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.
What is shoe stretching?
Many people often face the problem that the shoes they like are too tight, but they don’t want to say goodbye to their favorite pair. Stretching products are designed specifically to eliminate such discomfort. There are various stretching methods, which depend on the type of impact on the material. They can be mechanical or chemical.
Previously, folk remedies were used for these purposes, which could harm the material. Now you can buy a regular stretching spray, which is sold in a specialty store. This makes it possible to stretch the shoe several sizes using a gentle approach.
What options are possible?
A variety of methods are used to stretch shoes at home. The most popular of them:
- Processing using high concentration alcohol liquids. You can also use regular cologne. Typically, a large amount of liquid is applied to the inside of a pair of shoes. After this, you need to put the product on your feet in several pairs of socks. You need to wear it until the liquid dries completely. If necessary, the procedure is repeated. This method will allow the shoes to widen as much as possible.
- Castor oil or Vaseline are effective stretching agents. The substance must be generously lubricated inside the shoes. After this, you need to wear the pair for several hours. Remove the mixture with water and dry the product thoroughly.
- You can use boiling water. It is suitable exclusively for shoes made of genuine leather. The product is filled with liquid and then put on thin socks.
- Vinegar is used to stretch individual areas.
- To stretch your shoes, you can put wet newspapers inside. Wait for them to dry completely and check the result.
All means for stretching shoes made of genuine leather can be divided into several types: mechanical and chemical. Complex or single use is possible depending on the case.
Use special products only according to the instructions. If you do not follow the technology, you can cause damage to your shoes. Depending on the type of substance, it is applied to the internal or external surface. After this, you will need to wear the shoes for several hours intermittently.
Specialized shoe stretchers are characterized by the following advantages:
- you can easily choose an option designed for the desired material;
- no visible damage or external defects remain;
- Gently affects the skin without causing cracks or other damage.
Mechanical products are sold in specialized stores. Such devices are usually made of wood, metal or durable plastic. The main advantages of mechanical methods are:
- to enhance the effect of chemicals, mechanical devices will be an ideal option;
- some products are made with special holes, which allows you to adjust the shoes to the characteristics of a person’s foot;
- A shoe stretcher will help preserve the product in the off-season.
It is recommended to use several methods at once in combination, which will help quickly bring the shoes to normal condition.
How to stretch faux leather shoes
Eco-leather, like any artificial material, is practically not stretchable. For example, patent eco-leather does not stretch at all, and artificial suede tears or becomes lumpy. With other materials there is no guarantee, but you can try.
- Determine the tightest areas of the shoe.
- Heat them with a hairdryer or over an electric stove. Heated areas should be very warm, but not hot.
- Put on your shoes and walk around until they cool down.
- Repeat heating and spreading as necessary.
It makes no sense to wear eco-leather shoes in wet socks, freeze them in the freezer, or even stretch them in lasts. A layer of polyurethane applied to a cotton or polyester base reacts only to heat. Therefore, if the warming-up and breaking-in cycle did not help, don’t waste time and don’t torture your feet - buy a new pair. To size.
Mechanical method for stretching shoes
Mechanical devices are offered in specialized markets. It looks like a last, the size of which must be adjusted to the shoe using an adjuster. Made from plastic, wood or metal, which guarantees the required level of strength. There are also special holes that allow you to adjust the shoes to your feet.
Women's shoes
Shoe stretchers are manufactured that are intended for both women's and men's shoes. The most popular product is from the manufacturer Avel. It is characterized by the following features:
- makes it possible to stretch the product to the width of the foot;
- simple control and adjustment of the required values;
- high quality workmanship;
- there are inserts in particularly difficult areas - for example, in the little finger area;
- used as an independent remedy or in combination with others.
The Nico model is also used for stretching:
- made of metal, which provides the required level of structural rigidity;
- allows you to adjust the size taking into account the structural features of each person’s foot;
- The set includes several additional inserts that allow you to expand the shoes by several sizes.
The plastic model ES is one of the affordable and convenient means for stretching shoes:
- Suitable for all sizes of women's feet;
- allows you to stretch both in length and width;
- It is highly resistant because it is made of aluminum.
Features of stretching boots
For boots you need to use special stretchers. These shoes require special attention. The optimal models will be presented below.
One of the popular options for stretching shoes at home is Avel:
- most often used for men's shoe models;
- made of high-quality metal, which ensures high strength;
- There are inserts that allow you to adjust the size of the product in accordance with the anatomical shape of the human leg.
Another option is SL, which is characterized by the following features:
- stretches boots wide;
- does not deform the product;
- adjusts boots to the shape of the foot;
- intended for both men and women.
Men's footwear
Men also face the problem of uncomfortable shoes. You should pay attention to the Collonil Classic shoe stretcher. It is characterized by the following features:
- allows you to increase your shoes by several sizes;
- maintains the shape of the leg;
- There are special regulators for measuring parameters.
There is another model – Nico, which has the following advantages:
- there are several different attachments that help you choose different modes;
- allows you to adjust the shape depending on the characteristics of the foot;
- characterized by reliability and durability.
What is a shoe stretcher
A stretcher means a special product produced in the form of:
- gel;
- foam;
- spray.
It is not possible to adjust the size using a chemical preparation for every pair of shoes!
What kind of shoes is the spray suitable for?
You can try to adjust the size of products made from genuine leather, suede or eco-leather . Leatherette of medium and low quality will be hopelessly damaged from such experiments.
By the way, “folk remedies” like pouring vodka or boiling water into shoes will not help either. Or stuffing it with newspapers and putting it in the refrigerator with bubbles of water.
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How does the spray work?
The miraculous properties of the stretcher are due to its composition. It contains special substances: alcohols and propellants . They soften the material and, using microbubbles, penetrate deep into its structure.
Once soft and flexible, the leather molds to the foot, stretching into tight spaces while still maintaining its softness. Thanks to the fragrance, the product also has a deodorizing effect.
However, the limitations of the stretcher's capabilities are obvious: its main task is to increase the width of the space . In length, the maximum of its capabilities is limited to half the size.
There is also a danger of ruining the appearance of shoes or boots! The color may change or become blurry and mottled. Light skin is especially vulnerable.
All products need testing, and stretch foam is no exception. An inconspicuous area (the inner side of the tongue, the edge near the sole) is suitable for the experiment.
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Spray use
Many people often use sprays, as it is a more convenient means of stretching shoes. They are sold in specialized stores and are inexpensive. One popular option is Pregrada. Characterized by the following features:
- used for suede and genuine leather;
- suitable for artificial fabrics;
- makes materials more elastic and flexible compared to other products;
- acts on places in the area of the socks, which allows you to get rid of the pressing sensation in the fingers;
- It is cheap and economical.
Many users o. It is characterized by universal properties that allow you to stretch different shoes:
- intended for uncomfortable shoe models;
- suitable for different types of materials;
- does not leave any streaks or other marks.
Rubber shoe stretching
Real rubber cannot be expanded. It can be stretched, but it will return to its original shape or tear. Currently, products called rubber are made of polyvinyl chloride, and they can be slightly increased in size. You can check what material the boot is made of using a hot needle. The needle is heated on gas and the boot is pierced in an inconspicuous place. If the material melts, then it is PVC.
Foam Application
You can use foam to stretch your shoes. Such funds are spent less and are economical. Among the popular products are Silver:
- copes with bottlenecks in a short time;
- differs in efficiency;
- suitable for any materials;
- does not leave streaks on the surface.
Among the inexpensive means for stretching shoes are Twist Casual:
- restores the natural structure of shoes;
- has a gentle effect on the surface;
- helps reduce pressure in the toe area;
- the product becomes more elastic.
How to purchase the right shoe stretcher?
The problem with uncomfortable shoes can arise at any time, so the remedy should always be at hand. You must decide for yourself what is more convenient to use. Mechanical and chemical stretching are characterized by their advantages and disadvantages. Follow these tips when choosing the right product:
- It is almost impossible to stretch shoes in length. Any means is aimed at expanding the product. You will not be able to stretch leather shoes at home if the pair is too small for you.
- Expensive models are better classified as masters. At home, it is not recommended to use too rough methods, as you can damage high-quality shoes.
- You should first try the product on a small area to see if it leaves streaks.
- To prevent shoes from cracking, after stretching they must be treated with cream.
How to use a shoe stretcher correctly?
Any product is accompanied by instructions, and the success of the business depends on the compliance of the actions with its main points.
The procedure looks like this:
- Shake the can and spray the product onto problem areas. Both external and internal surfaces are processed.
- We wait a couple of minutes until the foam settles and is slightly absorbed.
- Let's begin the stretching procedure.
There are two possible ways: wear it directly on the foot or using special pads (wooden, plastic or aluminum).
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First way to stretch
The good thing is that the shoes will fit exactly to your feet. However, you will have to spend half an hour in discomfort. Having put on your shoes (preferably with as thick a sock as possible), you need to walk until you feel that the shoes become looser.
