How to stretch shoes at home: leather, suede, nubuck, textiles, rubber.

It often happens that at sales we give in to emotions and buy something that is not quite suitable for us. Problems especially arise if the shoes do not fit on the foot, cause pain and chafe. But there is a way out. Shoe stretchers are special tools that allow you to slightly stretch the product so that it fits perfectly on your foot. You no longer have to endure terrible discomfort.

Before purchasing such a product, you must definitely clarify its properties, since different products are intended for use on different materials. Otherwise, you may only damage your shoes and your money will be wasted.

In some cases, specialized means for breaking shoes in width can damage the appearance of the model. If you are unsure of any of the methods below, it is recommended that you consult a professional. The workshops have all the necessary equipment that allows you to quickly resolve the issue.

Are any shoes stretchable?

Genuine leather just stretches. Suede is especially flexible. But artificial ones can cause difficulties and become damaged if due care is not taken. The following list includes materials that stretch without harm:

Leather
Suede
Textile
Nubuck

If the shoes are expensive, it is better to contact a workshop specialist. They will complete the task efficiently, as they use the appropriate equipment. Shoes and boots are increased by one size without haste or damage.

Has anyone stretched their shoes? it makes sense?

the answer to the first question is yes

better give it to the community

I already bought a second pair of shoes one size smaller. It seemed normal in the store, it was a little cramped, I thought that my foot was swollen in the evening and the shoes were still new, but then it turned out that they were too small!

And I stretched both pairs. Both are made of suede, good quality, I just got them a little wet and wore them wet, they got caught in the rain a couple of times. They haven’t deteriorated, in fact they have stretched, I don’t know in length or width, but it’s comfortable now.

I did it with suede ballet shoes. The view hasn't been lost.

how much did it stretch? And How?

True to size. I bought a stretcher (liquid) and stretchers (like springs), sprayed it generously, wore it, and inserted the stretchers at night. A week later the problem was resolved. I understand you, I was on the verge of hysteria myself, I bought expensive ballet shoes and couldn’t walk. Now everything is all right.

how much did it stretch? And How?

Sports shoes

Stretching such shoes at home requires taking into account a number of factors. First, you need to determine whether it is possible to increase the size of the running shoes that are chafing. First of all, the material and shape of the tailoring are determined. For example, textile sneakers will stretch themselves when worn. But if this does not happen, they try special means. The following factors require special attention.

Textile sneakers and sneakers stretch only 1/2 size.
How to break in sports shoes made of genuine leather? Answer: the skin quickly and easily takes the shape of the leg, even without stretching.
Synthetic materials with increased rigidity can become deformed and lose their attractiveness.

Harsh impacts damage the material. You should try to break in new shoes by using them for several days. How to stretch sports shoes made of genuine leather? The sock is placed inside and the corresponding areas are heated with a hairdryer. They wear sneakers until they cool down. The insides of sneakers can be stuffed with wet newspapers. After drying, the result will be achieved, although a change in shape and appearance is likely.

Features of artificial leather

Most often, when mentioning artificial leather, an association arises in the head with a thing that is not of the highest quality, but recently the methods of manufacturing this material have changed significantly, as well as its main characteristics. Shoes made of artificial leather, as a rule, are much cheaper than natural ones, but are not of poor quality.

This material is hypoallergenic and in some cases is considered the simplest and most convenient to use.

A pair of such material is the easiest to use, is less exposed to the environment, such leather does not crack or wrinkle, and is frost-resistant.
The use of modern technologies and fragrances allows the skin to breathe and protects it from unpleasant odors inside.
Faux leather offers a large selection of colors and textures, but it is not always possible to distinguish these two different materials at first glance.
Material in modern processing is not always inferior in quality to the original, and in some aspects it even surpasses it, and is the most convenient to use.

In many respects, artificial leather is catching up with natural leather, but at the same time, the price of a pair of such material is also increasing.

IMPORTANT:
It should be remembered that artificial leather is not the name of one specific material, it is a generalized name of an entire category, which includes many varieties: leatherette, polyurethane, stretch leather, grease and others. For each material, stretching methods may vary slightly.

Basic methods

Often the effect is achieved by using improvised means. And there are also special compounds on sale that are used to treat new shoes. When shoes squeeze, the choice of an effective method is determined by what it is made of. The correct selection of the product will eliminate damage, cracks, and other damage. Although in many cases the pair can be separated. Let's consider a number of methods.

Mechanical

The traditional remedy is walking in shoes, carrying them. Let's look at how you can break in tight shoes at home. First, you need to wear anti-chafing socks. Mechanical breaking-in involves getting them wet. 15 minutes daily is enough.

If it is difficult to break in shoes, they use radical measures. This way you can stretch your sneakers using form holders - pads. The device is placed inside the shoe. These are wooden devices equipped with a screw mechanism that regulates the tensile force. Before use, you need to spray your sneakers or shoes with spray. Alcohol is also suitable. Having put it on the last, you need to stretch the shoes as much as possible and leave them for a day.

Professional methods: workshop and stretcher

The easiest and most reliable way to give a pair of shoes the most comfortable shape is to have them stretched at a shoe studio.

Many workshops today have equipment that allows you to stretch shoes in width in the foot or in the boot, including locally, which is required if a person has bulging areas on the foot. Moreover, even an uncomfortable rise can be corrected.

The only thing that the workshop will not undertake is stretching the shoes lengthwise, since in this case the size is determined by the fastening seams. You can only increase the width of the shoes or stretch the heel.

A shoe stretcher uses special equipment, including a set of lasts that are adjustable in width using screws and have the ability to attach small attachments to them that imitate bulges in a particular area of the foot. For this reason, the result lives up to expectations, and the shoes themselves do not deteriorate, even if they are made of thin leather.

If for some reason you do not have the opportunity to take your shoes to a workshop to correct their size, then you can try to make them more comfortable yourself.

Thus, you can order lasts via the Internet similar to those used in workshops, and purchase sprays or foams at a shoe store that are specially designed for fitting shoes to your feet.

BAMA (Germany).

The spray can be used to stretch any materials, including synthetic ones. A bottle with a capacity of 75 ml costs around 500 rubles.

Oke is a shoe stretcher from the French brand SAPFIR.

Gives elasticity to all types of leather, makes them soft, thereby making it easier to wear shoes and fit them to your feet. The price depends on the volume of the bottle. The 150 ml one will be more profitable, since it costs only one and a half times more than the 50 ml one. This is approximately 650 rubles.

Stretch from COLLONIL (Germany).

The aerosol is intended for stretching leather shoes. The manufacturer promises the absence of such negative 550 rubles.

Shoe Stretch from SOLITAIRE (Germany).

A 50 ml bottle costs from 450 rubles. Suitable only for products made of genuine leather. It acts gently, so it won’t even damage dress shoes.

Stretch NIKI LINE (Germany).

A quality product at a relatively low price - 450 rubles per 100 ml. Suitable for any type of skin, after its use there are no stains or streaks. True, it is not always available in the domestic retail chain.

TAMARIS 4EVER SUITABLE SHOES SHOE STRETCH (Germany).

The spray softens the skin and supports its ability to stretch under the influence of the heat emanating from the foot. Available in spray form. A 75 ml bottle costs about 600 rubles.

Duke Stretch (Germany).

The foam is suitable for stretching shoes made of regular leather, as well as suede and patent leather. The bottle contains instructions on how to use the product in each specific case, so as not to spoil your shoes or boots. For a bottle with a capacity of 100 ml you will have to pay relatively little - about 400 rubles.

SHOE STRETCH SALAMANDER Professional (Germany).

One of the cheapest stretching agents on the domestic shoe market: a 125-ml bottle costs no more than 400 rubles, and you can find it even cheaper. With its help, you can easily stretch shoes made of any type of leather.

TARRSGO Shoe Stretch (Spain).

Suitable for different types of leather, but when stretching patent leather shoes, it requires special precautions and the use of additional means to soften the varnish layer. It is cheaper than other imported stretchers: an aerosol bottle with a capacity of 100 ml can be purchased for 250-300 rubles.

COMPLEX COMFORT SALTON Professional (Russia).

The manufacturer warns of the risk of discolouration of the skin and damage to the varnish coating. However, the price of the product is attractive: 250 rubles for a 100-ml bottle.

Stretching foam TWIST Fashion (Russia).

Not suitable for patent leather, but can be used for other types of leather without the risk of damaging shoes. The cheapest stretching product: a 100 ml bottle costs about 230 rubles.

When using any product from the list presented, it is not at all necessary to use a special pad. They are designed not only for stretching, but also for softer and more comfortable wearing of tight shoes.

Methods depending on the material

Undesirable effects on shoes can be avoided if the properties of the material are taken into account. A correctly selected method will lead to the desired result without loss. It is not easy to increase the size of textile shoes; you need to be content with a small result, even a few millimeters. It is recommended to walk along the street in wet weather, then fill it with paper and let it dry.

Genuine Leather

How can you stretch leather shoes at home? For example, boiled water is poured inside and immediately poured out. Now put it on and let it cool a little. We wear it until it dries completely to ensure it fits correctly on the foot.

How to stretch boots? They are moistened with a towel soaked in boiling water. It must be squeezed out and wrapped around the shoes, leaving it for 5 hours, adding moisture from time to time.

Gentle way

The safest and easiest way to stretch leather boots is to break them in. Put on thick wet socks and shoes and walk until they are completely dry. After this, the shoes are stuffed with newspapers to remove excess moisture.

Hot stretch

Stretching with boiling water is acceptable only for leather shoes. Boiling water is poured into the steam that is pressing for 10 minutes. Then stuff the space with newspapers to remove moisture. The swelling paper is replaced.

Using alcohol

Vodka and alcohol, which are used to carry out comprehensive treatment, help well. They especially try in the heel area. After this, the pair is put on with warm socks.

Freezing

How can you effectively stretch your shoes using cold? A freezer will be required. The expected result is from 2 to 4 mm. We perform the following actions.

A bag of water is placed inside.
The pair is placed in the freezer for a period of 4 to 10 hours at a temperature of -18°C. The water in the bag should freeze.
Take it out and let the ice melt, then remove the bag.

All that remains is to dry at room temperature. This stretching gives results in all directions.

Using grain

The croup will help achieve adjustments in the instep. Bags are placed in front and at the heels, grain is poured in and a little water is poured.

How to stretch suede shoes at home

Such leather has become soft after undergoing processing. Suede gives shoes elasticity, moisture resistance, and stretches well. You can distribute it using the following methods.

Breaking in at home.
Using pads.
Store bought sprays.

The top of a suede boot is stretched with a damp flannel cloth, which is placed inside. Then you need to iron it with an iron.

Wet processing

The breaking-in process is accelerated by internal moisturizing and putting on wet socks. Not only water is good, but also beer.

Steam

This type of treatment also refers to the hot method, but it is more gentle on the appearance of the shoes. At home, shoes are held over a steam bath. For example, this is the nose of a boiling kettle. The steam must enter strictly into the internal area. At the end of the procedure, the shoes are put on and worn until they cool down.

Hot socks

This method is called “military”, it is simple and accessible in any conditions, suitable for suede. Socks are moistened with hot water and wrung out. Tight shoes are worn on top. After this you need to walk around until it dries. Dry the shoes using newspapers. This is how the shoes take the shape of your feet.

Boiling water

You can stretch your shoes by running hot water over the pair. Boiling water should be inside. Then the water is poured out, the shoes cool for two minutes and put on. You need to walk in it for up to 30 minutes.

Wet newspapers

Stuff the shoes tightly with damp paper and wait until everything dries. Packed wet newspapers take 3 days to dry.

How to stretch faux leather shoes

Faux leather does not stretch well, it does not take long to damage it, and it can get cracks on the surface. Compared to natural leather, the effect is half as great. How to stretch these shoes at home? Problems can be avoided if you use proven means.

Is it possible to stretch shoes and how much?

There are many simple and not so simple ways to stretch shoes, using folk remedies, chemical influence or mechanical pressure.

At home, you can use whatever is at hand - products based on various chemical compounds.

Important condition! When using them, you should not expect to immediately get a significant increase in size. You need to act gradually, combining known options for influence, repeating attempts in case of failure the first time.

There is an opinion among shoemakers that it is possible to change the size of shoe products only in width, and increasing the length is impossible due to the reinforced toe and tight heel, which cannot be stretched. Some masters manage to achieve success on this front.

There are many ways to break in shoes.

How to stretch some parts

Unpleasant sensations of tightness and chafing usually occur in the heel or toe. Sometimes the thumb suffers. Then methods of stretching the problem part are used.

Back too hard or narrow

The shoes are tight in the heel area. Then it is recommended to freeze the problematic part. The sock is filled with dry newsprint. Place a bag of water in the heel area. Once placed in the freezer, only the back part expands. This area is also treated with oil and Vaseline, and then they walk and break in the shoes. A solid deodorant, which is used to treat the heel before wearing, also allows you to stretch the required part.

Too narrow toe

How to quickly break in new shoes when there is pressure in the toes? The anterior zone is covered with Vaseline or cream. The shoes are put on socks and walked for a couple of hours. Also acceptable is the freezing method, when a bag of water is placed only in the nose. If the shoes are too tight in the toes, use the hot water method.

Boot top

Pressure on your shins can break the clasp in your boots. The problem is eliminated with wet newspapers, which are tightly filled with boots. Packets of water placed inside and frozen in the refrigerator also help.

On the rise

An effective method is to use cereal. Bags with cereal poured inside are placed in the back and front parts and a little water is added. Then the shoes should lie in the freezer, after which they are taken out. Wait until it melts a little and take out all the contents.

Features of breaking in different parts of shoes

To stretch the back, it is recommended to use castor oil or Vaseline, carefully lubricating the problem area. Then put on shoes or boots with thick socks and walk for half an hour. If we are talking about the bow, then the best way is to use newspaper. Sequencing:

The newspaper must be crumpled up thoroughly.
The narrow part of the shoes should be moistened with a sponge.
Push the resulting lumps of newspaper into the sock as tightly as possible.
Leave for 3-4 hours and then try on the shoes.

The same method is suitable for stretching the boot. Another method is to steam the boots. If the shoes cannot be fastened at the top, then you need to hold the pair over boiling water for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly and put it on immediately.

The narrow shaft of the suede boots is easy to stretch

If shoes are made of nubuck or suede, then oil mixtures should never be used. Otherwise, unaesthetic greasy stains will remain on your favorite pair of shoes or boots.

The best shoe stretchers

There is always a whole range of shoe stretching products on sale. The following list is especially popular and gives great effect.

Salton professional complex comfort

The product is applicable to the skin, increases size and corrects shape. The owner of a pair will be free from discomfort with any type of shoe.

Salamander shoe stretch

Salamander processes leather and suede, making comfortable, soft shoes. Spray on the inner and outer surfaces, after which the shoes are worn in for 30 minutes.

Touch comfort

The product stretches different models in tight places. Increases the flexibility of suede, leather, textiles.

Damavik shoe stretch spray

The composition is good for treating specific areas that it quickly corrects. Shoes increase in length and width without deformation. The results are durable. The product does not destroy materials.

Olvist 2095es

The product corrects the shape of leather shoes and stretches them. You should act according to the instructions, which you must first read.

Dividik

A universal preparation in the form of foam with a pleasant smell for all materials. The inner surface of the product is processed, then it is put on the sock.

Pregrada

The spray is easy to use for any skin type. You need to spray it on the inner surface and put on your shoes. Rough places will become softer.

How to quickly break in shoes that are too tight

There are even more radical ways to stretch leather shoes using water. The insoles are removed from boots or shoes, boiling water is poured inside for a few seconds, and then the shoes are worn in for several hours.

This method is used for shoes made from natural or synthetic material.

The next method is based on the physical property of water to expand when frozen. If necessary, unlace tight shoes. Place two sealed plastic bags inside, straighten them, press them against the inner walls of the shoes so that there are no creases or emptiness. Cold water is carefully poured into an improvised container and the bags are tightly tied. The shoes in another bag are placed in the freezer of the refrigerator overnight. Frozen water turns into solid ice, and, having increased in volume, puts pressure on the leather of the shoe, stretching it.

This is a safe method that does not cause deformation of the shoes.

Additional Information. After removing the shoes from the freezer, you should wait for the water to melt a little and only then carefully remove the ice packs.

Traditional methods

Similar methods have been known for a long time. They are used in everyday life using tools that are always at hand. These include heat and ice, lubricants, alcohol and newspapers. Let's consider several methods in order to choose the most effective one for a particular situation.

Butter

The shoes are lubricated inside and left for several hours. After this, excess oil is removed with a napkin, and the shoes are put on and broken in.

Kerosene

This substance helps to break in tight shoes. Before putting it on, you need to lubricate it inside or in problem areas. But kerosene can leave an odor, which is a side effect.

Paraffin

The product is applicable to different types of shoes. The shoes are polished inside and put on. Wear until the desired condition is achieved. A layer is formed that makes it easier to wear. If you rub a candle and pour it into your shoes, the paraffin will come into contact with the warmth of your feet and melt. This will naturally soften the shoe material.

Wool sock

Thick wool socks are moistened with warm water. Then you need to put them on and wear tight shoes in them. You should walk until it dries. At the end of the procedure, the shoes are stuffed with paper to absorb any remaining moisture.

Vaseline or castor oil

The oil method is good for natural leather. Castor oil is used to impregnate the shoes, after which the size is adjusted with socks. Vaseline is also a good softener.

Using sprays to stretch boots

When there is a need for serious intervention, for example, it is necessary to stretch boots several sizes, it is better to contact a specialist

You can use various sprays to stretch your shoes. It should be used if the boots are a little too tight. In this case, using a spray, you can slightly stretch tight shoes.

However, don’t rely too much on it and buy smaller shoes in the store. Otherwise, no spray will help.

It is recommended to use sprays if shoes have dried out from long-term storage. In such a case, it is necessary to treat the skin, and the rubbing area will quickly disappear. The spray can be used for shoes made of any leather.

It often happens that the shoes are the right size, but they are a little tight and a person develops calluses. When you need to stretch your shoes a little, use sprays. However, when there is a need for serious intervention, for example, it is necessary to stretch boots several sizes, it is better to contact a specialist. After all, they have the necessary device for stretching boots.

When using the spray, adhere to the following safety precautions because it is a toxic liquid:

Do not give the spray to children or inhale its vapors;
Also, do not store the can in a warm place so that it does not heat up;
Do not spray the spray on the fire.

It’s easy to use a spray to stretch your boots:

inside the boots properly
Before doing this, do not forget to shake the can;
After spraying your shoes, put them on so that stretching occurs faster;
If it doesn't work the first time , repeat the procedure;
You can spray the spray in any position, however, it is not effective on artificial leather products. If the shoes are made of fake leather or have a fabric lining, stretching with a spray will not give the desired result.

However, do not overuse boot stretchers. After all, when the shoes are too loose, there will be little joy from this. It is not difficult to buy a spray for stretching shoes - it is sold in almost any shoe store. You can also buy the spray in the online store. There everyone can easily choose the appropriate option.

It is recommended to use sprays if shoes have dried out from long-term storage.

What materials is it suitable for?

There are specific features for stretching shoes made from different materials. So, increasing the size of boots made of genuine leather should be treated with extreme caution. In particular, for patent leather , it is advisable not to use a mechanical stretcher, since this material may not withstand intense load and will become cracked.

Velor and suede models , on the contrary, it is advisable to stretch them mechanically or even break them in using folk methods, since any chemical compositions, even very light and weak ones, leave marks that will not be easy to get rid of later.

Products made from synthetic materials are difficult to adjust, and the result is often unpredictable , since it is never 100% known from what raw materials a pair of shoes is made. The best option would be to purchase a chemical stretcher for leatherette shoes; mechanical stretchers can be used solely at your own peril and risk.

We pay special attention to the fact that suede, patent leather and fabric shoes should not be exposed to heat and cold.

The same methods for stretching boots work as for stretching shoes. However, if you are dealing with boots with fur, then for easy stretching it is best to take castor oil or shoe cream, and you can only lubricate the product from the outside. A good result is obtained by wearing boots on several pairs of wet socks at once - to do this, take woolen socks, moisten them with hot water, wring them out, and then put on your shoes and walk around the house for about half an hour.

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Of course, you won’t be able to break the shoes in at once, so all attempts should be repeated many times. After each manipulation, the shoes are stuffed with dry paper and dried away from heating devices.

It is impossible to stretch rubber boots, since this material cannot be expanded ; in any case, it will return to its original shape or tear. However, these days very often shoes that are sold as rubber are in practice made of polyvinyl chloride; this material can be slightly stretched.

In order to check what exactly the boots are made of, you can use a needle; to do this, they heat it up and pierce the boot in an inconspicuous place: if it starts to melt, it is PVC.

Manufacturers

Today on sale you can find universal stretchers from a variety of manufacturers that can be used for all types of shoes, with the exception of fur boots. Among them are:

Salamander;
Damavik;
Silver;
Salton;
Pregrada.

Some products, according to consumers, are considered the most effective.

Shoe Stretch. This spray is designed to stretch shoes. To carry out the treatment, you should spray the inner surface of the pair with the composition and pull it on with thick socks. You should walk like this for 35-40 minutes - you will notice the result immediately.

We draw special attention to the fact that when using the spray on shoes made of expensive materials, you need to be careful. Do not forget to protect your eyes from contact with the composition during processing.

Salton. The spray is suitable for stretching the material and softening it. Optimal for shoes made of a wide variety of materials. To achieve the effect, a pair of shoes should be sprayed every time before putting them on; as a rule, after 3-4 treatments it takes a shape that is comfortable for the foot. Try to avoid inhaling aerosol particles.

Kiwi. This composition is intended for stretching all types of shoes; the aerosol is sprayed only in the place where shoes, shoes or boots press. After this, you should wear the shoes for 30-40 minutes, and repeat the treatment if necessary. The spray has a pungent and rather unpleasant smell, so try to avoid inhaling its vapors.

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Security measures

Improper use of shoe stretchers often leads to the most unpleasant consequences for the life and health of the user. Thus, when inhaling spray vapors, swelling and irritation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract and eyes can occur. Do not apply foam and cream with bare hands; be sure to wear gloves. Correctly carry out the treatment outdoors or on the balcony.

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If you do not follow the rules for using the stretcher, you can not only not get the expected result, but also hopelessly ruin your shoes without any possibility of restoring them in the future. First of all, this applies to tapping with a hard object, such as a hammer. Of course, if we process army combat boots in a similar way, then perhaps only this method will be effective, but in the case of ordinary men's and women's shoes and boots, most likely the result of such stretching will be broken seams, dents on the surface and creases.

Prohibited methods also include stretching shoes until they tear; mechanical stretching should not be done by pushing hard objects into the shoes - such actions often result in deformation of the glued parts.