06/18/2018 Category: Shoe care Author: Ksenia Kalugina
It often happens that after buying a pair of shoes you like, you put them on and feel discomfort. In such situations, all that remains is disappointment, and your favorite shoes go on the shelf. But instead, you can try various effective methods of stretching and breaking in shoes, which will help get rid of the problem in the shortest possible time.
- 2 Effective ways
2.1 Tools at hand2.1.1 Tools at hand - gallery
- 2.2.1 Special tools - gallery
Can any shoes be stretched?
Sometimes stretching shoes is not so easy, especially if we are talking about artificial material. The easiest way to break in shoes or boots is made of suede. This material is highly stretchable. The situation is most difficult with leatherette, since it can be damaged in the process. This material is most often subject to deformation and rupture. It is easier to stretch natural leather. Although it may get damaged in the process, if you approach the procedure with the utmost care, this is unlikely to happen.
Leatherette shoes have the worst stretch
What materials can be carried and stretched without harming the shoes:
- nubuck;
- textile;
- skin;
- suede.
A special workshop will help you stretch shoes made of expensive material in a high-quality and professional manner. They use equipment that can slowly and without harm increase your favorite shoes or boots by one size.
Shoe stretcher spray: how to use
Sometimes you get the wrong size when buying shoes. There are errors in calculations when purchasing online. Or a couple that fit well in the store turned out to be a bit cramped at home. Fortunately, the problem is solvable! And you will need a stretcher for it. Special sprays are sold in shoe stores and cosmetics and household chemicals boutiques.
It is easier to avoid mistakes when trying on shoes or boots by going for them in the afternoon. By this time, the legs will have time to swell, and the size will reach the “true” size.
Effective ways
To stretch your favorite pair, you can use the means at hand, as well as special compounds that are sold in online markets and stores. Which method will be most effective depends on the material. It is important to choose the right product so as not to spoil your shoes or cause cracks and other defects.
Available means
Effective and simple means:
- castor oil - Vaseline also copes well with the task. One remedy can be replaced by another. Shoes must be treated with the selected composition both outside and inside. Castor oil should be applied in a thin layer. Then put the shoes on your bare feet and walk for 15–20 minutes;
- alcohol - you need to soak a cotton pad or bandage with it and carefully treat your favorite pair inside and out. Then put on a thin sock and shoes. Walk around in them until they are completely dry;
- boiling water - your favorite pair of shoes or boots should be thoroughly doused with hot water. Boiling water should get inside. Then you need to drain the water, wait a couple of minutes until the shoes cool slightly, and put them on. Walk for 15–30 minutes;
- steam - you need to boil water in a saucepan and, taking the problematic shoe, hold it over the container. The steam should heat the entire surface evenly. After this, you need to put your shoes on and walk around in them for a quarter of an hour;
- laundry soap - will help stretch the problem area in the shoes. To do this, you need to grind the soap and pour boiling water over it. The result should be a paste. Apply the composition to the problem area (where it hurts the most) and leave for 4 hours. Then remove the paste with a damp cloth and put the shoes on the sock. Wear until dry. Can be repeated if necessary;
- ice - can only be used to stretch shoes made of high-quality material. In boots, shoes or short boots, you need to place plastic bags filled with water at room temperature. They need to be tied properly. It is important that the bags completely fill the space in the shoes. In the cold season, you can simply put your shoes on the balcony, and in the summer in the freezer. When the water begins to harden, it will expand and stretch the boots. After 4 hours, you can take out the shoes and carefully remove the bags;
- vinegar - you will need a 3% solution. They need to treat the inside of the shoes, boots or shoes and leave them overnight. Try on shoes in the morning. If you still feel discomfort, repeat the next evening;
- paraffin - for these purposes you can use a regular candle. She needs to rub the area where it hurts the most and leave it overnight. In the morning, remove paraffin with a rag or sponge. It is advisable to repeat the procedure three times in a row;
- newspapers - will help to slightly stretch the material. First you need to wet the tight pair. Then crumple the newspapers and stuff the shoes so that all the lumps fit snugly against each other. Check the result after 2 hours. If the shoes are still wet, the newspaper needs to be replaced. After the inner and outer surfaces have dried, the shoes or boots can be tried on. If the result is not satisfactory, it is recommended to repeat the procedure;
- tights - if your favorite pair doesn’t press so hard, then you can simply wear them for several days (an hour at a time), putting them on tights. This method is suitable for shoes. For faster results, you must first heat the inner surface of the product with hot air using a hairdryer;
- thick socks are the most common and easiest way. It is necessary to wear thick or just woolen socks. Then try on shoes. If the pressure is too strong, it is recommended to walk in the selected pair for no more than 10 minutes. Then give your legs a rest and repeat the procedure.
The most effective, safest and most versatile way to stretch shoes is to break them in with thick socks. The result the first time may be unsatisfactory, but after 2-3 procedures your favorite pair will sit comfortably on your leg.
The author of these lines uses a hair dryer to stretch his shoes. First, I lightly moisten the pair with warm water and put it on my feet. Then I turn on the most powerful mode and dry the shoes. After this, the shoes become much more comfortable, of course, if we are not talking about patent leather products. This method may cause the coating to peel off. By the way, the author of these lines was faced with an unfortunate situation. One pair, after such a procedure, began to peel off from the inner surface. As it turned out, the material was of poor quality, and moisture became a provoking factor. Use this method with caution.
Tools at hand - gallery
Castor oil helps stretch shoes
Vaseline can replace castor oil
Boiling water and steam allow you to stretch your shoes to half a size
It is important to pre-grind laundry soap
Ice should be used with caution
Vinegar 3% cannot be replaced with 9%
Paraffin can be purchased at a hardware store
Newspapers must be crumpled up thoroughly
Tights should be tight
Warm socks will help make your shoes looser
Special means
Effective professional products:
- Shoe Stretch is a spray for breaking in shoes and boots. You need to spray the inside of the shoes and put a pair on thick socks. Walk like this for half an hour and the result is obvious. Caution should be exercised when using on shoes made of expensive materials. It is recommended to protect your eyes from contact with the spray during the procedure.
- Salton is a spray for softening and stretching the material. Suitable for different types of products. You should spray your favorite pair every time before putting them on. After 3-4 times the material will lie on your leg. Avoid inhalation of aerosol vapors.
- Kiwi is a composition for stretching all types of shoes. The aerosol should be sprayed only where shoes, boots or boots are too tight. Then wear for half an hour and repeat the procedure if necessary. The composition of the aerosol has an unpleasant and pungent odor, so during processing it is important not to inhale its vapors.
Professional products should be used only in accordance with the instructions. Otherwise, the material may be damaged.
A friend of the author of these lines purchased shoes that, as it turned out, were too small for her. It was impossible to understand this right away, since she ordered them through an online market. She thought she could stretch the shoes with a spray designed for that purpose. Material: leather substitute. As a result, nothing came of it. The spray couldn't do its job. I recommend not trying to stretch any shoes a size or more. Even professional compounds are unable to do this, and are intended solely for breaking in.
Special means - gallery
Shoe Stretch spray for stretching shoes
Salton lets you break in narrow shoes faster
Kiwi - an aerosol designed for stretching different types of shoes
Additional methods
Another method of stretching shoes is to use a terry towel, which needs to be wet and wrung out. Then wrap your shoes or boots in it and put it in a bag, leaving it for 6-8 hours. After this, put on the shoes and wear them until they dry. This method allows you to only slightly stretch your shoes or boots.
A terry towel will help make your shoes looser
You can also use regular deodorant. It should be sprayed in a place where it especially stings. Then put the shoes on your toes and walk like this for about 40 minutes. If the result is not satisfactory, then it is recommended to repeat everything several times.
Deodorant should be applied in a place where the leg is very tight.
After stretching your favorite pair, it is important to treat the material with a special care product.
If you wish, you can purchase a professional shoe stretcher in a specialized store, which is an artificial foot dummy made of wood, plastic or metal. This product has a regulator, thanks to which you can perform the manipulation carefully and gradually.
Shoe stretcher is made of metal, plastic or wood
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.
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.
Risks of stretching shoes
At home, shoes and boots can be stretched, but no more than 1/2 size, in extreme cases by 1 size. If you try to increase a shoe model by several sizes, they can burst at the seams, the soles can come off, and poorly made leather can become even rougher after steaming. Expensive leather products are taken to workshops, where they are adjusted to the desired size by putting them on lasts. There are universal stretchers suitable for all types of shoes, except boots with fur. Among them are:
- "Stroke Comfort";
- "Olvist 2095ES";
- "Salamander Shoe Stretch";
- "Damavik Shoe Stretch Spray";
- "Silver"
- "Salton Professional Complex Comfort";
- "Pregrada".
Attention!
Such chemical stretchers are suitable for adjusting leather, nubuck, and suede products to fit a person’s foot without excessive stretching. They come in the form of foams, sprays and aerosols. The cost ranges from 100 to 300 rubles. Use according to the instructions on the package.
Features of stretching depending on the material - table
| Material name | Which method is better to use? | What drugs can harm |
| Genuine Leather |
| Oil-based products: castor oil, Vaseline, etc. |
| Polished leather |
|
|
| Leatherette |
| Ice and boiling water. |
| Nubuck |
| Castor oil and Vaseline. |
| Suede |
| Castor oil and Vaseline. |
| Textile |
| Castor oil with caution. |
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.
Tips and tricks
Some useful tricks and recommendations:
- If old shoes begin to pinch, then most likely the material from which they are made is of poor quality. To stretch your favorite pair, you can use the freezing method or hold the shoes over steam and then wear them wearing thick tights.
- To effectively break in shoes, it is recommended to wear socks of different thicknesses. First thin, then a little thicker and the densest there is. This way, your favorite pair will not be harmed, but will stretch slowly and safely for the material.
- To prevent shoes from stinging, you need to store them correctly. Under no circumstances should you put a wet pair of shoes or boots into the box. Before doing this, you need to wait until the shoes are thoroughly dry.
Leather shoes are easy to wear
In order for your favorite pair to last as long as possible, you need to use professional care products. It is not recommended to get shoes or boots too wet when washing. The surface can only be wiped with a damp cloth.
Home Remedies
Among the home remedies for increasing shoe size are:
- Castor oil. The inside of shoes or boots is soaked in oil. The product is put on your feet and you walk around without taking it off for a long time. The oil softens hard spots that rub your toes and heels, and the shoes take on the contours of your feet. But a different kind of problem arises - cleaning the inner surface from greasy stains.
- Vodka or diluted alcohol. The inside of the shoes is moistened with diluted alcohol or vodka, put on simple socks and do not take them off until the shoes are completely dry.
- Cologne. Alcohol or vodka can be replaced with cologne, but the smell, which will accompany you everywhere for a long time, makes this method not very popular.
- Wool socks. Woolen socks are soaked in warm water, wrung out, put on your feet, pull on a tight garment and wait for the socks to dry completely.
- Paraffin. They rub the inside of their shoes with paraffin and, with their socks on, walk around the apartment.
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.
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.
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.
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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).
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.
Second stretching method
If you are not ready to withstand this, another method will come to the rescue. A block is inserted into the spray-treated product . The screw sets the desired width. Sometimes the pads are equipped with holes in “problem” areas, like protruding bones. Overlays are inserted into them, and the shape is adjusted to suit the individual characteristics of the foot.
The pads are also good for high-quality seasonal shoe storage. By inserting them inside your favorite shoes or boots, you can avoid creases and dents.
Having dealt with the problem of tightness, it is finally worth treating the shoe material with a suitable care product - cream or conditioner. Stretched skin becomes more vulnerable .
Store-bought products for effective shoe stretching
If none of the methods work, store-bought chemicals will come to the rescue. Foams, sprays, aerosols are used as indicated in the instructions.
Here are the best according to Domovushkin:
- Tamaris . The spray is intended for smooth and patent leather, suede, nubuck.
- Tarrago is a colorless stretcher for leather sneakers. Equipped with a dispenser.
- "Dividik" . A special focus head allows you to economically apply the product to any product, making it soft and pliable.
- Salton . Airy foam for any natural materials. Quickly copes with the task. Minus – small volume (100 ml).
- "Hatch". One of the few products that is suitable for textiles and patent leather.
- Silver _ Stretch foam is intended for suede and textiles. Corrects the shape and makes the shoes comfortable.
- Salamander Shoe Stretch . Spray for stretch marks. Designed for all types of leather shoes. It does the job in 30 minutes and has a pleasant smell. Volume – 75 ml.
When using, take precautions: do not spray near open flames and do not inhale fumes. Carry out the procedure outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
Shoe stretcher. My usage experience!
Good day to all! Today I will tell you how to turn uncomfortable shoes into comfortable ones at a relatively low cost, safely and without the risk of damaging your shoes irrevocably!
Once again I scold myself for buying shoes on the Internet! Well, you can’t buy shoes without trying them on! But the fact remains, no matter how much you feed the wolf, it still looks into the forest! It's so fast and convenient. But all the problems start later, that’s for sure!
Again, I bought beautiful, cute boots at a crazy discount, which are too tight for me, where I can and where I can’t, although the insole is my size. By the way, leatherette. Not leather, but still)
After reading smart advice on the Internet, I fearlessly pulled on three knitted socks and slipped my feet into my boots. This may have helped a little, but this “little” was not enough for me to wear comfortably.
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I could have tried a bunch of popular advice, but I found another solution!
A shoe stretcher, which is suitable not only for leather and suede, but also for leatherette, was called upon to help my grief.
How does it work?
- Quickly eliminates tight spots in tight shoes
- Stretches and fixes skin fibers in the desired position without changing the structure
- Softens all types of skin
This aerosol should be sprayed at a distance of 10 cm from the inside and outside onto shoes in tight places. Put the shoes on your feet and wait until dry. This procedure can be repeated.
So, it sprays this aerosol with foam. It's sticky, like hair foam. A relatively small “zilch” immediately turns into foam. It “melts” quickly and, apparently, begins to work in its melted form.
This foam does not have a strong odor, so the process of “improving” shoes will not bring unpleasant surprises to your sense of smell.
The foam has no color, so it is suitable for use on shoes of any color. Very comfortably.
In general, the effect is undeniable. The stretcher really works and, I think, can solve most problems with uncomfortable shoes.
I can confidently recommend this aerosol for shoes and similar shoes. Don’t expect, of course, that size 36 will become 40, but problems with chafing and width can be easily solved. For everything else there is a mechanical stretcher and a notice board)
If you are as often confused as I am with shoes, then you can safely buy them!
I give this stretcher five stars and recommend it! All the best and happy shopping!
What to do with textile shoes?
The easiest way is to wet it with a water solution of table vinegar, and then wear it until it dries. Another option is to wear wet socks. Most tissues will stretch by 0.5 cm. It is unlikely that more significant results will be achieved.
Vodka or alcohol solution
Soak your shoes, put them on your knee socks and leave them on your feet for 1.5-2 hours. Then remove. Ventilate to get rid of the smell. Another way is to wipe with a soapy cloth.
Rice cereal
The method is suitable for sports, summer (ballet flats, slip-ons) and dance shoes made of velor.
Procedure:
- Soak the grains for 30-40 minutes.
- Drain the water.
- Place them inside the shoes, after removing the insoles.
- Fill to the top to ensure even stretching.
- Leave it overnight.
- In the morning, remove the filler.
- Wipe dry from inside.
- Dry it a little and try it on.
This way you can spread out open shoes – sliders and abracas. Just to do this, you need to place the grain in a plastic bag and tie it tightly so that it does not spill out.
Useful tips from a shoemaker friend
I have a friend who is a shoemaker. He says demand for shoe stretching has increased recently. This is due to the growth of online shopping. They take place without fitting and are associated with risk. But there is a way out, even several.
To avoid having to stretch out tight or narrow shoes, follow these rules:
- Don't wear new shoes all day. Try it out at home first, or test it by walking a short distance.
- If you feel that your shoes are starting to rub, cover the problem area with a band-aid or place a piece of cotton wool (a cotton pad, a folded paper napkin). Sometimes a handkerchief placed under the heel helps a lot with bloody wounds.
- When choosing, listen to your feelings. The toes should not rest on the toe, and the heel should not fit too tightly to the heel.
- Do not expose thin skin to extreme effects such as boiling water or freezing.
- Don't rush to experiment. Often the shoes themselves stretch to the desired size; you just need to walk in them a couple of times to the nearest store.
- Plan your stretching ahead of time. The process is not fast.
- Go shopping in the afternoon. The legs usually swell a little during the day. In the morning the shoes fit normally, but in the evening they start to feel tight.
- Choose a new pair meticulously, take your time. Consider not only the size of your foot, but also the thickness of the sole, insole, and number of stitches.
How to make the backdrop softer: knead it with your hands or lightly beat it with a hammer, after placing something hard (for example, a rolling pin or a piece of clapboard).
How to stretch shoes at home depends on what they are made of. In order not to confuse anything, I have prepared a convenient cheat sheet.
| Material | How to stretch at home |
| Leather | Oil, wet socks, boiling water, freezing |
| Suede and nubuck | Soaked cereal, damp newspaper |
| Leatherette | Hairdryer, paper, laundry soap |
| Textile | Vodka, warm air |
How to use a shoe stretcher correctly: secrets and methods
A new pair of shoes rarely fits your feet perfectly. If your long-awaited new thing is pinching and rubbing, it’s not a problem, find out how to use a shoe stretcher correctly, and in a couple of days you will forget about the problem.
Shoe stretcher is a special gel or foam in a convenient bottle. Before you buy it, keep in mind that not all shoes can be adjusted using this product. High-quality leather shoes, eco-leather or suede can be expanded with proper use of the product without compromising quality.
Sometimes the stretcher can affect the color or make it washed out, leading to streaks and spots.
Therefore, if you do not want to get Dalmatian shoes, test the product on an inconspicuous area, such as the inside of the tongue, before using it. Shoe stretchers made from medium quality leather substitute are contraindicated. If the leatherette is too soft, after stretching it can literally crawl apart in your hands.
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