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Hotel Cali

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For loafer strap tightness, can't you try stuffing a tennis ball there for a few days? Seems like it would easily work.
 
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Erikdayo

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Maybe it's just because my feet don't have a lot of volume, but I'd be worried about attempts to stretch the instep on loafers making them permanently too loose. Probably not much of a concern with calfskin.
 

H2O

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For loafer strap tightness, can't you try stuffing a tennis ball there for a few days? Seems like it would easily work.

I suppose it's worth a shot! Seems so obvious - not sure why I didn't think of it. Thanks for the tip!

I'm just torn between whether a shoe should fit properly out of the box versus how much discomfort/break-in is reasonable, or to be expected!.

It's always a gamble ordering something online!
 

Erikdayo

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I suppose it's worth a shot! Seems so obvious - not sure why I didn't think of it. Thanks for the tip!

I'm just torn between whether a shoe should fit properly out of the box versus how much discomfort/break-in is reasonable, or to be expected!.

It's always a gamble ordering something online!
I feel like it's hard for loafers out of the box since they need time to form to your instep and are not adjustable. I have less issues with laced footwear and out of the box comfort.
 

Hotel Cali

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I suppose it's worth a shot! Seems so obvious - not sure why I didn't think of it. Thanks for the tip!

I'm just torn between whether a shoe should fit properly out of the box versus how much discomfort/break-in is reasonable, or to be expected!.

It's always a gamble ordering something online!

If you find a new regular tennis ball too big or hard to fit, you can try older used tennis balls that have already loss some pressure or try kids tennis ball (orange or green dot) is has less pressure.

I bought various vintage (higher quality wood and iron) shoe stretchers and can easily stretch width or in-step to get some relief.
 
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H2O

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If you find a new regular tennis ball too big or hard to fit, you can try older used tennis balls that have already loss some pressure or try kids tennis ball (orange or green dot) is has less pressure.

I bought various vintage (higher quality wood and iron) shoe stretchers and can easily stretch width or in-step to get some relief.

I have some tennis balls in there now. I also used some leather conditioner on the straps to help soften it up a bit.

I'll try wearing them around the house again tomorrow; shoe stretchers may be the second option!

Thanks again!
 

H2O

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I feel like it's hard for loafers out of the box since they need time to form to your instep and are not adjustable. I have less issues with laced footwear and out of the box comfort.

Yeah, you make a good point. Most of my laced boots were comfortable from the hop. Not all, but most! I used to work in the oil patch, so I know all about breaking in boots. It's tricky with loafers, indeed! Most of the reviews I've read about the GS loafers are about the CXL or suede options, which I find quite soft from my experience with belts, OSB and Wolverine 1000 Miles.

Would love to see some more pics and discussion of people breaking in their calf leather travelers or tassle loafers!
 
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XxLogo

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I have some tennis balls in there now. I also used some leather conditioner on the straps to help soften it up a bit.

I'll try wearing them around the house again tomorrow; shoe stretchers may be the second option!

Thanks again!
Usually Dubbin softens leather when used, which is why it is always advised to use less of it when applying. Maybe this will help
 
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woofmang

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Diesels today:

20210116_diesels.jpg
 

BrandonF

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I'm having the same issue with the strap pressing into the top of my foot. It isn't painful, but it's really uncomfortable. How long would you say it took to break that in?

I'm a 10E and the length and width are spot on, as I have a bit of room at my toes still; I feel like if I size up to 10.5E they'll be too long/look clunky. So confused!

It took a while for sure. I’d have big red indents on my instep after wearing. Most of the discomfort was when walking, as standing felt fine. I’m pretty sure it’s because the sole was sole inflexible at first, the strap would dig in when my foot flexed and the shoe didn’t.

I did bring it to a cobbler, but I’m not sure how much good it did. The first time I wore them right away and they felt great, but the next day they felt the same as they were. The second time I wore them for the rest of the day and also made a point of manually flexing the sole. This seemed to do the trick.

Now they are very comfortable and one of my favorite shoes. Hope your mileage is similar.
 

H2O

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It took a while for sure. I’d have big red indents on my instep after wearing. Most of the discomfort was when walking, as standing felt fine. I’m pretty sure it’s because the sole was sole inflexible at first, the strap would dig in when my foot flexed and the shoe didn’t.

I did bring it to a cobbler, but I’m not sure how much good it did. The first time I wore them right away and they felt great, but the next day they felt the same as they were. The second time I wore them for the rest of the day and also made a point of manually flexing the sole. This seemed to do the trick.

Now they are very comfortable and one of my favorite shoes. Hope your mileage is similar.

Thanks for sharing your experience! It's reassuring hearing others go through the same thing. Makes me feel fewer pangs of regret as I break these in! Cheers.
 

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