How To

How to Stretch Shoes

There’s nothing like finding the perfect pair of fashionable shoes in the exact color and style you’re looking for, only to slip them on and realize they’re too small. Whether the toes feel snug or you’re straining to squeeze in your heels, uncomfortable shoes are hard to love. But don’t get buyer’s remorse just yet! By following some simple steps, you may be able to stretch your shoes by a half or whole size for a more comfortable fit, and you’ll also avoid the hassle of going through the return or exchange process. If you can’t find a better size or if sizing up would make the shoes too big, these tips can help you add some length or width to your favorite pair of kicks.

Top 4 Methods for Stretching Shoes at Home

You can stretch your shoes at home using several methods, from heating and freezing to using a good old-fashioned shoe stretcher. Remember, every shoe is different, and not all styles or materials react the same to stretching. You may need to try several methods or repeat the stretching process a few times to get the sizing right.

Using a Shoe Stretcher

Shoe stretchers are handy contraptions that adjust width, length, toe boxes, and more. There are four types of shoe stretchers on the market, and each design targets specific areas inside the shoe. Here’s an overview of each shoe stretcher type.

Spot Shoe Stretchers

As the name suggests, spot shoe stretchers are designed to target specific areas inside the shoes, most often the toes or heels. Spot stretchers are usually recommended for people with bunions, as they help to widen the toe area. These stretchers feature a U-shaped ring design, with a button on one end and a winding mechanism on the other. The winding mechanism side sits outside the shoe, and the button sits inside. To use a spot stretcher, follow these steps:

  1. While different brands may have different features, most spot stretchers offer two buttons in 20-millimeter or 23-millimeter sizes. Choose the button size based on the spot size that requires stretching, and twist it onto the button side.
  2. Insert the stretcher inside the shoe, placing the button on the area that needs stretching. 
  3. Wind the mechanism down on the outside of the shoe until it makes contact with the button on the inside (with the shoe material in between). Increase the pressure if necessary, but make sure not to overtighten. Leave the stretcher in the shoe overnight. 
Instep Shoe Stretchers

Designed to stretch the instep area of a shoe, instep stretchers are a great option if you have high arches and tend to experience pressure on your instep. Typically made of wood, instep stretchers are shaped to fit the interior of your shoes. The top portion of the stretching tool, called the toe block or vamp raiser, stretches the shoe’s toe height. The bottom portion holds the widening handle. To use an instep stretcher, follow these steps:

  1. Insert the stretcher inside your shoe.
  2. Twist the widening handle counterclockwise to lift the toe block to the desired height and resistance.
  3. Leave the stretcher in place for at least 6-8 hours.
Toe Box Stretchers

Similar in appearance to instep shoe stretchers, toe box stretchers are designed to raise and stretch a shoe’s toe box. Follow these steps to use a toe box stretcher:

  1. Insert the toe box stretcher inside your shoe.
  2. Twist the widening handle counterclockwise to lift the top portion of the stretcher and raise the shoe material to the desired height.
  3. Keep the stretcher in place for approximately 6-8 hours.
Two-Way Stretchers

Two-way shoe stretchers are an excellent choice if your shoes need extra length and width. Recommended for use with flat-soled shoes, two-way stretchers feature sturdy heel blocks that help lengthen the shoe, along with toe blocks that stretch the toe box. To enhance your shoes with a two-way stretcher, follow these steps:

  1. Place the stretcher completely inside your shoe.
  2. Turn the widening handle to stretch the toe box and/or adjust the wheel at the base of the widening handle to position the heel block and lengthen the shoe.
  3. Leave the shoe stretcher in position for 6-8 hours.

Freezing

It’s common knowledge that water expands as it freezes, and you can use this principle to stretch your shoes. It’s super easy; you only need your shoes, plastic bags, water, and, most importantly, a freezer. Follow these simple steps to freeze-stretch your shoes:

  1. Fill a freezer-safe plastic bag with water, making sure it’s tightly sealed.
  2. Place the bag inside the shoe (or shoes) you want to stretch.
  3. Leave the shoes in your freezer overnight. As the water freezes and expands, the ice should create pressure against the inside of the shoe, resulting in a natural stretch.

While freezing your shoes is an easy — and often effective — way to add some stretch, look out for a few pitfalls when using this method. Freezing is generally recommended for non-leather shoes, such as canvas sneakers or fabric flats. Leather can lose its natural oils when exposed to cold temperatures, which increases the risk of cracking. It’s also a good idea to avoid freezing shoes with glued-on uppers or embellishments, as their delicate construction may not fare well in freezing temperatures.

Heating

When materials are exposed to heat, the increased energy causes natural expansion. Warm water and hair dryers are the two most common heat methods for stretching shoes.

Warm water method: Fill your sink or tub with warm water. Place the shoes you’d like to stretch in the water, allowing them to soak for 10 minutes. Pat the shoes dry, and put them on your feet while they’re still damp. Walk around for a few minutes to allow the shoes to conform to your foot size, and let them air dry.

Hair dryer method: Put on a pair (or two) of your thickest cushioned socks, followed by the shoes you want to stretch out. Turn your hair dryer on medium heat, and blow the air over your shoes for approximately 30 seconds. Pay extra attention to the tightest spots on the shoes, and wiggle your toes or flex your foot to help soften the material. Wear your shoes as they cool down to maintain their new shape.

Stretching With Socks

Wearing thick socks is the easiest way to stretch your shoes, but it isn’t the most effective if you need to go up a full size. However, if you only need some wiggle room, it’s definitely worth a try. Put on one or two pairs of your thickest and snuggest socks, and put on the shoes you want to stretch. Wear them around the house for an hour or 2 for a couple of days before you plan to fashion them outside. If it works, your shoes should fit perfectly with bare feet or stockings afterward.

How to Keep Your Shoes Stretched Over Time

While shoe-stretching tools and DIY methods work well, their results aren’t always permanent. If your shoes start shrinking back to their previous size, repeat the process you used to stretch them. You can also use shoe stretchers to hold the shape between each wear.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to the following questions about shoe stretching can help you identify when it’s feasible to stretch your shoes yourself and when it’s best to take them to a professional shoe repair specialist.

Can All Types of Shoes Be Stretched?

While there’s no hard and fast rule about the types of shoes that can or can’t be stretched, certain materials stretch better than others. For example, leather and suede are known to stretch well, while synthetic materials, such as faux leather and vinyl, aren’t quite as flexible, and stretching them may damage the shoe. When in doubt, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional shoe repair specialist before attempting to stretch them.

How Much Can You Stretch a Shoe?

Results vary from shoe to shoe, but it’s usually possible to stretch your shoes by a half or full size with shoe stretching tools or other DIY techniques. If you wish to stretch your shoes more than a full size, it’s best to take them to a shoe repair specialist.

Find the Perfect Fit at Shoe Carnival

Shoe stretching is a great way to maintain your signature shoes, if your feet have suddenly grown or you accidentally picked up the wrong size. Shoe Carnival offers shoes in practically every size for women, men, and little ones. Stop by your local Shoe Carnival store today to meet your perfect match.