Nike SBs are built tough—with reinforced materials, padded collars, and responsive soles designed to withstand the rigors of skateboarding. But with that durability comes stiffness out of the box. If you’ve just picked up a fresh pair of Nike SBs, here’s how to break them in quickly and safely—without wrecking your feet or your kicks.
Why Break-In Matters
Skate shoes, especially ones like Nike SB Dunks, SB Blazers, or SB Chron 2s, need a little time to mold to your feet. Breaking them in properly ensures:
- Better board feel and control
- Reduced risk of blisters and foot pain
- Longer-lasting structure
- Improved overall comfort
Skipping the break-in process can lead to injuries or make you hate a shoe that could’ve become your favorite.
1. Wear Them Around the House First
Before you hit the skatepark, spend a few hours walking in your new Nike SBs indoors. This helps soften the padding, insoles, and upper materials.
Tips:
- Lace them how you would for skating to let them form naturally to your feet.
- Try them with the socks you normally skate in.
- Bend your feet, crouch, and mimic skate movements to help loosen the sole.
2. Flex the Soles Manually
Outsoles can be stiff at first, especially cupsoles like those found on SB Dunk Highs. Manually flexing them can help get them moving.
How to do it:
- Hold the toe and heel and gently bend the shoe back and forth.
- Avoid overdoing it—just loosen the stiffness slightly.
- You can also roll the shoe side to side in your hands to soften side panels.
3. Skate in Short Sessions
Once the shoes feel more flexible, take them for a light skate session.
Keep it short and easy:
- Avoid high-impact tricks at first—no stair sets or big drops.
- Cruise, ollie, and practice flatground tricks to let the shoes conform to your movements.
- Limit your first session to about 30–45 minutes.
4. Use Heat Sparingly
Heat can soften materials, but you must use it carefully to avoid damage.
Optional Method:
- Wear thick socks and lace up your Nike SBs.
- Use a hairdryer on medium heat and blow hot air around the toe box for 1–2 minutes.
- Flex your feet as the shoes warm to help the material expand.
- Let the shoes cool while you continue wearing them.
Caution: Never put your SBs in the oven or microwave. You’ll damage the glues and materials permanently.
5. Swap Insoles If Needed
Nike SBs usually come with Zoom Air insoles, which are great for impact but can feel stiff at first.
Options:
- Use thinner insoles (temporarily) to speed up the break-in process.
- Once the shoe loosens up, switch back to the original Zoom Air for support.
- Or keep using your preferred skate insole if you need orthotic support.
6. Bend and Twist Before Every Session
For the first few wears, make it a habit to flex the shoes in your hands before you skate.
Benefits:
- Helps soften cold or stiff shoes
- Maintains a better fit as the materials adapt
- Prevents unnecessary pressure on your arches or toes
7. Rotate Between Pairs
If you already have a pair of broken-in skate shoes, alternate between them. Breaking in Nike SBs gradually over a few sessions prevents blisters and fatigue.
Bonus: This extends the life of both pairs.
Final Thoughts: Patience Pays Off
Breaking in Nike SBs doesn’t have to mean bruised feet and busted sessions. With a little patience and these smart break-in tips, your SBs will feel like an extension of your body in no time.
Quick Recap:
- Walk in them first
- Flex the sole gently
- Start with short skate sessions
- Use heat carefully (only if needed)
- Try different insoles temporarily
- Rotate with an old pair
Whether you’re skating SB Dunk Lows or Blazer Mids, a proper break-in will maximize comfort, performance, and longevity. Treat your shoes—and your feet—right.
