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Unfortunately, it often happens that when we come home with a new pair of shoes, we discover, to our great chagrin, that they are tight and almost impossible to wear without feeling discomfort. This can also happen if the pair was purchased online, since the indicated size is not always true. It also happens that shoes have been lying in the closet for several years without use, and when they are finally remembered, they have become too small or too hard. There is also a situation when after childbirth and maternity leave favorite shoes with elegant stiletto heels just don’t want to fit on the already less graceful legs of their owner. Even in such a situation, do not despair! There are many effective ways to increase and stretch.

It is unlikely that you will be able to stretch your shoes by more than one size. The success of the operation depends on the materials from which it is made. Genuine leather and suede are the most pliable, which cannot be said about substitutes or rubber. Skin type also matters. After an unsuccessful attempt to increase the size, patent leather may crack or lose its shine. Leatherette may also not behave in the best way. Not only cracks, but also stains may appear on it.

Alas, not all methods are safe for shoes. After all sorts of attempts to stretch it in width or length, the sole may come off, the seams may come apart, and the wardrobe item itself may become deformed, after which its appearance will be completely ruined. Do not forget that natural suede or velor are more delicate than smooth skin, they must be stretched very carefully and carefully, using only proven methods!

You can even increase textile shoes by one or half a size, and for this you don’t have to wear them out for weeks, walking around the apartment in thick terry socks.

In most cases, even perfectly sized shoes need stretching. The fact is that the new one needs to “get used to” the shape of your feet, accept their shape. Most often it pinches in the bone area thumb, little finger or back. The material can be stretched both in width and length. It is possible to soften a back that is too hard and correct the rise. Of course, this will require effort, knowledge and a little time.

You can also contact a specialist for help. A qualified shoemaker knows exactly how and what shoes to stretch without causing damage.

Stretching at home

Unfortunately, in most cases it will not be possible to stretch your shoes in 1-2 hours. They stretch it with alcohol, boiling water, wet newspapers, castor oil and even small grains such as barley, oatmeal or wheat. Shoes, sandals and other types are frozen, heated, worn wet with thick socks, or walked in the rain in warm weather.

Attention! Do not use greasy cream, Vaseline, castor or vegetable oil when stretching or breaking in suede or velor shoes. Fat can leave permanent stains on the skin!

Naturally, everyone wants to know about the miracle method that will help you make tight boots bigger overnight and require virtually no effort. We hasten to please you: there is such a way. You will need regular plastic bags, one large bag (to wrap your shoes), water and some free space in the freezer.

How to make shoes more comfortable using the freezer or how to increase size overnight

The essence of this method is that when water freezes, it increases in volume, stretching the shoes in all directions.

This is probably the fastest and most painless method that suits most species and does not harm their owners. The only exception would be patent leather, since the varnish may crack or lose its shine. It is also better not to use this method for sports shoes with white rubber soles - they may turn yellow.

The bag should be placed inside the shoe and spread well over the entire inner surface with your hand. The final result will depend on this!

The bag should not be too small; its edges should protrude freely.

After we put the bags into the shoes, we need to pour water into them.

After this, we tie the bags with a tight knot. Water should not spill out.

After the manipulations are completed, the shoes are wrapped in a bag and placed in the freezer overnight.

The next day, they take it out and let it “thaw” a little, since the water naturally turned into ice.

There is no need to wait for the ice to completely transform into water; it must melt a little so that it would be possible to get an ice “cast”.

After the bags have been taken out, the shoes need to be tried on. If you are satisfied with the result, feel free to wear it. If the shoes still feel a little tight, repeat the procedure.

In this way you can stretch shoes for children. Unfortunately, a child’s feet grow faster than their parents’ salaries, so it is advisable to try stretching shoes that have become a little too small. This method does not require effort, is painless and will not cause discomfort to your child.

Video: how to stretch children's shoes using water bags

For convenience, you can also use zip bags. Thanks to the convenient clasp and high strength, the bag will not tear and water will not spill out. Water can be immediately poured into the bag and then inserted into the shoes. But this method may be less effective, since in this case the liquid will not completely take shape. In addition, such bags have a clear rectangular shape.

In a similar way you can use plastic bottle from mineral water, volume 0.5 l. We do the same thing: pour water into a bottle, put it in a shoe and put it in the freezer. This method, of course, cannot be called good, since the shoes can take the shape of a bottle and stretch in height.

In the freezer you can stretch natural leather and suede, textiles and combined materials. This method should be used with caution when using shoes made from artificial materials, like leatherette and dermantine. At low temperatures they may crack.

Other ways to increase shoe size depending on materials

Each material behaves differently when interacting with different substances and temperatures. What is acceptable for genuine leather, is not always acceptable for leatherette. Products that do not harm suede can be harmful to patent leather. When stretching shoes or boots, you need to be sure that the chosen method and product will not spoil their appearance. The use of alcohol, including vodka and cologne, is not advisable when stretching shoes made of leatherette or varnish - stains may remain and the color may fade. The “freezing” method described above should be used with caution for shoes made of leatherette, dermantine or patent leather, both artificial and natural.

After any manipulations with increasing shoe size, be sure to apply a caring cream!

How to stretch shoes made of genuine leather and suede using medical alcohol

To do this, you need to thoroughly moisten the inside of your shoes with alcohol, then put them on a thick sock and walk around the apartment for several hours. If the shoes are too tight and cause pain, then it is better to carry out this procedure for 5–10 minutes several times a day. You will have to stretch in this way until you achieve desired result. After the procedure is completed, the shoes should be completely dry and weathered. Of course, this method cannot be called painless, but you can be sure: the shoes will not only increase in size, but will also become sterile.

How to stretch shoes using newspapers (leather, suede, leatherette, patent leather)

A method known to our grandmothers. Shoes should be tightly stuffed with wet, crumpled newspapers, squeezing them thoroughly. The newspapers will mold to the shape of your shoe and stretch it evenly as it dries. Shoes should dry naturally, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. This must be done carefully so as not to deform the shoes or boots. When exposed to moisture, the leather will become softer and more flexible to stretch, so if you “stuff” your shoes too tightly, the appearance may deteriorate and the sole may become detached from the base.

How to stretch shoes using boiling water (natural and artificial leather)

Another “grandmother’s” method. It consists of pouring boiling water directly into the shoes and pouring it out after a few seconds. This should be done in the bathroom, washbasin, or in a large bowl. After the shoes have cooled down a little, put them on a thick sock and, after walking like this for half an hour, take them off. After the procedure, the shoes should be completely dry. Under the influence of hot water, the skin becomes soft and elastic, so it more easily takes the shape of the leg and increases in size. This method can be applied to shoes with artificial leather, which is more susceptible to high temperatures.

This method has a number of disadvantages. Firstly, it is not advisable to get your shoes wet. If you are afraid of spoiling it, insert the bag and pour boiling water directly there. Secondly, under the influence of very hot water the insole can become deformed. If it is removed, it is better to remove it first. Thirdly: there is a risk of scalding your hands, so this manipulation must be performed extremely carefully!

How to stretch shoes using grain (leather and suede)

Any finely ground cereal, such as barley, oatmeal or wheat, will do. The cereal is poured into shoes, a little water is poured in and left overnight. During this time, the cereal will absorb moisture and swell. The shoe size should increase slightly due to the increased volume of contents. After the cereal has been poured out, the shoes should dry naturally.

It is difficult to call this method good. Firstly, it’s hard to get rid of the obsessive thought that someone in the world is starving, and I’m just transferring food like that. Secondly, it is not very easy to get wet cereals. You will have to wash the contents with water, the shoes will get wet again, and excessive moisturizing, as you know, will not bring much benefit.

We break in tight leatherette shoes with a hairdryer

More suitable for shoes made of artificial materials. This method involves putting shoes or boots on the toe and heating them with a hairdryer. Then you need to walk around in the shoes until they cool completely so that they take the shape of your feet. Leatherette, like any other synthetic material, has the property of melting, so under the influence of hot air it becomes softer, more elastic and easier to stretch.

In order to enhance the effect of the hair dryer, wear wet socks. You can also apply a special shoe stretcher to the inside of your shoes and then walk around in them for at least half an hour.

How to stretch textile shoes

It is quite difficult to stretch shoes made of textile materials. Unlike leather, suede and leatherette, the fabric is not afraid of moisture and getting wet. You can try the “freezing” method or wet the shoes well, put them on a sock and walk until they dry completely. If the fibers in the threads are quite elastic, then it is quite possible to stretch your moccasins half a size. If the shoes are made of natural textiles, the shoes can be moistened on the inside with vinegar. You should not leave your shoes to dry out after trying to stretch them, especially in the sun. It is better for it to dry on your foot, taking its shape. To speed up this procedure, you can use a hairdryer.

How to stretch rubber boots

We figured out how to stretch shoes made of natural and artificial leather. But what to do if you find yourself cramped rubber boots? It is worth noting here that only shoes made of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC for short, can be stretched. This synthetic material, unlike rubber, has plastic properties.

Your actions are as follows:

Prepare a basin with cold water and boil water in a kettle separately

Pour boiling water into each boot and wait about half an hour

Pour out the water and let the boots cool slightly for a few minutes

Put on a warm sock, or better yet two, and put on your boots

Stand with both feet in a basin of water

While the boots are cooling, actively move your toes and shift from foot to foot, stretching the shoes

Under the influence of boiling water, the polyvinyl chloride will become more plastic, and cold water will help it “harden” again. You can first walk around in your boots, and then take them off and put them in a basin. A thick sock performs two functions at once: it prevents your feet from burning when you put on boots, and it increases the thickness of your feet, thereby helping the PVC stretch.

In a similar way, you can stretch almost any PVC shoes, be it rubber ballet flats or beach flip-flops.

How to make it more comfortable using soap and paraffin (leather, suede, leatherette, patent leather)

You need to rub the inside of the shoes with soap or paraffin, and then wear them in until the desired result is achieved. You can use a regular paraffin candle. The fact is that in this way the inner surface of the shoe becomes “sliding”, making it easier to put on and break in. Suitable for shoes made of suede, patent leather and artificial leather.

How to stretch lacquered

Increasing the size of such shoes is the most difficult, since it is difficult to predict how the varnish will behave. The thickness of the skin and its origin play a big role. Natural thin leather is easier to stretch than hard leatherette.

Patent leather shoes can be stretched only in width, as well as in the heel area, without serious consequences.

The shoes can be held over the spout of a kettle of boiling water for several minutes. This way the steam will get right inside, heating and softening the skin. This must be done carefully to avoid burns! Then the shoes are put on a thick sock and “walked” around the apartment until they cool completely. Boiling water has a similar effect.

Also, the shoes are lubricated with cream from the inside, put on the sock and heated with a hairdryer.

If you are not afraid to take risks, you can try the “freezing” method. In this case, it is better to use two small bags for each shoe. One will be tied, it is placed closer to the sock. The other is for the heel - it is placed with the edges turned back and water is poured into it. Then, carefully so as not to spill the contents of the bags, the shoes are placed in the freezer. In this way, the ice will be able to expand in height without obstacles and will take the shape of a heel, only slightly stretching it in width.

For natural patent leather, you can use the “newspaper” method.

Using a warm, damp terry towel will work fine. The shoes are wrapped in a towel and placed in a bag for one night. In the morning, take it out and walk around until completely dry.

Method using a special stretcher for patent leather.

After any stretching procedure, do not forget to apply a care product!

How to stretch the heel, instep, toe, boot at home

Sometimes it is not necessary to stretch all the shoes, but only the part that causes us the most discomfort. Most often this is a heel or toe. Lifting often causes discomfort. This problem can also be fixed. It also happens that the boots you like have tops that are too narrow and put too much pressure on your shins. We will also consider how to eliminate such inconveniences.

Too narrow or hard back

Stretching can be done using some of the methods described above. For example, the “freezing” method. You need to stuff the sock with dry, crumpled newspapers, and place a bag of water in the heel area. When frozen, the toe will remain unchanged, but the heel will expand. In a similar way, you can use the “newspaper” method, only we place dry newspapers in the sock, and “stuff” the heel tightly with wet ones.

You can also smear the heel with Vaseline, castor or sunflower oil and walk like this for several hours until the heel becomes wider.

You can also use the old “grandfather’s” method. Place a wet cloth in the heel, let it soak in moisture, and then tap the back with a hammer from the inside through the same cloth - the back will stretch a little.

A regular solid antiperspirant deodorant can help stretch the backside. They need to rub the inside of the heel, and then put the shoe on a thin toe and walk around until the heel stops rubbing. For the best effect, wrap the shoe box in a damp terry towel and leave it there for 3-4 hours. You can watch the video below to see how to do this correctly:

Video: how to stretch the heels of shoes using solid deodorant

How to stretch a sock that is too narrow

You can smear the shoe with cream or the same Vaseline in the front part and put it on the sock. You need to walk like this for several hours (the longer the better) or 5-10 minutes every hour. It is acceptable to use boiling water and newspaper, but only for the toes of shoes. You can add a bag of water and freeze it.

Another original way. Place a small bottle, preferably flat, in each sock. You can use personal care products (shampoo, tonic, lotion and others). Before doing this, shoes must be wetted (textile or leather), warmed up (leatherette or PVC), lubricated with soap or paraffin (patent leather shoes).

How to stretch the boot top

It’s absolutely not a problem if the top of the boots you like is too wide - in most cases they can be made in a shoe workshop. But what to do if the problem is just the opposite: the boots are too narrow in the shins and it’s impossible to zip up the zipper all the way. Fortunately, a solution can be found in this situation too. You can use wet newspapers, stuffing them tightly into the tops. Theoretically, the “freezing” method will also help, but it’s unlikely that you have that much space in the freezer. You can use a shoe stretcher and break in shoes according to the principle of breaking in shoes or boots, only this time putting the shoes on warm tights, or better yet, two pairs at once.

How to stretch while lifting

Newspapers, ice and cereal will help solve the problem. You need to stretch it the same way we advised stretching a sock. You can stuff your socks and heels with cellophane (it is indifferent to moisture), and between them sprinkle cereal and pour in a little water. You can stick wet newspapers or a bag of water and put the problematic shoes in the freezer.

How to break in a new one

In most cases, even shoes of the ideal size cause discomfort and they have to be worn in before “going out” until calluses appear. The fact is that new shoes should adapt to the anatomical features of your foot. To make this task easier and avoid calluses, you can use the following tips:

Apply shoe softener according to the type of material before wearing them for the first time.

Lubricate your feet thick cream or Vaseline to reduce friction

Put your shoes on a damp sock and walk around the apartment like this for several hours, or better yet, a day or two

You can use the “freezing” method, especially if it concerns children’s shoes and you cannot once again injure children's feet!

Use special shoe stretchers, which should be applied before putting on your shoes for the first time.

Shoe stretchers and how they are used

There are special stretchers for shoes made of smooth leather, suede, nubuck and velor leather. Their huge advantage is that they do not leave streaks on the leather of shoes. They are produced in cans and, after spraying, turn into foam that is quickly absorbed. This product should be applied from the outside and inside, paying more attention to those places that sting the most. You should not put on your shoes immediately, but wait 3–5 minutes. With the help of stretchers, you can not only increase the volume of your shoes, but also lengthen them (if the sole length allows), make them wider, and even stretch the tops of your boots.

How to break in shoes

In new shoes, as a rule, you have to break in the heel or toe. You can use the hot steam method. Hold a new pair over the spout of a boiling kettle so that the hot steam hits the toe or heel. The toe can then be stuffed with newspaper to expand it, and the back can be kneaded with your hands or beaten with a hammer with a smooth surface through a soft cloth. You can also put uncomfortable shoes on a thin, damp cotton sock and apply cream to your feet. The cream is needed to ensure that the foot slides in the shoe, stretching it.

What about sneakers or sneakers?

Sport shoes should be comfortable and not cause discomfort when worn. But even high-quality sneakers have to be broken in. The breaking-in methods are chosen based on the materials used to make the shoes. With leather ones, everything is simple - we fill them with damp newspapers or put them in the freezer, putting in bags of water. The same thing with textile or combined ones. If you are not sure how the leatherette will behave, then try warming it up with a hairdryer and stuffing it with dry crumpled paper.

How to stretch in workshops

If you don’t want to conduct experiments on shoes, trying to stretch them in width or length, then, of course, you should turn to professionals. The same goes for expensive shoes, as well as shoes made from reptile skin. Only a qualified specialist will be able to correctly assess the situation, determine the places that need to be stretched and, most importantly, dissuade you from stretching if it can irrevocably ruin the appearance of the shoes.

To increase the size of the problem pair, the specialist will select special stretching agents in accordance with the material of the shoes. Unlike you, he will not stuff his shoes with wet newspapers and wait for them to dry, but will use special devices that will help stretch the shoes both in width and volume. There are also devices for stretching the boot. Really good workshops have special metal lasts for different types of shoes: for children's, men's, women's, low-heeled shoes and heels. The pads can be expanded to the desired size. There are also special inserts to increase the volume of both women's and men's shoes, to stretch the instep and even too narrow socks. The selected last is attached to a special device, on which the shoes are put on, and with the help of a screw, the master stretches it. There are also special devices for stretching the boot, thanks to which you can stretch your boots by several centimeters. Craftsmen also use wooden screw blocks.

Only a master can stretch shoes correctly! Special lasts for increasing the volume of high-heeled shoes

How to stretch shoes at home

You bought shoes, but they turned out to be tight, too hard or narrow. In the store, you thought your shoes fit you... or almost fit. But on the very first day, when you go out into the street wearing it, it becomes clear that your purchase was not the most successful. Your feet experience constant pain, calluses and corns appear, swelling, or your feet begin to bleed. In such a situation, the most correct way out is to return your purchase to the store. But there is another way out - stretching your shoes.

Instructions
1

You can stretch your shoes in a shoe workshop, for example, "Multi-master" -. Using special lasts, your shoes will be stretched to your size.

But you can also stretch your shoes at home; there are many simple ways to do this.
2

One of the most effective folk ways to stretch shoes is to treat them with alcohol. The easiest way is to spray or moisten the shoes with cologne (alcohol, vodka) from the inside and put them on your feet on a cotton sock. Treat the top of the shoe in the same way and walk around the apartment for an hour or two. Or you can lubricate with alcohol those areas of the shoe that need to be stretched. You can also treat your shoes with an alcohol spray that you can make yourself. To do this, pour a solution of alcohol and water in a 1:1 ratio into a spray bottle or spray bottle. You need to treat the inside of the shoes with this spray, then put the shoes on and wear them until the alcohol dries.
3

Shoes that you haven't worn for a long time can be softened with castor or vegetable oil, or using Vaseline. You process the shoes in the same way as the previous method and break them in. After a few hours, the shoes need to be cleaned. This method is suitable not only for shoes made of genuine leather, but also those made of leather substitute. And if you want to get rid of squeaking shoes, lubricate the soles with a few drops of castor or vegetable oil, and then let the shoes dry.
4

You can also stretch your shoes with boiling water. In this case, leather shoes soften, expand and take the desired shape. However, this method is only suitable for leather shoes, because... Only the skin can withstand the aggressive effects of boiling water. Faux leather shoes can also be stretched using this method, but streaks may appear on them and they will lose their attractive appearance.

How it's done? Simply pour boiling water over the inside of the shoes, then drain the water from the shoes, put on the cooled shoes and wear until completely dry.

As an alternative, wrap your shoes for a few minutes in a cotton cloth soaked in boiling water and wrung out thoroughly. After this, lubricate the shoes with vegetable or castor oil and leave for a day.
5

To expand your shoes, you can treat the inside of them with a 3% vinegar solution. This will also help you soften and stretch shoes that are pinching your toes. The outside of the shoes can be treated with another shoe stretching agent.
6

Another common one folk way Shoe stretch marks are like wet newspapers. This method is especially suitable for stretching shoes made of fabric, rubber and other non-natural materials. In addition, such shoes are not afraid of moisture. First, the shoes can be held over steam for a while. Then stuff the shoes very tightly with wet newspapers (wet paper, wet socks) and leave until completely dry. Be careful not to distort the shape of the shoe as... newspapers give it. If the shoes look distorted, take out the newspapers and try stuffing them back into the shoes. It is important that the shoes are dried in natural conditions, away from sunlight and heating devices. Drying on a radiator can deform shoes. After the newspapers are completely dry, the shoes can be put on.
7

You can also stretch your shoes using paraffin, i.e. an ordinary candle. To do this, rub the inside of the shoe with a candle and leave it overnight. In the morning, clean your shoes from paraffin. If your shoes rub your heel, you need to treat the heel with alcohol, walk around in your shoes until the alcohol dries, and then wipe the heel of the shoe with a candle or soap.
8

To make the skin soft, you can lubricate it with kerosene. To do this, the shoes must first be wet. True, the question remains with the smell of shoes... This folk method is not for everyone.
9

Shoes or boots can be stretched in the freezer. You just need to put plastic bags with water in your shoes and put the whole thing in the freezer until the morning. It is advisable to use two bags for each shoe, with the bottom bags tightly tied and the top bags left open. The secret of this method is to ensure that the water in the bags tightly fills the shoes from the toe to the heel, because... The water should stretch the shoes. When the ice melts, carefully remove the shoes from the freezer and leave to thaw for 20 minutes at room temperature. Now remove the water bags and try putting on your shoes. The procedure for freezing shoes can be repeated if necessary. The method is effective, but it is still undesirable to use it for expensive shoes.
10

Can be stretched leather shoes in the opposite way - using heat treatment. Use a hair dryer to warm up your shoes or boots for half a minute. Then immediately lubricate your shoes with shoe stretcher and put on your boots or shoes with a terry sock. After the shoes have cooled, repeat the procedure in the same sequence. And so several times until the shoes stretch. After this, restore moisture in the shoes using leather shoe conditioner.
11

If possible, use professional products for stretching shoes, which can be purchased at shoe stores or from shoe makers. For example, these are Duke Of Dubbin, Salamander, Twist, Kiwi, Salton, Silver, Oke. As a rule, these products soften shoes in tight places. Apply spray or foam to problem areas of shoes outside and inside (for varnish or suede shoes only from the inside), then put on terry socks and shoes. Walk around in your shoes until the product dries completely. If necessary, repeat the procedure for several more days.
12

In addition to shoe stretching products, you can use a shoe stretcher (usually a wooden block to fit the shape and size of your foot) that is placed over your shoes at night. This will help the shoes not to deform when drying. The stretcher can be purchased, for example, in an online shoe store -

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 different effective ways stretching and breaking in shoes, which will help get rid of the problem in the shortest possible time.

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.

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 outside and inside. 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 needs to be thoroughly doused 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 help stretch shoes by half a size Laundry soap it is important to crush it beforehand Ice must be used with caution Vinegar 3% cannot be replaced with 9% Paraffin can be purchased at a hardware store Newspapers must be crumpled up carefully Tights must be tight Warm socks will help make shoes looser

Special means

Effective professional products:

1. Shoe Stretch - 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.
2. Salton - spray for softening and stretching the material. Suitable for different types 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.
3. 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 Salton shoes allows you to break in faster narrow shoes
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.
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 process the material special means intended for care.

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

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 nose part, then the best way is the application of newspaper. Sequencing:

1. The newspaper must be crumpled up thoroughly.
2. The narrow part of the shoes should be moistened with a sponge.
3. Push the resulting lumps of newspaper into the sock as tightly as possible.
4. 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.

Features of stretching depending on the material - table

Material name	Which method is better to use?	What drugs can harm
Genuine Leather	boiling water; alcohol; laundry soap; paraffin; newspapers.	Oil-based products: castor oil, Vaseline, etc.
Polished leather	paraffin; laundry soap.	boiling water; alcohol.
Leatherette	castor oil; petrolatum; laundry soap; paraffin; newspapers; thick socks.	Ice and boiling water.
Nubuck	alcohol; laundry soap; tights; thick socks.	Castor oil and Vaseline.
Suede	alcohol; laundry soap; tights; thick socks; paraffin.	Castor oil and Vaseline.
Textile	vinegar; boiling water; newspapers; laundry soap; alcohol; thick socks.	Castor oil with caution.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Effective ways to stretch - video

It often happens that shoes seem comfortable in the store, but rub when worn. What to do? Follow our advice.

How to stretch shoes made of genuine leather and suede?

Natural materials usually lend themselves well to stretching, so there should be no problems when wearing them out.

Method one.

Pour boiling water into two bags and place them in your shoes. Leave it for just a few seconds and pour it out. Remove any remaining water with a dry cloth. When the skin has cooled, put on your shoes, preferably over your socks, and break them in.

Method two.

Suitable for unpretentious shoes. Use ice instead of boiling water. Pour cold water into two bags, tie them and place them in your shoes. Place your shoes in the freezer and wait until all the water turns into ice. Then take out the bags. When the ice melts a little, remove it.

Method three.

Best used for thick skin. Put your shoes on with thick socks and warm them up with a hairdryer. During the procedure, we actively moved our feet and toes. After half a minute, turn off the hair dryer and wait until the shoes cool down. Repeat all steps several times.

How to stretch faux leather shoes?

Often shoes turn out to be too tight when worn. Here are some ways to stretch your shoes wider.

Method one

Tip number one on how to stretch leatherette shoes a size larger: lubricate the inside of the shoes with cream or Vaseline. You can also use castor oil. Leave it on for a couple of hours until the cream is absorbed, then start wearing it on.

Method two

The second option is to stuff your shoes with newspapers. Wet the newspapers with water, wring them out and place them inside the shoes. Do not overstuff your shoes to avoid deforming the material. Leave the newspapers to dry at room temperature. Do not try to speed up the process using a hairdryer or heating devices - there is a risk of ruining the shape of the shoes.

Method three

Dampen a towel with water and wrap it around the shoe box. Leave it overnight. Wear the shoes prepared in this way for several hours.

How to stretch patent leather shoes?

Safely stretch the narrow patent leather shoes only possible if it has a lining made of soft skin or leatherette.

Universal shoe stretching options

There are several ways to influence tight shoes, which are suitable for products from different materials(genuine leather, substitute, suede,). These stretching methods are also the safest for all possible models, except for fur-lined boots.

Special softening agents for shoes. They are applied to the problem areas on the inside of the shoes. (If the shoes are made of genuine leather, then you can apply it on the outside as well). Immediately after treatment, shoes should be worn with tight socks until the desired areas dry and take the shape of the foot. This stretching option can be repeated several times to achieve best result.

Stretching with castor oil is also a universal way to work on tight shoes. After treating with oil from the inside, you need to walk around in shoes for several hours. The oil softens problem areas, so the shoes acquire the exact shape of the foot. This method is inconvenient because after the procedure, shoes that are greasy from the inside must be thoroughly cleaned. You can replace the oil with an alcohol solution (one to one with water), cologne, and even kerosene. But this method is even more inconvenient, since the smell after treatment will persist for a long time.

How to stretch leather shoes

Products made from genuine leather are the strongest and most durable. Therefore, they will be able to withstand more aggressive methods of influence. For example, high and low temperatures.

When exposed to high temperatures, natural leather can expand and become softer. You can heat your shoes with a hairdryer, or hold them over boiling water for a while. Heated shoes should be worn until they cool and dry completely. Warm skin immediately takes on the desired shape and retains it for a long time. After the procedure, to prevent the skin from drying out, you should treat it nourishing cream for shoes.

Shoes made of genuine leather can also be stretched under the influence of low temperatures, using the freezing method. First, plastic bags are inserted into the shoes (2 bags each, in case the bag breaks). Then water is poured into the inner bag. You need to make sure that large folds do not form inside the shoes; to do this, the bags should be straightened out as much as possible. Water should completely fill the space inside the shoe. The bag of water is tied and the other is left open. In this position, the shoes are placed in the freezer at least overnight. As the water freezes, it will gradually increase in volume, stretching the shoes.

After treating your shoes in one way or another, you must apply cream.

As a rule, shoes made of genuine leather can wear out on their own after a few weeks of wear. Therefore, perhaps there is no need to rush into such radical stretching measures.

How to stretch shoes made of artificial leather or substitute

It is much more difficult to stretch such shoes than natural ones. When exposed high temperatures Such products fall into disrepair. Therefore, you need to act more carefully. The most effective and safest way to stretch is to fill it with damp paper or cloth. The cloth (paper) must be moistened in hot water, quickly squeeze out and fill the inner space of the shoe. When filling shoes, you need to very carefully design the shape so that there are no distortions or deformations. Shoes with padding should dry completely, away from heat sources. This will take quite a long time. But, after drying, the shoes will retain their given shape.

If non-natural shoes rub your heels, you can rub the inside of the heel with paraffin or laundry soap.

How to stretch boots

For boots without fur lining, you can apply the same stretching methods as for shoes.

And boots with lining can be treated with leather softeners or oil only on the outside. The safest way is to put on several pairs of socks (for greater effectiveness, you can soak them in hot water) and wear them for several hours. The procedure will have to be repeated several times, since it is impossible to wear wet winter boots with fur lining until they dry completely. After taking off worn-out boots, you need to immediately stuff them with paper or pieces soft fabric. You need to dry your boots in natural conditions, away from heat.

How to stretch suede and patent leather shoes

Such products can only be processed from the inside. Any impact on the outer surface may damage the shoes.

You can only use stretching methods with a soft, gentle effect without temperature loads. It is best to wear shoes in warm, damp socks (pre-soaked in hot water) until completely dry. In addition, you can also use padding with damp paper or cloth.

Shoes made of suede are quite elastic, so they can be broken in simply by wearing them frequently at home. After some time, it will fit perfectly to the shape of the leg.

How to buy shoes correctly

How to avoid unwanted surprises when buying new shoes:

1. In the morning, almost every person's leg is more refined than in the afternoon. Throughout the day, tired legs swell a little. Therefore, it is better to buy new shoes in the afternoon. Shoes purchased in the morning may turn out to be very tight in the evening.


2. When choosing a new pair of shoes, you also need to pay attention to fullness, width and instep. Perhaps the model you like in the right size will not fit other parameters. If your shoes are too narrow, don't buy a size up. Sliding back and forth can cause calluses on your feet.


3. After buying a new pair of shoes, you shouldn’t immediately go outside in them. Before this, you need to spend some time wearing new clothes at home. If you feel discomfort, shoes that have not been worn outside can be returned or exchanged for a more comfortable model.

When stretching shoes in conditions, you need to act with extreme caution. You can only stretch your shoes by half a size without damaging them, no more.

Shoes made of genuine leather lend themselves best to stretching. It is almost impossible to stretch shoes or sandals made of textile fabric; strong impact will only disrupt the structure of the material.

Cracks may appear on shoes made of leatherette after freezing or simply wet processing. Shoes made from low-quality, poorly treated leather after wet treatment will become even tougher and warp when dried.

Very expensive shoes Don't stretch it yourself. It is better to go to a workshop that uses special shoe lasts of different sizes.