Castañer espadrilles are a quintessential part of summer fashion, offering style, comfort, and versatility all in one package. The brand has been around for over 90 years and has become synonymous with the rope-soled shoes that are perfect for beach vacations, resort getaways, and casual summer outings. However, breaking in your Castañer espadrilles can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re new to the brand. In this article, we’ll show you how to break in your Castañer espadrilles so that you can enjoy them to their fullest potential.
Step 1: Choose the Right Size
Before you try to break in your Castañer espadrilles, it’s important to make sure that you’ve chosen the right size. The brand offers a wide range of sizes, so it’s essential to measure your feet and follow the sizing chart to determine the best fit. If your espadrilles are too small, they will be uncomfortable and may cause blisters, while if they are too large, your feet may slip around inside them, making them difficult to walk in.
Step 2: Wear Your Espadrilles Around the House
The easiest way to break in your Castañer espadrilles is to wear them around the house for a few hours each day. This will help your feet adjust to the shape of the shoes and allow the canvas and rope sole to soften up. You can wear your espadrilles with socks at first to prevent blisters and irritation. Walking around on a carpeted surface is a good idea, as it will provide some cushioning and help your feet adjust to the shoes.
Step 3: Stretch the Canvas
If your Castañer espadrilles feel tight around the toe box or sides, you can stretch the canvas by gently pulling on the fabric with your hands. Do this a few times a day, and you’ll notice that the canvas will start to give in those areas. Another option is to soak the shoes in warm water for a few minutes, then wear them while they’re still damp. This will allow the canvas to stretch more easily and conform to the shape of your feet.
Step 4: Break in the Rope Sole
The rope sole of Castañer espadrilles can be stiff and uncomfortable at first, but it will soften and mold to your feet with wear. To speed up the process, you can gently bend the sole back and forth with your hands. This will help to loosen up the fibers and make the sole more flexible. You can also wear your espadrilles on a rough surface, like pavement or concrete, to help wear down the rope sole and make it more comfortable.
Step 5: Use Moleskin
If you’re experiencing discomfort or irritation from your Castañer espadrilles, you can use moleskin to prevent blisters and protect your skin. Moleskin is a soft, adhesive material that can be cut to fit the specific areas of your feet that are rubbing against the shoes. Apply the moleskin to your feet, not the shoes, and you’ll be able to wear your espadrilles with more comfort and ease.
Step 6: Wear Your Espadrilles Outdoors
Once you’ve worn your Castañer espadrilles around the house for a few days and they feel more comfortable, it’s time to take them outdoors. Start with short outings, like a trip to the grocery store or a walk around the block. As you become more accustomed to the shoes, you can wear them for longer periods and engage in more activities. Espadrilles are perfect for beach days, picnics, and other casual summer outings.
Step 7: Maintain Your Espadrilles
To keep your Castañer espadrilles in good condition, it’s important to take care of them. Avoid getting them wet, as water can damage the rope sole and cause the canvas to shrink. If your espadrilles do get wet, let them air dry in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. You can also apply a fabric protector spray to the canvas to prevent stains and dirt from setting in.
In conclusion, breaking in your Castañer espadrilles may take some time and effort, but it’s worth it for the comfort and style they provide. Follow these steps to ensure that your espadrilles fit well and feel great on your feet. With a little patience and care, your Castañer espadrilles will become your go-to shoes for all your summer adventures.