This technique will work for almost any type of shoe, but it’s best if the shoes are only a little too tight. Keep in mind that if the shoes pinch or rub your feet, you might get blisters if you aren’t wearing socks! As your shoes stretch, gradually increase the amount of time you wear them. Once they’re comfortable enough to wear for several hours at a time, they’re ready to take out of the house!
The heat will soften the shoe, helping it form to your foot. If you need to, heat the shoes again after they’ve cooled completely. Heat can soften the glue used on some shoes, causing the uppers to separate from the sole, so don’t leave the hair dryer nozzle in any one place for too long. Do not heat plastic or PVC shoes—they won’t stretch and you could release toxic fumes into the air.
You can also soak a thick pair of socks with rubbing alcohol, then put on the socks and shoes and wear them until the alcohol evaporates. This is a great option for canvas or athletic shoes. However, it may not work as well for dress shoes made from stiff materials. Because the alcohol dries quickly, it shouldn’t damage the shoe. However, it’s best to test the alcohol on an inconspicuous spot first if your shoe is made from a material that shouldn’t get wet, like leather or suede. If you’re not sure, try a different technique.
Shoe-stretching sprays are made to loosen the fibers of leather, allowing the material of the shoe upper to spread slightly. They may also work on suede, but be sure to read the product label carefully.
If you’re concerned the bag might break, use 2 bags instead, placing one inside the other. [6] X Research source You can try this with any type of shoe, but it might work better for open-toe, peep-toe, or athletic styles. If the toe box on your shoes is very narrow, it might be hard to arrange the bag so it reaches all the way down into the shoe, and it might not stretch evenly. [7] X Research source
Putting your shoes on a tray or a baking sheet will keep the bottom of your shoes from touching a surface your food might come in contact with. You can also place them into a large bag or on a sheet or parchment paper. However, you can just put them directly into the freezer, if you want.
It’s better not to let the ice thaw out all the way. If there are any holes in the bag, the water could leak into the shoe and damage it.
You can buy a shoe stretcher at most high-end shoe stores. Try this in conjunction with a shoe-stretching spray for the best results. Dampen the shoes with the spray, then insert the shoe stretcher. Repeat this as needed until your shoes reach the size you need.
While this method might not work as quickly as using heat, alcohol, or ice, it will gently stretch your shoes over time, making it an ideal option for leather, vintage, or otherwise delicate shoes. This may not work as well for shoes with a stiff upper, like dress shoes. Also, shoes that are made from a flexible material, like mesh, might require direct heat or a method that saturates the shoe in order to stretch out the fibers.
Because this technique will form the shoe as it stretches, be sure to arrange the paper so it preserves the shape of your shoe. Do not saturate the paper, or it could damage the inside of your shoe. Also, avoid using this technique on leather shoes.
As the oats expand, the pressure will help stretch the material of the shoe.
