A similar situation has probably happened to everyone: you come to the store for a new pair of shoes, review half of the assortment, and when the long-awaited favorite model flashed before your eyes, you quickly try it on, happily take the purchase and leave home. And in the morning, deciding to try on a new thing in a calm atmosphere, you realize with horror that it is a little small, your leg is cramped or stiff, and you feel discomfort when walking.

And then we grab our heads and think what to do? Run to the store to change a pair for a larger size? If the store is nearby, there are no problems, but if it is on the other side of the city or the new thing was ordered via the Internet? There is no need to despair, as there is a way out - you can stretch the shoes at home, resorting to simple methods, so that in the end it "sat on the leg."

How to stretch new shoes?

Especially for you, we have selected several life hacks on how to stretch tight shoes at home and have compiled instructions that will help you solve the problem with shoes that are not in size for you.

Give a tight pair to a shoe shop

Yes, yes, this is a fairly simple way to solve the problem of tight shoes - to contact the nearest shoe shop, but you will have to pay for it. Many shoe shops offer a service for stretching shoes - using special expanding shoes, tight shoes are stretched to the required size.

This method is especially effective if you need to expand narrow tops of genuine leather boots. The disadvantage of this method is the cost, not always the convenient location of the shoemaker's shop.

Shoe Stretching Spray

To stretch boots or shoes at home, you can go to a shoe store and buy specialized foams or sprays there that are designed just for stretching. For example, such means as Kiwi, Duke Of Dubbin, Silver, Twist, Oke, Salamander, Salton have rightfully won good fame. These products will help make shoes softer in places where the foot is pressed, and they are especially effective for shoes made of genuine leather. The stretching procedure is simple: we apply foam or spray to the pressing areas both from the inside and outside, we wet the skin well, put on shoes on thick socks made of wool or terry. Now we walk around the apartment in new shoes for an hour and a half before the product dries up. If you have shoes made of patent leather or natural suede, then the product must be applied only from the inside. If it was not possible to achieve the desired effect the first time, repeat the procedure a couple of times until the wear is comfortable. But what if you do not have the funds to buy special products and for a shoe shop? Feel free to move on to the next paragraphs, where the secrets of absolutely free ways to stretch shoes are revealed. Moreover, many generations have tried them on themselves, and the result was excellent.

Alcohol for stretching leather shoes

The most effective popular way to stretch uncomfortable shoes at home without money is to use alcohol, which almost everyone has in their medicine cabinet. It is able to quickly stretch the skin. Alcohol is diluted with water in a 1: 1 ratio, but if it is not there, then you can safely use vodka or cologne. These means you need to soak the shoes inside and out, then put on thick socks and walk around the apartment for a couple of hours.

You can spray your shoes generously with a spray bottle or use cotton pads. When using this method, one must be careful if the shoes are colored, since the paint can smear or wear off from solutions that contain alcohol. Therefore, before the procedure, moisten a cotton pad with vodka and lightly rub the shoes in an inconspicuous place - if the cotton wool disc is stained, then this method does not suit you.

Vinegar, petroleum jelly and other improvised means for stretching shoes

You can use a 3% vinegar solution to expand your shoes, and for this you need to treat the inside of the shoes or boots. If your toes are crushing your shoes, then this method is for you, as the vinegar will stretch the shoes and make them softer. But for processing the outer part of the shoe, it is better to use another tool. This method has one drawback - the pungent smell of vinegar. Although, it tends to evaporate quickly.

If the shoes after the winter have become hard and “caked”, then petroleum jelly, castor or sunflower oil, which for many generations are famous for their skin softening properties, will be your salvation. This method can be used on both artificial and natural leather shoes. Oil your shoes and walk around in them before they feel soft.

If you have a paraffin candle at home, then it is also suitable for solving the problem. This method is especially effective if the shoes rub in separate places. You need to use a candle without dyes so as not to leave stains. You need to rub the inside of your shoes and let them lie down for 12 hours. Rub overnight to remove paraffin and put on in the morning. If the problem is in the rubbing heel, then the first thing to do is wipe it with alcohol or vodka, then put on socks and walk around the apartment until the alcohol dries. Now you can safely rub the backdrop with a paraffin candle.

Stretching shoes with newspapers

Many people use ordinary newspapers to stretch their shoes, which are always available at home. Newspapers soaked in water are able to stretch demi-season shoes made from leather substitutes, for which water is not afraid. Wet newspapers will also cope with rubber and cloth shoes. To do this, we soak the shoes well with water and stuff them tightly with newspapers and leave them to dry completely. Newspapers need to be replaced after three to four hours to avoid deforming the shoe. Finish when the shoes are dry. Do not under any circumstances speed up the drying process, as it is very important here that the shoes dry naturally, away from batteries and sunlight. You don't need to dry your shoes on the battery either.

Steam your shoes to stretch

The above method can be made even more productive. For the method to work several times more efficiently, you must first steam the shoes. For these purposes, a pot or kettle is suitable, and after boiling water, we set the shoes so that the steam processes the shoes from the inside. Then the newspapers should be moistened with alcohol or hot water and stuffed tightly inside the shoes. Keep in mind that not all shoes are able to “survive” such radical stretching methods. And if you've spent a lot of money on shoes, then don't risk taking advantage of the high temperatures. Choose more delicate methods to avoid throwing expensive boots or shoes in the trash can.

Stretch shoes with ice packs

Few people know that shoes can be stretched using low temperatures, so if it's freezing outside the window, you can use the balcony. And if you live in a region with a warm climate, then a regular freezer will do. We take a plastic bag, place it inside the boots or boots, pour water and put the "structure" on the frost overnight. It is better to take two bags for each boot, moreover, the bag must be tied at the bottom, and the top must be left open.

What is the secret of this method? Firstly, the water, distributed over the bag, must fill the shoes tightly, starting from the heel and ending with the toe. When the water slowly freezes in the bags, expansion occurs and the shoes stretch accordingly. It is better to do this procedure at night, and in the morning you just need to bring your shoes from the balcony into the room or take them out of the freezer, wait until the ice starts to melt a little in order to effortlessly get the bags out of it. If the shoe is still a little tight, the procedure can be repeated. We do not recommend using this method for expensive models. Remember an important point: this method is completely unsuitable for summer and demi-season shoes, since they are not designed for low temperatures. And in the morning, stretched shoes with cracks in the soles may be waiting for you.

Stretch the shoes with a home hairdryer

Heat treatment will also help stretch the shoes at home. To do this, use a regular hair dryer, directing a hot stream of air inside the shoe, "warming up" each for a couple of minutes. After that, you need to lubricate the cavity inside with alcohol, vinegar or vodka, as we said above, and put your shoes on a woolen sock. Walk in it until it cools completely and repeat the procedure until you feel comfortable walking in it.

Using these simple and accessible methods for everyone, you can easily stretch tight shoes right at home and enjoy every step.

It often happens - you order shoes in an online store or buy at a vintage bazaar, and she squeezes a little. And if you start to wear new work boots, then the pain and in general will have to endure for several weeks. Before you put your shoes on the shelf with sadness in your eyes or start tormenting your feet, we recommend trying to stretch them yourself. FURFUR offers several options for softening shoes and talks about all the pitfalls.

1 Army way

Perhaps the simplest, but oddly enough, quite effective way. Thick cotton socks should be soaked in warm water, wrung out thoroughly so that they are damp but not dripping, and wear shoes that require stretching. Walk in it until the socks dry or until you get bored. After that, stick a newspaper into your shoes to absorb the moisture. Extreme version: take a shower in boots (in fact, this, of course, is not recommended - you risk ditching. But, according to rumors, this was once practiced in the US Army).

2 Chemical method

A good shoe store can buy a shoe stretcher. This is usually a foaming spray that needs to be sprayed from the inside to the desired location. After that, you definitely need to walk in shoes. In principle, this is similar to the military method, it is just that the chemicals soften the skin more effectively. But this comes at a price: leather can change color, especially on light-colored shoes, so it is best to carefully test the product on an inconspicuous place (for example, on the edge of the tongue). Alternatively, you can rub your shoes with rubbing alcohol instead of stretching. In the USSR, for example, cologne was often used for this.

3 Icy way It sounds pretty crazy, but it works effectively. You need to put a plastic bag with water in your shoes and put them in the freezer. The water will freeze and turn into ice, expand and stretch the shoes. The main thing is to take a responsible approach to the task: choose a bag without holes, tie it carefully, and it is better to put it in another bag later. We recommend that you wash the shoes themselves first - in the end, they will lie next to your dumplings. Do not force the ice pack out - let the water melt.

4 Prof. way If you are too lazy to mess around, the shoes can be referred to a specialist. Most good shoe repair shops provide a stretching service. As a rule, this works quite effectively - the shoes are put on heated metal shoes and gradually stretched. The catch is that the shoemaker can overdo it, and the boots will bubble up or the seam opens. And the masters usually do not bear financial responsibility.

5 Mechanical method

Shoe stretchers are available from a shoe store or eBay. They are similar to regular wooden blocks, but with a screw mechanism for force expansion. Often they come with small convex stickers, which can be used to point-adjust the pressing places. The pads can be replaced with densely packed newspapers, but it is important not to deform the shoes - this is too easy to do if you shove in too large a wad of newspapers.

8 Cowboy way

It is difficult to imagine that someone really uses this, but nevertheless there are legends that this is how cowboys stretched their boots. Pour bran or oats into the shoes to the top and pour plenty of water. The groats will absorb water, swell and stretch the shoes. We definitely don't recommend this for lined shoes. And generally not recommended unless you are a cowboy.

The first thing to understand once and for all: the shoe cannot be stretched in length. The shoe only stretches in width. If the fingers rest against the sock, then the point is the seams. Do not waste time on this pair, it is better to immediately return to the store or.

All of the above methods are best for natural leather shoes. Synthetic materials stretch much worse. And some of the methods - say, hot air - will not have any effect on leatherette or nylon at all.

If you're stretching Red Wing or Dr. Martens, then there is nothing to be afraid of. But with expensive shoes made of thin leather, you should be careful. Delicate shoes should not be subjected to forceful methods such as freezing.

After stretch marks, the skin loses its natural fats and becomes more brittle, therefore, after the procedures, it is imperative to treat the shoes with conditioner or cream. This is especially important after warming up with a hairdryer.

Don't rush to stretch your shoes in hard ways. Maybe you just have to be patient a little more, walk in it, and everything will pass by itself.

01/05/2017 2 51 330 views

We bought the last pair of shoes, but it turned out to be small and now the question arose before you: how to carry shoes that are small at home? There is a solution to this problem, and the choice of the optimal method depends on the material from which the product is made.

But first, you need to figure out what kind of shoe lends itself to wearing.

What kind of shoes can you wear?

Products made of genuine leather usually lend themselves well to wearing and can increase by size, suede can react in a completely different way, so the process must be very careful, you should not rush in this situation. But shoes made of artificial leather are rarely stretched, because the material from which they are made is usually very tough.

A product made of natural material can be both lengthened and extended.

Folk remedies?

People always encounter the problem of tight or narrow shoes, someone ordered a model on the Internet and decided to leave it, someone really liked the model, and he could not help but buy it. To make wearing shoes comfortable, they try to bring it to the ideal, in this case, expand it and this can be done if you use some folk secrets.

Newspapers

The fact that in order to increase new shoes by one size, you can use newspapers, perhaps, many people know. This process is quite simple, for its implementation it is necessary:

1. A large number of newspapers need to be moistened in plain water, torn into small pieces and put inside the shoes, and it is important to push as much paper as possible into there.
2. The shoes with newspapers are left on for several days until the scraps of paper are completely dry.

Using this uncomplicated method, you can get shoes or boots one size larger, but it is important to understand that, most likely, they will become wider.

Under no circumstances should an artificial heat source, such as a battery, be used to dry the product. Exposure to warm air will cause the skin to become significantly rougher and lose its texture.

Alcohol

If the question arose that leather shoes need to be stretched, then you can resort to using ordinary medical alcohol, which, if necessary, can be replaced with vodka. This method allows you to increase it by one or even two sizes without harm to the product. It is important to remember that this method is absolutely not suitable for shoes made of suede, nobuk, artificial leather, and if it has a varnished or fabric coating.

1. A genuine leather product is abundantly moistened with alcohol or vodka from the inside.
2. You need shoes, shoes or boots and walk in them until the alcohol wears out and is absorbed, after which the procedure should be repeated.

It can take a few days to stretch a shoe this way, so be patient.

If there is no alcohol or vodka in the house, then you can use 3% vinegar, it will have a similar effect on shoes.

Bags, water and freezer

When time is limited, and there is simply no strength to endure pain, you can remember another way to stretch shoes, it will be the most humane, however, it will give an excellent result.

1. To carry it out, you need two plastic bags and a freezer.
2. They put bags in the shoes, pour water there and tie them tightly so that if suddenly the water does not leak out.
3. They put it in the freezer and wait until the water turns into ice. As soon as the liquid changes its state to solid, it will begin to press on the shoe from the inside, this will cause the product to become wider and slightly longer.

Since this method of stretching is quite difficult to control and you can only rely on the will of the case, you should not use it when it comes to summer shoes made of thin leather, you should not use it when it comes to winter shoes.

Hair dryer

Currently, the hair dryer is used not only for its intended purpose, you simply cannot do without its help if you decide to stretch your shoes. The procedure is quite simple, but it takes patience and possibly discomfort in the fingers.

1. The thickest sock is put on the leg, or several thin ones.
2. Shoe shoes, you may have to work hard to wedge your foot.
3. The hair dryer is turned on in a hot mode and with the help of it they begin to heat the surface of the product.

After a few minutes, the hairdryer is turned off and the material is waiting for the material to cool without pulling out the leg. As soon as the skin has cooled down, the procedure is repeated.

After "hot" stretching, the shoes must be lubricated with a special conditioner so that they do not become coarse. You cannot use a hair dryer to increase the size of a suede product.

Corn

You can quickly increase the size of your shoes using grain and it's quite simple:

1. Grain is poured inside the product, which is watered with a sufficient amount of water and left for one night.
2. During this time, the grain in the shoe will swell and begin to press on the material from the inside, stretching it.
3. The contents are removed and the product must be shoes and worn until it is completely dry.

This stretching method is quite simple, but it is important to take into account the fact that not all material is able to “survive” such interaction with water.

Special remedy

If you don't want to experiment at all and look for the "grandmother's" method of stretching shoes, then you can contact a specialized store, where you will find a tool that is perfect for your material.

Professional stretchers can be sold in the form of sprays, foams or creams, which one you prefer is your personal choice.

To stretch shoes using a special tool, you must:

1. Spray the product in the place where you want to increase.
2. Shoe and walk for a few minutes, you can even wear thicker socks.

In just a few minutes, the result will be noticeable, besides, these funds are excellent not only for natural leather or suede, but also for artificial. At the same time, you do not have to worry that stains or marks will remain on the shoes, in the store you can buy either a transparent spray, or the color that suits you.

Products designed to stretch shoes should not be used thoughtlessly. Often, their application can cause the leather or leatherette to lose their original structure and appearance.

Video: how to carry shoes at home?

In order not to collide with shoes that are pressing on you, it is very important to choose them correctly, especially if you like to shop in online stores:

1. You need to buy shoes based not on your usual size, but on the length of your feet. Place a ruler on the floor and place your foot so that your heel is at zero and look at the scale. It is important to remember that most people have legs of different sizes, consider this feature when buying.
2. If you buy shoes from a regular store, tell the seller your size. In our country, they use European standards, so a professional will easily pick up a suitable pair of shoes.
3. Be sure to consider what this or that pair of shoes is made of. You should not buy a product "for growth" or hope that it is easily carried over time. Walking in shoes that are large is quite uncomfortable, and there is a risk of blisters, but wearing shoes that are small is even worse. Constant discomfort, and as a result, pain in the foot and calluses both on the fingers and on the heels.
4. If you buy high-heeled shoes, then before you pay for them, go to the store, check whether you are comfortable, whether your foot fits well and whether there is a tightness in the nose area.
5. Try to shop during the daytime when your legs are still swollen throughout the day. Buying shoes in the evening, you can find out the next day that they are too big for you.

A few more ways to help cope with the problem of pressing shoes:

Leather shoes can be stretched by lubricating them with vegetable oil or petroleum jelly, this must be done both from the outside and from the inside. After that, be sure to wipe your shoes with a dry towel.

If the shoes press in the heel, then the bulk of the mass must be applied to this particular area. Instead of vegetable, you can use castor oil, but you need to be extremely careful with it, as it can ruin the color of the product.

Here are some tips to help you avoid blisters and other troubles if your new shoes are too tight:

• after the purchase, do not rush to put on your shoes and go out in them for a walk, it is better to first try to walk in them at home, it is better if you do this for several days;
• shoes made of genuine leather are much easier to stretch, so almost any means and methods can be used to correct the size of such a product;
• before the first time shoes, new shoes, glue the most vulnerable places, that is, those where calluses most often occur;
• in order to prevent the appearance of calluses in advance, moisten the backdrop with soapy water, alcohol or petroleum jelly and let dry - the skin will become much softer;

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Practical and comfortable. If the couple squeezes slightly, you can stretch the shoes made of artificial or natural leather at home. It is worth emphasizing that the processing methods are different and what can be applied to natural shoes can ruin the leatherette. Take a close look at the pair and let's get started.

Ways to stretch genuine leather shoes

One way or another, they are all associated with water and temperature exposure:

Soak socks in warm water, put a plastic bag on your leg, a sock on top, then shoes and wear for at least 20 minutes.

Quickly dip the shoes in boiling water, put on cotton socks and wear until they cool.

It is good to treat the inside with alcohol, vodka or triple cologne, put on a sock and walk until dry.

Fill with wet, well-wrung newspapers. Leave overnight, repeat as necessary. This is a good way to stretch wide.

Put a bag inside the shoe, fill it with water and put it in the freezer until morning. Remove, keep at room temperature until thawed and dry. Repeat if necessary.

Treat with a special spray, gently pull the shoes with your hands and wear them at home for at least half an hour.

If you need to stretch the skin to size, it is better to go to the workshop, at home you can tear the seams.

How to stretch leatherette shoes

Leatherette shoes do not have such elasticity as natural ones, since the material has a woven base. If it is too small for you, you need to be extremely careful not to tear the seams and the material itself.

You can stretch leatherette shoes like this:

the "wet newspaper" method described above;

heating the steam with a hair dryer and wearing it until it cools down;

rubbing with paraffin before going out;

shoeing on a toe, having previously treated it well with alcohol.

Choose a pair carefully. If you are already uncomfortable in the store, but you are ready for anything to buy this particular pair (it matches the color, ultra-fashionable), correlate the cost and the possible consequences. If you can't stretch, you're wasting your money. Shoes after "wet" stretching and mechanical stress are not subject to exchange and return.

Have you bought amazing shoes and they rub or squeeze your feet? Do not despair, try to fit them in size with the help of available tools. Read on to learn how to stretch natural and man-made shoes.

How to stretch faux leather shoes

Leather substitute is a stubborn material, it can crack, peel off or lose color from manipulation. But even such shoes will increase if you know the secrets. Learn how to stretch leatherette shoes. Proceed like this:

1. Fill the steam with damp paper. Let it dry at room temperature or on the balcony.
2. Pour peas or beans into tight bags, fill them with water, place in shoes and leave overnight. The legumes will swell and stretch the shoes.
3. Lubricate the inside of the shoes with petroleum jelly or greasy cream. After 15 minutes, wear for 3-4 hours.
4. If your shoes are tight in your socks, put peeled potatoes in there for 4-5 hours.

Be careful not to warp your shoes when filling them with something. You may have to repeat the manipulations several times to achieve the result. Remember: shoes made from synthetic materials must not be heated.

How to stretch leather and suede shoes

Leather and suede are natural, elastic materials. They grow easily, often without additional funds.

Not sure how to stretch your new shoes? If, after a few walks, the leather shoes are still small, do some simple manipulations, namely:

1. Moisten the inside of the leather or suede with vodka. Put on your socks, then your shoes, and walk as long as possible.
2. Pour boiling water inside the shoe, pour it out after 5 seconds, and when the steam cools down, soak up the moisture as much as possible with napkins. Then wear it for a few hours. To prevent seams from coming apart, fill plastic bags that were previously inserted into your shoes with hot liquid.
3. For suede or leather shoes, use the above wet paper or potato methods.
4. Place the bag filled with water in your shoes and put the steam in the freezer. The liquid is known to expand and stretch the shoes when frozen.

Do not overdo it! Leather or suede can be stretched so much that the shoe becomes too large.

How to stretch patent leather shoes?

Not sure how to spread your varnished shoes to avoid cracking? And this case is not hopeless. Here are the secrets on how to stretch patent leather shoes:

1. Saturate the inside of the shoe with a mixture of alcohol and water (2: 1). Wear your shoes for 3 hours. Protect the varnish from alcohol!
2. Lubricate the inside of the shoes with petroleum jelly or greasy cream. Wear for about 4 hours or insert the block overnight.
3. Lubricate the inside of the shoe with Vaseline, then warm it up with a hair dryer using a thin nozzle. Hot air must not get onto the varnish. Put on your socks and shoes and walk for 2-4 hours.

The patent leather shoes will not expand a full size, but will stretch a little in width. The shiny surface is vulnerable, so proceed carefully.

To stretch your favorite shoes, use the available tools and put in a little effort. Take good care of your shoes, dry after handling.