Shoe stretchers: how to choose and use correctly?

It often happens that at sales we give in to emotions and buy something that is not quite suitable for us. Problems especially arise if the shoes do not fit on the foot, cause pain and chafe. But there is a way out. Shoe stretchers are special tools that allow you to slightly stretch the product so that it fits perfectly on your foot. You no longer have to endure terrible discomfort.

Before purchasing such a product, you must definitely clarify its properties, since different products are intended for use on different materials. Otherwise, you may only damage your shoes and your money will be wasted.

In some cases, specialized means for breaking shoes in width can damage the appearance of the model. If you are unsure of any of the methods below, it is recommended that you consult a professional. The workshops have all the necessary equipment that allows you to quickly resolve the issue.

What is shoe stretching?

Many people often face the problem that the shoes they like are too tight, but they don’t want to say goodbye to their favorite pair. Stretching products are designed specifically to eliminate such discomfort. There are various stretching methods, which depend on the type of impact on the material. They can be mechanical or chemical.

Previously, folk remedies were used for these purposes, which could harm the material. Now you can buy a regular stretching spray, which is sold in a specialty store. This makes it possible to stretch the shoe several sizes using a gentle approach.

What options are possible?

A variety of methods are used to stretch shoes at home. The most popular of them:

1. Processing using high concentration alcohol liquids. You can also use regular cologne. Typically, a large amount of liquid is applied to the inside of a pair of shoes. After this, you need to put the product on your feet in several pairs of socks. You need to wear it until the liquid dries completely. If necessary, the procedure is repeated. This method will allow the shoes to widen as much as possible.
2. Castor oil or Vaseline are effective stretching agents. The substance must be generously lubricated inside the shoes. After this, you need to wear the pair for several hours. Remove the mixture with water and dry the product thoroughly.
3. You can use boiling water. It is suitable exclusively for shoes made of genuine leather. The product is filled with liquid and then put on thin socks.
4. Vinegar is used to stretch individual areas.
5. To stretch your shoes, you can put wet newspapers inside. Wait for them to dry completely and check the result.

All means for stretching shoes made of genuine leather can be divided into several types: mechanical and chemical. Complex or single use is possible depending on the case.

Use special products only according to the instructions. If you do not follow the technology, you can cause damage to your shoes. Depending on the type of substance, it is applied to the internal or external surface. After this, you will need to wear the shoes for several hours intermittently.

Specialized shoe stretchers are characterized by the following advantages:

• you can easily choose an option designed for the desired material;
• no visible damage or external defects remain;
• Gently affects the skin without causing cracks or other damage.

Mechanical products are sold in specialized stores. Such devices are usually made of wood, metal or durable plastic. The main advantages of mechanical methods are:

• to enhance the effect of chemicals, mechanical devices will be an ideal option;
• some products are made with special holes, which allows you to adjust the shoes to the characteristics of a person’s foot;
• A shoe stretcher will help preserve the product in the off-season.

It is recommended to use several methods at once in combination, which will help quickly bring the shoes to normal condition.

Effective ways to spread leather shoes in length and width

Boots, shoes, ballet flats or boots can be independently and effectively stretched at home by 1 size. If a couple is small in the fingers or in the instep, you can use traditional stretching methods. They are suitable if you need to make small, new, tight or narrow shoes bigger.

Rice. 1 – Stretching shoes with wet socks

Army way

Wet cotton socks with water and wring them out. Place faux leather shoes that need stretching over wet socks and walk in them until the socks are dry. Then dry the shoes by filling them with paper balls. Under the influence of water, the leather stretches, and the shoes stop pressing, no matter how much you wear them. In the army, men use a more severe method of breaking in boots - they stand in the shower with their shoes on. If you are ready for such a radical method, you can use it at home.

Freezing

To stretch your shoes wider, you can use ice. Take a couple of strong plastic bags, fill them with water and place them inside your boots. Place in the freezer or refrigerator. Refrigerate for 6-8 hours until the water becomes frozen. Then take out your shoes, let the ice melt and take out the bags. If the material does not stretch enough after the first freeze, repeat the process.

Hair dryer for leather substitute

Using this device you can wear leatherette shoes. To do this, put on socks and shoes over them, and squeeze your feet, as if stretching the material from the inside. Blow on areas where shoes feel tight. Do not use the appliance too close or direct hot air at the seams. After walking around in your shoes, so that they cool down, properly lubricate them with a proven cream that you use regularly.

Hot way

Quickly dip the shoes in boiling water, put socks on the heels and walk until the pair cools down. You can repeat the process 2-3 times, but no more - otherwise the effect may be the opposite of what was expected.

Rice. 2 - Dip shoes in boiling water

Alcohol

Saturate the surface of new shoes with it or vodka in a 1:1 concentration. Put on socks and walk for an hour, this will help stretch the material. To eliminate the strong smell of alcohol, use a soap solution or thoroughly air dry your shoes. Then lubricate the shoes with Vaseline, especially in the elastic area, if there is one. Alcohol can be replaced with a window or mirror cleaner (make sure it contains alcohol) or cologne. If a colored winter pair with fur or felt needs stretching, carefully test the effect of alcohol on a small area so as not to damage the color and structure.

Oils

They can be used to stretch shoes made of natural or artificial leather, but cannot be applied to cloth shoes. The method is effective using any vegetable or castor oil. Remove the insoles from the shoes, lubricate the pressing areas inside and outside with oil, and wipe off the excess. Put on thick socks and shoes and walk around in them. Due to oils, the skin can stretch and take the shape of the foot.

Traditional methods

Simple home remedies can also increase your shoe size. Soak your boots in vinegar and put them on your feet along with socks, this will help the leather become more elastic. To stretch thin leather or suede material, use beer - soak your shoes in it, put on your socks and leave for a couple of hours. The smell after the product is eliminated by airing or treating with soap and water after the shoes have been expanded.

Cowboy way

This technique for stretching shoes at home came to us from the Wild West. Fill the shoes with grains, pour in water and leave overnight. After swelling, the croup will stretch shoes made of velor or other material. In the morning, pour out the filler, wipe the inside of sports shoes or any other shoes and wear them until dry. The method is not applicable to shoes with dermantine lining.

Rice. 3 – Cowboy method of stretching shoes

Modern chemistry

In stores you can find any means for stretching the skin - from foams and sprays to aerosols. How to use them is written in the instructions. It is really better to stretch the leather on wedding stilettos and boots that are too small in the calves with sprays or foams - all other methods can damage it, and the shoes can become shrunk.

Mechanical stretch

There are special stretchers for shoes on sale - made of wood or satin plastic. The block is equipped with a mechanism that helps to expand it through the use of mechanical force. The complex includes a spray and pads that provide skin stretching. The method is good for breaking in children's football polyurethane shoes or any other shoes for a child.

Professional approach

If you can’t stretch women’s polyurethane shoes, seek professional help. For each type of shoe, experts select the best ways to make it looser. For example, they can soften too thick material in the toe of a shoe. In a shoe workshop, mechanical stretching, spray, special devices, and electric heating are used.

Newspaper method

For leatherette or tarpaulin boots, it is permissible to use stretching using newspaper. Cut sheets of paper into pieces, stuff them into shoes and pour in water. The wet newspaper will swell and tightly fill the inside of the shoes. Dry shoes with wet paper lumps away from the radiator.

Rice. 4 - Using wet newspapers for shoes

Alcohol

To stretch textile shoes, you can lubricate them with vodka. Treat the material, wipe well, put on thick socks and wear. Then wipe with soapy water and ventilate well to reduce the strong odor.

Sprays and impregnations

Use this product to mechanically stretch the width of nubuck shoes - if the shoes press only a little, but you need to put them on urgently. Apply the liquid to the shoes and leave the product on for a few minutes, repeat applying two layers. When using a spray to stretch shoes with your own hands, follow the safety precautions:

• do not inhale chemical fumes;
• there is no need to heat the product for it to work faster;
• Do not spray drugs near an open fire, even a little bit.

On natural chrome leather or fabric lining of rubber shoes, the spray does not always provide the desired result; the shoes may become less flexible. Therefore, it is better to stretch such shoes after washing.

Moisturizing with a towel

Moisten a soft cloth with water, apply it to the tight areas and hold for a few minutes. Then put on your shoes and socks and walk on the floor in them for half an hour. In this way, you can stretch smaller shoes by 2 sizes without losing quality. The leather on the front of the ballroom dancing shoes will stretch and mold to the shape of the feet of the boy or girl who will be wearing the shoes. This way you can also soften PVC products.

Rice. 5 – Stretching shoes with a wet towel

Using a special stretcher (wooden block)

The stretching device is inserted inside the shoe, and after stretching, the pair is put on and worn. The method can also be used to break in dance shoes. A plastic (silicone rock) block is cheaper, but wood is better. It absorbs liquid, destroys unpleasant odors and will not allow them to return later. These lasts are characterized by increased volume, completely fill the shoe and help get rid of dried out areas in the crease area.

Vinegar or kerosene

Rub them on the inside of pointed-toe shoes - these products will make the skin in the nose very soft. Use 3% vinegar. After treatment, walk around in a pair of shoes so that a small shoe takes the desired shape in the foot, toe, or tight boots stretch at the ankle. Do not use the product on shoes made of python or dense, thick or pressed leather.

Laundry soap

Use it when you need to stretch artificial leather. Rub the inside of the shoes with soap, after 5-6 hours, wash off the residue with a sponge, put on socks and walk in the shoes until dry. The method is not used for felt or fur fabric, shoes that are small in fullness in the toe area.

Groats

This method is suitable for stretching the narrow top of autumn rubber or leather boots. Place a plastic bag with cereal inside and fill it with hot water. After swelling, the grain will perfectly stretch narrow spots in the lower leg, sock, or foot in a few hours.

Socks and warm air

Rice. 6 – Stretching shoes using a hair dryer and socks

A good way to stretch non-leather textile shoes. Wear warm socks and shoes and warm with a hairdryer. Without removing, cool the pair, walk around a little more and remove. Repeat if stretching fails.

Mechanical method for stretching shoes

Mechanical devices are offered in specialized markets. It looks like a last, the size of which must be adjusted to the shoe using an adjuster. Made from plastic, wood or metal, which guarantees the required level of strength. There are also special holes that allow you to adjust the shoes to your feet.

Women's shoes

Shoe stretchers are manufactured that are intended for both women's and men's shoes. The most popular product is from the manufacturer Avel. It is characterized by the following features:

• makes it possible to stretch the product to the width of the foot;
• simple control and adjustment of the required values;
• high quality workmanship;
• there are inserts in particularly difficult areas - for example, in the little finger area;
• used as an independent remedy or in combination with others.

The Nico model is also used for stretching:

• made of metal, which provides the required level of structural rigidity;
• allows you to adjust the size taking into account the structural features of each person’s foot;
• The set includes several additional inserts that allow you to expand the shoes by several sizes.

The plastic model ES is one of the affordable and convenient means for stretching shoes:

• Suitable for all sizes of women's feet;
• allows you to stretch both in length and width;
• It is highly resistant because it is made of aluminum.

Features of stretching boots

For boots you need to use special stretchers. These shoes require special attention. The optimal models will be presented below.

One of the popular options for stretching shoes at home is Avel:

• most often used for men's shoe models;
• made of high-quality metal, which ensures high strength;
• There are inserts that allow you to adjust the size of the product in accordance with the anatomical shape of the human leg.

Another option is SL, which is characterized by the following features:

• stretches boots wide;
• does not deform the product;
• adjusts boots to the shape of the foot;
• intended for both men and women.

Men's footwear

Men also face the problem of uncomfortable shoes. You should pay attention to the Collonil Classic shoe stretcher. It is characterized by the following features:

• allows you to increase your shoes by several sizes;
• maintains the shape of the leg;
• There are special regulators for measuring parameters.

There is another model – Nico, which has the following advantages:

• there are several different attachments that help you choose different modes;
• allows you to adjust the shape depending on the characteristics of the foot;
• characterized by reliability and durability.

What is a shoe stretcher

A stretcher means a special product produced in the form of:

• gel;
• foam;
• spray.

It is not possible to adjust the size using a chemical preparation for every pair of shoes!

What kind of shoes is the spray suitable for?

You can try to adjust the size of products made from genuine leather, suede or eco-leather . Leatherette of medium and low quality will be hopelessly damaged from such experiments.

By the way, “folk remedies” like pouring vodka or boiling water into shoes will not help either. Or stuffing it with newspapers and putting it in the refrigerator with bubbles of water.

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How does the spray work?

The miraculous properties of the stretcher are due to its composition. It contains special substances: alcohols and propellants . They soften the material and, using microbubbles, penetrate deep into its structure.

Once soft and flexible, the leather molds to the foot, stretching into tight spaces while still maintaining its softness. Thanks to the fragrance, the product also has a deodorizing effect.

However, the limitations of the stretcher's capabilities are obvious: its main task is to increase the width of the space . In length, the maximum of its capabilities is limited to half the size.

There is also a danger of ruining the appearance of shoes or boots! The color may change or become blurry and mottled. Light skin is especially vulnerable.

All products need testing, and stretch foam is no exception. An inconspicuous area (the inner side of the tongue, the edge near the sole) is suitable for the experiment.

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Spray use

Many people often use sprays, as it is a more convenient means of stretching shoes. They are sold in specialized stores and are inexpensive. One popular option is Pregrada. Characterized by the following features:

• used for suede and genuine leather;
• suitable for artificial fabrics;
• makes materials more elastic and flexible compared to other products;
• acts on places in the area of ​​​​the socks, which allows you to get rid of the pressing sensation in the fingers;
• It is cheap and economical.

Many users o. It is characterized by universal properties that allow you to stretch different shoes:

• intended for uncomfortable shoe models;
• suitable for different types of materials;
• does not leave any streaks or other marks.

Features of working with different materials

Shoes made of suede, leatherette and patent leather are stretched similarly to leather ones. Many methods are repeated, but they also have their own characteristics.

Suede

Suitable for suede shoes:

• Wet processing. Pour warm water into your shoes, put on thick socks and wear until dry.
• Boiling water.
• Alcohol.
• Wet newspapers.

Leatherette

Leatherette is not as durable as real leather, so stretch these shoes carefully. Softening methods:

• Cream or Vaseline. Lubricate the inside of the shoes with cream or Vaseline and leave for 2-3 hours until the product is absorbed. Then put on thick socks and break in your shoes.
• Laundry soap. Grate the soap and dilute it in warm water to make a soap paste. Apply to the tight areas of your shoes and leave for 6-8 hours until the shoes are dry. Then rinse thoroughly.
• Wet newspapers.
• Hair dryer.
• Groats.

Patent leather shoes

If patent leather shoes begin to deform during stretching, stop the procedure. To stretch this type of shoe, use:

• alcohol;
• oil;
• vinegar;
• boiling water;
• wet towel.

Foam Application

You can use foam to stretch your shoes. Such funds are spent less and are economical. Among the popular products are Silver:

• copes with bottlenecks in a short time;
• differs in efficiency;
• suitable for any materials;
• does not leave streaks on the surface.

Among the inexpensive means for stretching shoes are Twist Casual:

• restores the natural structure of shoes;
• has a gentle effect on the surface;
• helps reduce pressure in the toe area;
• the product becomes more elastic.

How to use a shoe stretcher correctly?

Any product is accompanied by instructions, and the success of the business depends on the compliance of the actions with its main points.

The procedure looks like this:

• Shake the can and spray the product onto problem areas. Both external and internal surfaces are processed.
• We wait a couple of minutes until the foam settles and is slightly absorbed.
• Let's begin the stretching procedure.

There are two possible ways: wear it directly on the foot or using special pads (wooden, plastic or aluminum).

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First way to stretch

The good thing is that the shoes will fit exactly to your feet. However, you will have to spend half an hour in discomfort. Having put on your shoes (preferably with as thick a sock as possible), you need to walk until you feel that the shoes become looser.

How to purchase the right shoe stretcher?

The problem with uncomfortable shoes can arise at any time, so the remedy should always be at hand. You must decide for yourself what is more convenient to use. Mechanical and chemical stretching are characterized by their advantages and disadvantages. Follow these tips when choosing the right product:

1. It is almost impossible to stretch shoes in length. Any means is aimed at expanding the product. You will not be able to stretch leather shoes at home if the pair is too small for you.
2. Expensive models are better classified as masters. At home, it is not recommended to use too rough methods, as you can damage high-quality shoes.
3. You should first try the product on a small area to see if it leaves streaks.
4. To prevent shoes from cracking, after stretching they must be treated with cream.

How to stretch faux leather shoes

Eco-leather, like any artificial material, is practically not stretchable. For example, patent eco-leather does not stretch at all, and artificial suede tears or becomes lumpy. With other materials there is no guarantee, but you can try.

1. Determine the tightest areas of the shoe.
2. Heat them with a hairdryer or over an electric stove. Heated areas should be very warm, but not hot.
3. Put on your shoes and walk around until they cool down.
4. Repeat heating and spreading as necessary.

It makes no sense to wear eco-leather shoes in wet socks, freeze them in the freezer, or even stretch them in lasts. A layer of polyurethane applied to a cotton or polyester base reacts only to heat. Therefore, if the warming-up and breaking-in cycle did not help, don’t waste time and don’t torture your feet - buy a new pair. To size.