frequently exposed to water. Look for a conditioner that is designed specifically for leather and provides waterproofing or moisture-resistant properties.

Remember, when shrinking leather shoes, always apply a leather conditioner as the final step to maintain the quality and longevity of your footwear.

Frequently asked questions