How to wear leatherette shoes that are too tight

should be comfortable! What if you really liked the purchased pair of leatherette shoes, but turned out to be a little tight?

Don't rush to part with your purchase. But you shouldn’t suffer from inconvenience: a product made of artificial leather can be stretched. For this purpose, special devices and means are used. Let's get acquainted with effective ways to help break in such shoes.

General recommendations on how to wear faux leather shoes

Faux leather requires care because strong or excessive stretching of the material can lead to cracks on its surface. In many cases, stretching it by a full size without consequences can be difficult, but achieving a small stretch is quite possible.
A slight stretch can be achieved by making the leatherette soft. Vaseline will help with this. They thickly lubricate the inner surface of the products. In order for the lubricant to begin to affect the material, the shoes are left in this condition for 2–3 hours after lubricating. After removing the remaining Vaseline, put on the shoes and walk in them in the room for 30 to 60 minutes. During this time, the material will stretch. If stretching alone is not enough, perform the action again.
Another material that will help stretch leatherette shoes somewhat is newspapers. Only moistened newspapers are suitable for this. They fill shoes with them, trying to give the shoes a shape. This method takes time; you can check the result after the newspapers have completely dried.

How to stretch shoes at home

How to stretch your shoes: Pixabay

How to stretch shoes? This is the question asked by fashionistas who made a mistake with the size, but did not want to part with a beautiful pair. Increasing the volume and width of the shoes you like is not so easy, but you can try. If you decide on a bold experiment, use simple methods using available tools.

How to stretch leather and suede shoes

Shoes made of genuine leather or suede look presentable. Such materials are practical, durable and comfortable. Did you get the wrong size and your leather shoes are too tight? Don't despair: the natural material has a porous structure and stretches a little over time, taking the shape of the foot.

What to do if you don’t want to rub your feet while wearing them and feel discomfort when walking? Use simple methods for stretching leather shoes.

How to stretch shoes: NUR.KZ

High temperatures (boiling water or steam)

Leather and suede are soft and pliable materials, so they are exposed to high temperatures to stretch them. If your favorite pair of shoes feels tight, try using boiling water:

Fill your shoes with hot water. Immediately pour out the boiling water. Do the manipulation 3–5 times.
Put on socks, or better yet several, and put on warm shoes.
Wait 1-2 hours and remove your shoes.

A similar, but more gentle procedure involves the use of steam:

Heat water in a small saucepan to boiling point.
Hold the shoes over the steam for 2-3 minutes.
Put on shoes with warm socks and walk around the room for 30–60 minutes.

Freezing

Freezing is a universal method. If you don't know how to stretch leather shoes with ice, do the following:

Place bags of water inside the shoes.
Wrap the shoes in plastic wrap or place them in a large bag and place them in the freezer.
Wait a few hours until the liquid changes its state of aggregation - it becomes ice.
Remove the shoes and leave them at room temperature for 30–40 minutes.
When the ice melts, remove the bags.

Try on your shoes: if they still feel too tight, repeat the procedure.

Corn

How to stretch shoes wide? Use grain:

Pour grain (oats, wheat) inside the shoes and add water. If you don't want to risk ruining the insoles, pour the grain into a bag and place it inside the shoes.
Wait 10–12 hours. During this time, the grain will swell and stretch the pliable material.

When stretching leather and suede, do not overdo it: natural materials can stretch so much that the shoes become too big.

Beautiful leather shoes: Pixabay

How to stretch faux leather shoes

It is more difficult to increase the size of shoes made of leatherette. Such material may burst or come apart when exposed to boiling water or freezing. Use gentler methods.

Hair dryer and paraffin

Don't know how to stretch leatherette shoes? Try the heating and softening option:

Warm up the inside of your shoes with a hairdryer.
Lubricate problem areas (toe, heel, side) with paraffin (a regular candle will do).
Wait for the paraffin to harden, put on three pairs of thin socks or one pair of thick socks and put on your shoes.
Wear your shoes for 2–3 hours.

After stretching, scrape off the remaining paraffin and wipe the inside of the shoes with Vaseline.

Alcohol, cologne

Another way to increase the size of shoes is to use alcohol-containing liquids:

Soak a cotton pad or piece of cloth in alcohol (vodka, cologne).
Saturate the inside of the shoes with it.
Wear shoes with thick socks.
Wear your shoes at home until you feel them stretch out.

Paper

Leatherette stretches easily when using wet paper:

Wet sheets of newspaper or thick paper with water.
Squeeze out excess moisture and fill the shoes with paper. Do not overfill, otherwise the shoes will become deformed.
Leave the shoes at room temperature. The drying process may take 2-3 days.

Do not try to speed up the process by using hair dryers and heating devices. Excessive heat will damage the material.

How to stretch patent leather shoes

Would you like to know how to wear polished shoes? Such shoes should not be doused with boiling water, frozen or moistened with alcohol, vinegar or cologne: the varnish may crack and the shoes will lose their attractive appearance.

Men's patent leather shoes: Pixabay

Terry towel

Try this gentle method of stretching patent leather shoes:

Soak a terry towel in boiling water.
Wring out the fabric and wrap it around your shoes (use a separate towel for each shoe).
Place in a tight bag and seal to prevent air from entering.
Leave the bag with shoes for 12 hours.

Dried shoes will stretch without harming the varnish surface.

Vaseline, castor oil

Another very effective and safe method of stretching for patent leather shoes is the use of a softening agent. We recommend following the instructions:

Apply Vaseline or castor (or any vegetable) oil to a piece of soft cloth.
Apply lubricant to the inside and outside of the shoes.
Wait 2-3 hours. During this time, the Vaseline will be absorbed and stretch the material.
Remove any remaining product and put on shoes with thick socks. Wear your shoes throughout the day.

As an alternative to Vaseline and oil, a cosmetic fatty cream is suitable.

Special means

Patent leather shoes are easy to ruin. Therefore, if you are worried about the safety of your shoes, stretch them with special foams or sprays:

Apply foam to the inside of the shoes.
Place the shoes on a terry sock and wear until the product dries completely.

Nice shoes that pinch and chafe your feet is a problem that requires an immediate solution. Don’t rush to return a pair to the store or give it to a friend: the shoes can be broken in. If you don’t know how to stretch your shoes, try popular and effective methods suggested by experienced fashionistas.

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The most effective ways

You can achieve results and make shoes proportionate to your feet using different methods.

Special pads

Wooden or plastic lasts do a good job of stretching shoes. Once purchased, the lasts will effectively serve to stretch your shoes for a long time.

Important! The result of using pads will be better if you simultaneously use a special spray for stretching shoes.

It is not difficult to stretch a leatherette product using pads. You need to apply the spray to the problem area of clean shoes and insert the pads. Stretching time - 60 min. It is not always possible to achieve the desired result the first time, although you will immediately notice that the shoes have stretched. Repeat the procedure several more times until you feel comfortable.

Cream and paste for wearing shoes

Special pastes or creams help to spread leatherette shoes. The general principle of this method: the product is applied to the place that needs to be spread from the inside. The applied composition is left on the shoes. After treatment, you need to put on your shoes and walk around the room for about 30 minutes. Specific advice on using the paste or cream is given in the instructions.

Important! When stretching leatherette, apply any products only to a clean surface! New shoes can be worn in immediately; worn ones must first be thoroughly cleaned and dried.

Using a hair dryer

To break in shoes, you can successfully use a hair dryer. Physics helps explain the use of a hair dryer: heating leads to an increase in the size of substances and materials. The hairdryer is used only after the shoes are put on.

Important! When using a hair dryer, put a thick sock made of cotton or wool yarn on your foot, and only then put on your shoes.

Without bringing the hair dryer close to the surface, direct hot air at it for 2 minutes to warm up the leatherette. Then you need to walk around in the shoes, remaining in them until the leatherette cools down.

And a few more unique ways

To distribute the product, you can use unexpected but effective ways.

Freezing

When water freezes and turns into ice, it tends to increase in volume. Due to this, the shoes will also stretch. There is no need to pour water directly into it. Fill the bags with liquid and close them securely. Bags of water are filled with shoes, then they are sent to the freezer. Keep in the freezer for at least 12 hours. This way you can increase your shoes by a whole size!

Rubbing

Another effective way is rubbing. For rubbing, use regular laundry soap or medical alcohol. Regardless of the substance chosen, the mode of action is the same. Rub the inner surface with dry soap or diluted alcohol, put on shoes, boots or shoes and wear them indoors for 1–2 hours.

Reference! You can use laundry soap diluted with water to a paste. Rub the resulting paste onto the inner surface and leave until dry. After washing off the dried paste, the shoes are worn until it becomes dry again.

Alternative methods for stretching boots

Leatherette shoes are particularly flexible. Therefore, stretching it is not as difficult as products made from other materials. So, there are several effective methods:

Use laundry soap. Artificial leather will quickly soften under the influence of such soap. So, you need to dilute the laundry soap until a paste-like foam forms. Apply this foam to the inner surface of the boots. Leave for a couple of hours, optimally 5-6. Then, using a sponge, remove the remaining soap from the boots, put socks and boots on your feet, and walk until the shoes are completely dry.
Apply a hair dryer. Warm up the boots using a hair dryer, put the heated shoes on your feet (with thick toes), and wear them for a while.
The newspaper method is also perfect for leatherette boots.
Use of alcohol and alcohol-containing products. Alcohol, as well as any alcohol-containing substances, can soften leatherette boots. Wet the inside of the boots with vodka or cologne, put them on your feet, and walk until they dry completely.

There are a couple of alternative methods for stretching shoes one size. For example:

You can organize a “steam room” for boots at home. To do this, you need to hold the boot over steam, for example, over a boiling kettle or pan of water. Quickly put steamed boots on your feet and walk around for a couple of hours.
Those who are especially risky can try lubricating their suede boots with hot vegetable oil. After this, put on the boots and leave them on for several hours.
Paraffin candles will help stretch your boots. To do this, you need to melt the wax, pour it into bags (as in the freezing method) and place it in your boots. Wait for it to harden.
If the backs or side walls of the boots are rubbing, you can treat them with laundry soap.
Another remedy is kerosene treatment for those who are not afraid of an unpleasant odor. The boots are generously moistened with kerosene and worn in for several hours.

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About methods of stretching other shoes - In the issue “Everything will be good”, experts talk about ways that will allow you to stretch boots: So, buying small boots is not a reason to be upset. Various ways of stretching boots can cope with this problem. The only thing worth considering is the material of the product and compatibility with one or another stretching method.

Breaking in shoes that are a little tight or chafing is a real challenge. If you urgently need to stretch women's shoes for a wedding or party, increase the width or length of shoes for a child, or adjust men's shoes, then you do not need to immediately turn to specialists. Everything can be done at home using available tools or equipment.

We have already identified several effective ways to stretch your shoes. If you prefer to work with sprays, it is important to follow a few guidelines. This will help you wear your shoes in without damaging them.

Among the advantages of sprays, we note that they effectively cope with the task and do not leave any marks on artificial leather. The product is sprayed from the inside onto the area that is rubbing the leg. When working, consider the following points:

The spray is an excellent tool for slightly stretching shoes. If you want to increase it by 1 or even 2 sizes, then, of course, he will not cope with this task.
Always shake the can well before applying the spray.
Spray only on problem areas.
We put on and stretch the shoes immediately after applying the product.

Don't forget about the simplest safety precautions. Wear protective gloves when handling aerosols. The room must be properly ventilated. Keep the product as far away from open flames as possible. Keep aerosols out of the hands of small children.

Above are methods for stretching shoes that are suitable for home use. This way you can make the shoes comfortable yourself. But you can always turn to experienced professionals for help. They have extensive experience in this field and have the necessary tools and materials available. In addition, the work performed is provided with a long-term guarantee.

When should you contact qualified specialists:

you need to seriously stretch your boots (a size or more);
you need to increase shoes made from delicate materials;
attempts to stretch shoes at home were unsuccessful.

In any case, a visit to a specialist is an almost 100% solution to the problem.

The spray is an excellent tool for slightly stretching shoes. If you want to increase it by 1 or even 2 sizes, then, of course, he will not cope with this task.
Always shake the can well before applying the spray.
Spray only on problem areas.
We put on and stretch the shoes immediately after applying the product.

In any case, a visit to a specialist is an almost 100% solution to the problem.

How to break in new leatherette shoes

To break in a new product, it is best to use special aerosol stretchers in the form of sprays or aerosols. They will easily cope with the problem and will not leave unwanted processing marks on the leatherette. The spray is applied to the area that rubs the foot, from the inside. Then they put on their shoes and wear them indoors for a couple of hours.

It is necessary to strictly follow the recommendations in order to stretch, but not damage the product.

Features of wearing faux leather shoes

To ensure that the procedures carried out do not damage leatherette shoes, the peculiarities of their stretching should be taken into account.

After using various products, you need to apply a special cream that will lubricate the surface.
Cooling or heating is not suitable for items made of varnished or thin materials.
If the shoe fits true to size, but its heel rubs your foot, there is no need to stretch the product completely. Simply rub the backdrop with dry laundry soap or a paraffin candle.

Rules for the use of sprays and aerosols for distribution

Modern aerosols and sprays are very effective in helping to break in tight shoes, subject to certain rules.

The spray is used for slight stretching. You won't be able to achieve an increase in size using a spray!
Shake the container vigorously before use.
Apply the composition only to problem areas.
Shoes are put on immediately after applying the spray.
When working with sprays or aerosols, you must strictly follow safety rules: work in a ventilated area with gloves, do not spray near fire, keep away from children.

Special stretchers

Shoe stores offer a wide range of stretchers. They are more versatile and safer than home remedies.

The spray or gel is applied to the inside of the shoes. Afterwards, the shoes are put on the foot until completely dry.

You can stuff your shoes with paper, just put it in a plastic bag: the product should be completely absorbed into the material.

If you have problem feet, it makes sense to purchase a special wooden last for stretching and storing shoes, which is used by shoemakers. With it you can increase your boots by a whole size in length.

When to contact a professional

You can often stretch tight shoes on your own. But you can entrust this procedure to specialists. Their experience and the availability of special materials will allow them to complete the job with a guarantee.

You should definitely contact a professional in the following cases:

it is necessary to stretch shoes made of delicate material;
you need to perform significant stretching (by a size or more);
Independent attempts to stretch the product did not yield results.

Proper care

Leatherette shoes will last a long time if treated with care and proper care. Faux leather does not require special handling.

Basic rules for caring for leatherette products:

timely cleaning and drying;
use a damp cloth and soap solution if you need to wash the product;
drying in natural conditions, without the use of heating devices;
applying special shoe cream or baby cream to the dried surface.

Softeners

There are many different products available to soften hard leather on shoes. The following can be distinguished:

A shoe workshop where specialists stretch shoes on special lasts and beat off hard spots with various devices.
Professional creams and sprays for shoe care. It is advisable to apply them immediately after purchasing shoes.
Folk remedies. This is something that can be found in a home medicine cabinet or in the kitchen. Let's look at the most effective softening methods at home.

Hot air and boiling water

The method is suitable for both new and old shoes. You need to take a hairdryer, turn on the hot air mode and point it at the area that needs to be softened. After that, put on your shoes and walk around in them for a while.

If boiling water is used, then pour it inside the boots. Then put on woolen socks and wear the shoes for half an hour.

Using the “boiling water” and hot air method is only permissible for genuine leather. Softening shoes made of artificial materials in this way is very risky.

Softening with glycerin

Glycerin is great for softening rough skin. Its main feature is that it is not aggressive and does not dry out the skin, although it is an alcohol compound. In addition, glycerin can be seen in many shoe care products, so it can be used to soften various hardenings on your favorite shoes.