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Wondering how to stretch shoes? Or, if it’s even possible? You’re not alone. After all, there’s nothing worse than wearing a gorgeous pair of new shoes that is, sadly, way too tight. What’s a person to do?
“Let’s be real—the prettiest shoes often come with a little pain,” says stylist and fashion business strategist Nina Vargas. “If your toes are screaming from the moment you slip them on, the shoe’s probably too small or not the right fit for your foot.”
Luckily, there are a few ways to solve the age-old dilemma. Depending on the style and material of the shoe, you may be able to stretch them to allow for some wiggle room. Read on to find out how.
The importance of a proper shoe fit
Shoes that fit properly are essential—not just for comfort, but for your overall health and wellbeing. “Ill-fitting shoes can lead to pain, discomfort, and even injury,” says Dr. Liza Egbogah, a foot expert and shoe designer. “Many foot conditions like bunions, hammer toes, neuromas, and plantar fasciitis are caused by shoes that don’t fit well.”
When shoes don’t fit well, more than your feet suffer. “Your entire body weight is supported by your feet and ill-fitting shoes can lead to issues with your knees, hips, and back,” explains Gus Marshall, footwear agent and owner of The Marshall Fashion Group. “If your shoes are too large, your toes will instinctively curl to grip the shoes and prevent them from slipping off, which can cause joint problems in your toes. On the other hand, shoes that are too small can cause painful blisters, making them uncomfortable to wear.”
They can also kill your confidence and your wreck posture. Not to mention: They simply don’t look good. “Shoes that don’t fit well can have a distorted shape on your feet, which can negatively affect the way that you look,” says Egbogah.
How to tell if your shoes are too small?
If you feel any pain or squeezing when you put your shoes on, that’s an obvious first sign. “If you try on shoes and they feel uncomfortable, they’re too small,” Marshall agrees.
Essentially, your toes should not be cramped against the front or sides of the shoe, the ball of your foot should feel comfortable, and you should not experience any pinching or digging into your heel. “Don’t fool yourself—if you feel pain when you walk, it is most likely not going to ‘get better,’” Amy Acton, owner and founder of talent visual brand management Acton Style Group, says.
However, sometimes, it can be difficult to know. A shoe may feel okay when you initially put it on, but become uncomfortable hours later. Marshall says this is because our feet are constantly in motion: “Your feet have 33 joints that need a little room to flex and move naturally,” he says. “Depending on the activity you’re doing or the weather, your feet may swell.” All the more reason, then, to have some extra space.
Can you stretch any shoe?
If you find yourself in a too-small shoe situation and can’t imagine giving up the shoes, you might be able to stretch them slightly. As for styles, boots, flats, pumps, and some sneakers are usually stretch-able, while super-structured shoes like Wellington boots probably won’t budge. “Lace-up shoes or boots are ideal because the laces allow for adjustments, ensuring a better fit,” notes Marshall. “Slip-on shoes, while more convenient, need to fit perfectly from the start to avoid long-term issues.”
However, it’s important to note that if the shoe is too short from the get-go, you are probably out of luck. You may be able to eek out a teeny-tiny bit of extra length, but most of the time, it is much easier to stretch the width and the toe box depth. “This is why it’s important to ensure that the length fits properly initially,” Marshall says.
Which materials can be stretched?
“Most shoes can be coaxed into a better fit, but materials matter,” Vargas says. As for which materials work best, experts agree that leather has the most potential thanks to its natural suppleness. “Leather is the best material for pliability,” says Marshall. “It’s durable, breathable, and molds to the foot over time.”
In that vein, suede is also stretchable. “Suede, like leather, can also be stretched,” agrees Acton. However, she notes that it should be tended to with care: “It requires more delicate handling due to its soft and sensitive texture,” she says.
One exception to the leather rule? Patent leather, which usually gets its signature shine from a polyurethane or acrylic coating. “This coating seals the leather’s natural flexibility, making it very resistant to stretching,” Acton says.
Woven fabrics, like canvas, may offer some stretchability, but it really depends on the shoe style. “The results can vary based on the weave and stitching of the material,” Acton notes. “Textile uppers are breathable but often lack stretch,” Marshall adds.
As for other types of materials that are usually a no-go? Synthetics. “Synthetic footwear, while durable, doesn’t stretch and isn’t breathable,” says Marshall. “When buying synthetic or textile shoes, they should fit comfortably from the start, as they won’t stretch over time.”
How to stretch shoes
If you have a pair of leather boots or suede loafers that are a bit too tight—and you don’t have staff on-hand to wear them in for you, like Queen Elizabeth—stretching them may be as simple as wearing them a few times with a thick pair of socks. “If the shoes just need a little bit of stretch, you can dampen thick socks and wear them in your shoes for 30 minutes,” says Egbogah. “This will help the shoes to form to your feet for a better fit.” Below, a few more tricks you can employ at home to stretch shoes.
Use a shoe stretcher
These Medieval-looking tools—which are usually made out of foot-shaped wood or plastic—are a tried-and-true method for stretching leather and suede shoes. “A shoe stretcher can help create more space in specific areas of the shoe,” notes Marshall. “They are often used for issues like corns, bunions, or other joint problems.”
To use, first determine which parts of the shoe require stretching by trying them on. Is it a length issue or a width issue? A certain spot of the shoe? Then, if your shoes are leather, you can prepare them for stretching by applying some leather conditioner before compacting the length and width of the shoe stretcher to its smallest size. (This is important so that you can fit it inside the shoe.) Lastly, fully insert the stretcher and expand the nobs to the desired length and width and leave for up to eight hours. Just be careful not to over-stretch! It’s better to go slow and repeat the process as needed.
The broomstick method
If you don’t have a shoe stretcher, Marshall recommends using a broomstick. “Focus the end of a broomstick on the area of the shoe that needs stretching, and rub the leather over the broomstick,” he says. “This creates a small pocket in the specific area without altering the overall fit.”
Use heat
“If you just need a slight adjustment in the width around the toe box, heel, or the shoe feels a little stiff, put the shoe on and use a blow-dryer to warm the tight areas,” Acton says. “The heat will help make things a little more flexible. Leave the shoe on and walk around while it is still warm and until it is fully cooled.”
If you have a little more time, you can also try a less direct heat method. “Wear your shoes while driving or sitting in a car with the heater blowing warm air onto them,” Marshall advises. “The heat softens the leather, helping the shoes mold to your feet without the discomfort of breaking them in through regular wear.”
If all else fails? “Take them to a good cobbler,” Acton says. “They know what they are doing.”