No matter what shoes you buy, chances are they need to be broken in. That’s not a mark of bad quality. Shoes just need to mold to your feet. “No two feet are the same even on the same person,” said podiatrist-turned-shoe-designer Marion Parke. It’s hard to resist wearing brand-new shoes right away, especially if it’s a special occasion or you’ve finally hunted down the perfect leather boot. But experts, like Parke, agree: Shoes need to be broken in. This is not just about wearing shoes that don’t pinch or cause blisters. Protecting your feet improves your overall foot health. Breaking in shoes happens naturally as you walk in them, thanks to the warmth and moisture produced between the foot and the shoe, according to Parke. Some materials soften faster than others, which is why certain shoes may require less time and effort to break in. For example, California-based podiatrist Megan Ishibashi says that sneakers may not need much breaking in, depending on the material. Wirecutter fitness writer Seth Berkman agrees. While he wouldn’t wear a new pair of sneakers on a longer run right out of the box, it usually takes about 10 miles for him to break them in, adding that he’d break those into three to four runs. “I wouldn't do a long 5-plus-mile run right away in a pair,” he says. Other shoes made from sturdier materials, like leather, wood, and suede can be harder to break in, according to cobbler Jim McFarland, especially if they’re synthetics. However, there are a few things that you can do with any pair of shoes to expedite that process and start off on the right foot. Here’s what experts recommend.