Heat Molding Tutorial

You might find the first fitting of your heat moldable shoes to be a little awkward and even a bit stressful. We want you to feel confident in fitting and adjusting on your own. However, having a second person or trained technician present will make the fitting most accurate.

  • Avoid using devices such as hair dryers, hot air paint strippers, microwave ovens, or direct flames.
  • Do not use a vacuum for forming.
  • Do not attempt to form the shoe off your foot.
  • CFC shoes come with removable insoles and can be used with custom orthotics. Please consult the FAQs to find the best option for your needs before starting to form your shoes.

Compatible Models

You will need the following items
  • CFC Shoes (cleats installed)
  • Oven Gloves
  • Oven Thermometer
  • Oven
  • Riding Socks
  • Timer

Pre-heat the Oven

Conventional Oven
Pre-heat oven to 200ºF / 90ºC
Allow oven to pre-heat for 5–10 minutes 		Convection Oven
Set to “bake” and 180ºF / 80ºC
Allow oven to pre-heat for 5 minutes
For best results, use an oven thermometer

Place Shoe in Oven

Wearing oven gloves or heat-resistant hand protection, place one shoe on the oven rack with the sole resting directly on the rack.
Do not let the leather material touch the rack or oven sides.
Remove insole (optional)

Conventional Oven
Heat shoe for 3–4 minutes 		Convection Oven
Heat shoe for 4–5 minutes

Remove shoe from oven

While wearing heat-resistant hand protection, remove the shoe from the oven at the appropriate time. Avoid handling the shoe by the toe box, as this may compromise its structural integrity. You should be able to gently flex the upper part of the heel. The heel material should exhibit flexibility without becoming overly soft.

Try the shoe on

Ensure it is a snug, comfortable fit, but not over-tightened. While seated, shape the shoe to your foot, ensuring smooth surfaces without sharp edges. Avoid using any tools sharper than your fingers unless you are a trained shoe technician. Do not attempt to press or form the shoe off your foot.

Avoid excessive pulling or pushing on the leather upper. Do not apply pressure to the rubber sole or walking pads. While it's safe to stand in the shoes, applying force to these areas while heated could lead to separation.

Once the shoe has cooled and you've worn it for about fifteen minutes, check that the closure pressure is to your liking and adjust as needed.

You may not need to tighten as much as with conventional shoes, but if you experience any pressure points in the moldable area, reheat and readjust.

Repeat above steps for the other shoe. This will give you your initial setup. Often, this will be all you need.