If your new shoes are too snug, it is possible to stretch them to a half or a whole size bigger. You can do this through various methods, including ones that apply cold or heat. Can you stretch your shoes overnight? While it is possible to stretch some shoes overnight, most shoes take about 24-48 hours to stretch.
Shoe stretchers will certainly free up to half an inch of space in your shoes, but please remember that they are not miracle workers. If your shoes are two sizes too large, you're best getting a new pair of shoes. Shoe stretchers work best on natural materials like leather and canvas.
Shoe stretchers work, but they are not working miracles. Therefore, you should be patient in the process. Do the stretching once, wear the shoes along with a pair of thick socks, and walk around for several hours. Come back and stretch them again if the pair is still tight.
Rubbing Alcohol
Spray the inside of the shoes and wear them for 20 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can simply rub the rubbing alcohol onto the parts of the shoes that need to be stretched or feel especially tight. After rubbing the tighter parts with alcohol, put the shoes on while they are wet, and wear them.
A cobbler or shoe repair professional will have all the tools and machinery to stretch even the most complex or delicate of shoes. Also, bringing your worn-down shoes to a cobbler or professional is a great way to get them spruced up, reshaped, and even resoled to help them last and look great longer.
Shoe stretchers can make shoes slightly longer but don't expect miracles. The shoes I stretched length-wise feel about half a size larger. Shoe stretchers work best for lengthening leather shoes, due to their natural elasticity.
Signs that your shoes are too small
In properly fitting shoes, your toes should be facing forward with enough space to move. Meanwhile, shoes that are too small will feel uncomfortably tight. You'll likely feel your toes touching the ends of your shoes and may get blisters on the backs of your heels.
As a rule of thumb (or toe), you should have about 3/8″ to 1/2″ of room from the tip of your longest toe to the end of the shoe. Your big toe is not automatically your longest toe. Pick the shoes that match your foot shape.
Shoe stretch sprays can alleviate discomfort and provide a better fit, whether you have a new pair of shoes that need to be broken in or an old favorite that has become too tight.
Corns and calluses are foot deformities that are often caused when you wear shoes that are too tight, through friction from your toes constantly rubbing in a pair of shoes with reduced toe box volume. Aside from the pain and aching, the cramped atmosphere can form painful and unsightly corns and bunions.
There can be a few things, as there is not one standard length for shoes so it could be the shoes are getting shorter! This also means not all shoes of the same size will be the same length. The most common reason however is that as you get older feet tend to get a bit flatter and wider.
Insert the shoe stretcher into the shoe. Turn the handle until you have the desired amount of stretch. Give the handle another full turn every 8 hours until the size is right. Leave the shoe stretcher in the shoe for two days, checking every now and then to see if the fit is right.
The short answer is: Yes, depending on the material, shoes can be stretched, but only widthwise, not lengthwise.
Place wet newspaper into the shoes for more stretching power. Dampen a few sheets of newspaper, then ball them up and stuff them into the toe box of the shoe. Continue adding balls of wet newspaper until the shoe is full. As the paper dries, it will expand and harden, stretching out the shoe.
If you're looking to stretch your shoes for added comfort, the cost can range from $10-$25 per pair, depending on various factors. While shoe stretching is not a permanent solution, it can provide temporary relief and extend the lifespan of your shoes.
Shoes that are on the tighter side are likely to rub, and since this friction can cause blisters, it's best to have a bit of wiggle room. The ball of your foot should fit comfortably in the widest part of the shoe, and at the heel make sure that you have some room for slight heel slippage.