Breaking the shoe barrier
It doesn’t matter what your age or level of ability, breaking in your new netball shoes can be a painful, blistering experience. Follow these simple tips to help you break in your new netball shoes without blisters and band aids:
- Buy and break-in your new netball shoes during the netball off season (November through to February). New shoes can take four to six weeks to break-in, so don’t leave it too late and never buy your new shoes at the start of a netball season. During the off season training focuses on covering distance and aerobic endurance and your new shoes need to see some miles too before they take to the court.
- When shopping for new netball shoes, go late in the afternoon. Feet generally swell slightly with activity during the day and they will do the same during a game of netball. Trying shoes on later in the day will help to ensure that the shoe is a better fit for your foot when you are playing netball.
- Try your shoes on with sports socks.
- Tie your shoes and laces just right, not too loose and not too tight. If they are loose, rubbing can occur causing blisters. If they are too tight, there will not be enough room for your foot to expand / swell due to the increased blood flow associated with physcial activity.
- Once you have bought new shoes, house train them before taking them out. Wear them around the house taking note of any areas of your feet that hurt or are rubbing and may be prone to blister.
- If your shoes are causing extreme discomfort than it is advisable to take them back to the retailer. If they haven’t been worn outside (still new and undamaged) they are more likely to exchange your shoes.
- Once you are comfortable your new shoes are right for you, progress to wearing them out and about for day to day activities (ie - trips to the supermarket).
- Next, take your shoes out for a walk. Now’s the time to add some pace to these shoes and stride it out, including some hills. Again, note any painful areas on your feet and check for blistering afterward.
- Gradually progress your new shoes from power walking to running and covering greater distances.
By the start of the pre-season your shoes will be molded and comfortable, ready to undergo some high intensity work and provide support and protection for your feet throughout the netball season.
Helpful hints
- If you have rough dry feet, moisturise to lessen the abrasiveness of the rubbing in your shoes. However don’t over-do the moisturiser as this could also cause blistering.
- Applying baby powder to your feet can assist sweaty feet by easing perspiration and therefore reducing rubbing and chaffing within your shoe.
- If blistering occurs, use a second skin product or a natural thick material such as moleskin and insert over the painful areas to continue with the breaking-in process.
