You can increase your shoes up to one size yourself.
General recommendations
In order to break in shoes or even stretch them a little, there are many ways, and if you suddenly fail to achieve the desired effect with your own efforts, you can contact a workshop where they can handle stretching shoes of any complexity.
But before increasing the length of the pair for more comfortable wear, you need to take into account the following nuances for a uniquely successful result:
- First, you need to pay attention to the material used inside the shoe.
- Secondly, understand the quality of gluing of the pair with the sole, as well as whether the seams are well stitched.
- Thirdly, it is important to know exactly what material was used to make the pair.
It is also important to take into account the basic rule for successfully purchasing shoes; you need to purchase any pair in the evening. In the morning, your foot size may seem a little smaller due to swelling that has subsided overnight, which returns at the end of the working day. When trying on sneakers, it is best to wear regular cotton socks, not nylon ones.
If at home you find that the pair is a little too small and should be broken in, it is important to understand which part of the sneakers causes discomfort; this will directly determine the length or width of the shoes you will need to stretch.
Sneakers squeeze and rub, how to quickly stretch or break them in
Sneakers have always been considered comfortable sports shoes. But lately the pace of life has increased so much that everything has to be done on the run. Sneakers have entered the everyday life of every person, since at current speeds there are no more practical shoes. But it can also cause a feeling of discomfort if it is not chosen correctly for the leg.
In this situation, it is recommended to break in or stretch your sneakers. You can do this yourself. If the sneakers are rubbed lightly, then after constant wear for 7 days they will take the desired shape and become more comfortable. But this is not always possible, and sometimes it is even painful. To speed up the process, you can use improvised means at home.
How to solve a problem
Length stretch
There are no ways to stretch several sizes, but you can achieve comfortable wear and increase by 1 size for products from almost any brand: from Sketchers to Vans and Converse. Thanks to this stretch, the shoes will fit your feet and will not rub or squeeze your toes.
Shoes made of genuine leather are considered the most pliable, but other materials such as suede, fabric and leatherette can also be worn in. Each material has its own nuances and special methods for stretching. However, there are also universal ways to stretch shoes to the required length.
Traditional methods
Among the available means, there are quite a few devices that will help to slightly stretch the purchased pair. Despite their simplicity, most of the folk methods are no less effective than commercial professional stretchers.
Thick sock . Stretching shoes using this method is quite quick and easy. You need to put on the thickest sock and walk around the house in a new pair. It is recommended to move as actively as possible, not only walk, but also run or jump. For greater effectiveness, you can moisten the sock with water, then the wearing time must be increased until it dries completely. If your feet feel a little hot when you wear them in, you can wet the soles with cold water.
ON A NOTE:
Regular medical alcohol promotes excellent and rapid softening of the material; with its help, you can stretch shoes faster and more efficiently. It complements stretching well with thick socks and to achieve the desired result, you can wet the sock not in water, but in alcohol.
Cold . Another method that involves water is stretching the sneakers using cold. You need to take two of the thickest plastic bags, put one inside the sneaker and pour cold water into each of them. Be sure to tie the bags as tightly as possible, after which the pair are placed in the freezer for the whole night.
This method is especially good because when adjusting the inclination, the water flows exactly into the area that causes the greatest discomfort when worn. After removing the pair, you need to wait about 20 minutes for the most convenient removal of the packages. The freezing method has one drawback: it is suitable for absolutely all materials except thin fabric shoes; in the latter case, under the influence of ice, the fabric can not only be seriously deformed, but also tear.
Steam . Another method, indirectly related to water, which can stretch sneakers made of any materials quite well, with the exception of shoes with rich decor and a large number of glued parts.
New sneakers need to be held over steam for a few minutes; both a steamer and an ordinary pan of boiling water are suitable for these purposes. It is extremely important to follow safety precautions to avoid getting burned. After steaming, the sneakers should be stuffed with well-crumpled newspapers and allowed to dry naturally, without using a hair dryer or other heating devices.
Heating . The method is absolutely opposite to cold and will help stretch the shoes not only in length, but also in the sole. The easiest way is to warm up the necessary and problem areas with a hairdryer, then put on a thick sock and walk around in sneakers at home for about an hour.
The following method is the most effective and will ensure the most comfortable fit for the new pair. To perform it you will need a shoe box and a hairdryer. A new pair or sneakers that are tight are placed in the box. A hole is cut in the lid for a hair dryer, which must be inserted and turned on for 15-20 minutes. With the help of hot air, it will be possible to obtain a complex effect, and the impact will occur not only on the upper material, but also on all parts, including the heel, heel, and sole. This method is especially good for stretching sneakers with a rubber toe.
After heating, you also need to put the sneakers on a thick woolen sock and walk like this for about half an hour. With the help of such heating, it will be possible not only to stretch a pair of sneakers, but to give the most comfortable shape to the shoe for the foot.
INFORMATION:
When buying a new pair of sneakers, you should consider the features of different materials. Genuine leather and suede can stretch by a size, and in some cases by one and a half. Fabric sneakers can add no more than half a size.
Specialized means
In any shoe or hardware store you can find a whole line of special products that will help stretch shoes made of almost any material. This product guarantees the desired result, and in some cases it takes significantly less time to stretch than folk remedies.
The main advantages of such products are their high efficiency, as well as a painless breaking-in process. The use of purchased products does not involve prolonged wear at home, with possible unpleasant and painful sensations. Among the disadvantages are the inflated price of many formulations, as well as the lack of universal products. Each material requires a special separate stretcher.
Spacers . This mechanism is a pleasant exception to the rule and is suitable for absolutely any shoes from all possible materials. With the help of such wooden spacers, you can stretch the length of your shoes by an entire size; they perfectly correct the main necessary areas for a more comfortable pair of shoes.
Sprays and foams . This product can be bought at any shoe store, and the main thing is to choose the composition for the specific material of the sneaker. Cylinders come in several sizes from 50 ml, which is convenient to take with you on the road, to 150 ml for home use.
However, the rules for using such funds are very similar:
- First of all, you need to shake the can well and apply spray or foam inside the sneakers that are being rubbed. At this moment the material is most pliable and stretches perfectly.
- It is necessary to insert mechanical stretchers into the sneakers or simply put on a treated pair. However, the greatest effect can be achieved using spacers, with their help you can adjust the degree of tension of the toe or heel
- A pair with spacers should be left in this form for several days, after which the sneakers will be ready for comfortable wear.
Width stretch
There is a misconception that you always have to stretch shoes exclusively in length, but this is absolutely false; very often it is the insufficient width of the shoe that ensures an uncomfortable fit. There are several simple methods that will help you change the width of a new pair, most often this process is much simpler than stretching it in length.
The easiest way to make your shoes a little wider and more comfortable is to get rid of the insoles or replace them with thinner ones, but not every sneaker has removable insoles.
Boiling water
Treatment with boiling water is an excellent effective method that allows you to sufficiently stretch the shoes in width. But you should only use boiling water on sneakers made of genuine leather; other materials can be deformed under the influence of high temperatures. Boiling water is poured inside the new pair for 5-8 minutes, after which the cooled water is drained, and the pair is sent to dry, but only naturally and at room temperature. As a rule, about a day or two is enough for the product to completely dry. To speed up the drying process, leather sneakers are stuffed with well-crumpled newspapers.
Kerosene
Kerosene is often used for stretching shoes and serves as an excellent alternative to soap solution or alcohol. Shoes must be treated inside and out, but it is not recommended to use kerosene on fabric and denim sneakers to prevent the occurrence of an unpleasant odor. For stretching in this case, it is best to also use wooden or plastic spacers.
IMPORTANT:
The nuances associated with this method should be taken into account. If the inner material of the sneaker is unnatural or of poor quality, there is a high probability of an unpleasant odor, which will subsequently be extremely difficult to get rid of. In this case, it is recommended to replace kerosene with alcohol-containing substances.
Is it possible to stretch sneakers to size?
Absolutely everyone has encountered a situation where, when trying on sneakers, it seemed like it was the right pair of shoes for you, but over time it turned out that everything was completely different.
In this case, you have to look for ways to solve this problem and there are actually quite a few of them, but there are a number of nuances:
- it is possible to lengthen sneakers and sneakers by a maximum of half a size;
- A fabric pair of shoes will stretch more quickly, but they are also easily deformed, so it is not recommended to experiment with lengthening or expansion techniques with leather shoes.
Consumer rights
The best option to save yourself from the inconvenience of shoes is to return them under warranty. In Russia, the “Right of Fourteen Days” applies - the period during which the buyer can return the purchased pair by presenting the original or a copy of the sales receipt, warranty card or passport.
However, the returned item must not:
- have signs of being worn indoors or outdoors;
- have scuffs or creases;
- be without insoles, inlays and other components.
Help from professionals
The most optimal way to adjust sneakers to your feet if you can’t return them. The specialist will first choose the most suitable and effective method of expanding sneakers or sneakers. If it is necessary to increase the length, then professionals usually resort to a special design that resembles lasts with screws, pushing apart and stretching the shoe material.
This method is also relevant for expansion, except that the nozzle is changed.
In addition, craftsmen resort to special sprays, creams or powders, which, by influencing the fibers of the material, help correct the current situation. Products in topic
- Shoe product VALVI Spring-loaded mold holders, two planes, CEDAR 42-43 size RUR 3,465
- Shoe cleaner AVEL Shape holders telescope, TWO planes, CEDAR 42-43 size
- Shoe product Tarrago Stretcher for sneakers, EXPANDER, 125ml. 627 rub.
What influences success?
When making a choice in favor of one or another method of adjusting shoes to size, it is necessary to take into account the material from which the shoes are made, but there are other important factors, namely:
- the raw materials from which the sole is made (for example, it is under no circumstances recommended to pour boiling water on shoes with rubber toes or soles);
- shape (for example, if the sneakers are high and overlap the ankles, it is important not to break the heel).
Therefore, only after carefully weighing all the nuances can you begin to correct your shoes.
Proper care of sneakers
To maintain the results obtained, as well as for a longer service life of the shoes, it is recommended to follow a few simple rules that will ensure a decent appearance for your favorite pair:
- After each walk, it is necessary to remove excess dirt from the sneakers, including from the sole. And clean all stains and dirt as quickly as possible from the moment they appear.
- You can wash sneakers in a washing machine only if you follow the appropriate recommendations on the product box. It is also worth considering that not every pair of shoes can withstand this procedure; this is especially dangerous for sneakers made of low-quality materials
- It is recommended to ventilate your sneakers as often as possible, especially after a pair gets wet or after prolonged wear.
Stretched shoes require much more care than a pair bought to fit. When wearing every day, you should take this factor into account and avoid excessive freezing or getting your shoes wet.
How to break in new sneakers yourself using improvised means? Review
Sneakers are versatile shoes that are great for sports and long walks.
The main advantage of these shoes is comfort and freedom of movement. But it happens that a new pair, which was just in the store, begins to rub that same evening. In this case, it is not necessary to bring the shoes back, but it is enough to know how to take the sneakers in on your own at home. For these purposes, there are many means from improvised to professional purchased ones, each of which is effective in its own way. You can increase your shoes up to one size yourself.
When the butt presses
Sneakers can press not only in the heel area, but also along the side edging. It can be stretched according to the same principle as the backdrop. There are several proven methods to make the material softer.
Hammer
Dampen a soft cloth with water and apply it to the inside of the backdrop. Then tap lightly with a hammer. The heel of the sneaker should be on a hard surface.
Fingers
If the back of the shoe is made of hard leather or rubber, you can simply massage it with your fingers. The back of a sneaker is especially easy to soften using this method: it is usually made of hard cardboard. To avoid spending a lot of time and effort on kneading, first hold the product over steam. After a few minutes, the skin or material will become more pliable.
Hairdryer
The method is suitable for softening the pressing leather elements of sports shoes. An ordinary hair dryer will be useful for this. Hot air stretches the skin, making it more pliable. After heat treatment, simply pull the sneaker with your fingers or put it on your foot. Be careful when heating the seam: there is a risk that the glue will melt from excessively hot air.
If the callus has already appeared
Calluses can be wet, dry or internal. It is quite possible to cope with the first two on your own; the internal calluses are removed by a surgeon.
Wet callus
A wet callus is a skin blister of different diameters. It is not advisable to burst it to avoid infection.
Read more ► How and how to seal or restore the soles of sneakers, boots, winter and summer shoes
If the blister bursts, then apply antiseptic and wound-healing ointment. The skin cannot be peeled off.
The callus is covered with a plaster, preferably a large one. The white area of the patch should completely cover the diameter of the loose skin.
Note! Zelenka and iodine dry the skin and slow down healing.
Dry callus
A dry callus is an almost cured wet callus. It looks like a white leathery growth that comes off quite easily from the foot.
Zelenka and iodine dry the skin and slow down healing
The easiest way to get rid of dry calluses is with a pumice stone or a special brush. Before the procedure, your feet need to be steamed.
It is important here that after removing excess skin and drying the feet, make sure that there are no dried hangnails left. They need to be trimmed carefully so as not to provoke the appearance of small wounds.
You can buy a special patch for calluses at the pharmacy. It contains salicylic acid, which softens the skin. The patch is applied to the callus overnight.
Why you can't tolerate hard shoes
Many people hope that hard heels in shoes are a temporary phenomenon, and that they must be patient while they wear off. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee for this. Shoes may remain this way if hard material or a poor last was used in the manufacture of the chosen model. Therefore, you should not endure the inconvenience, you need to correct the situation yourself and try to soften the backdrop. There are two more reasons for this:
- Wearing uncomfortable, hard shoes can lead to foot deformities and leg disease.
- If shoes are promptly adjusted to the shape of your feet, they will last longer and maintain their appearance.
How to soften faux leather shoes at home
The vast majority of shoes in the mid-price category are made from artificial leather, which includes various substitutes, as well as synthetic materials.
As a rule, the methods for softening such products are not too different from those applicable to natural leather.
- You can treat faux leather shoes with vegetable oil and leave them overnight. This method is perfect for adding softness to backdrops.
- Alcohol will be a good help in solving this problem. It needs to be diluted with water, then rubbed into shoes and kneaded with your hands. Important to remember! If shoes contain cardboard inserts, they should not be wetted with any liquids to prevent complete deformation of the product.
- You can use a hammer or pliers to impact the shoes, but it is important not to overdo it and prevent the product from changing its appearance.
- Anti-blister pencils, which can be purchased in stores, have performed well in softening shoes. They rub the backs of the shoes, after which the effect of softening the shoes is achieved.
