Have you recently bought your favorite pair of shoes and realized that they are a bit tight or don’t fit perfectly? If yes, you have come to the right page, as we have the solution for it!
To make your shoes fit perfectly on your feet, you just have to stretch them. There’s a step-by-step technique to do so that we will be discussing in this article with you.
It could be a bit overwhelming to do that. However, you will have to put in a lot of consistency and patience to achieve good results. In this article, we will be telling you 9 different methods to stretch your sneakers into your perfect fit.
Let’s take a peek!
Different Ways to Stretch Shoes for Wide Feet
Here’s a list of various different methods that will help you stretch your shoes for wide feet.
The Basic Method
One of the most common and easiest ways to stretch your sneakers is to wear them around the house every day.
If you do this, you will have to make sure that you keep stretching your feet throughout the process.
With this method, your sneakers will stretch in length and width with consistent practice and patience. If trying to stretch your sneaker this way does not work for you, do not hesitate to opt for other options.
Using A Shoe Stretcher
A shoe stretcher is a perfect tool to stretch your sneakers until you feel comfortable. You can purchase one online or from a store. Here’s how you can do it:
First, make sure that you expand your sneakers in such a way that they fit perfectly into the stretcher.
- The next step is to stick the shoe stretcher into your sneakers.
- Next, turn the adjustment knob to stretch the sneaker.
- Repeat the procedure until you get your desired size, or leave the stretcher in for 12 to 24 hours.
Using Ice to Widen Your Sneakers
Ice is not only a quicker option to stretch sneakers, but it is also a good way to avoid blisters. Here’s how you can do it:
- Fill 2 medium size plastic bags with water. The amount of water in the plastic bag depends on the area of your sneakers that needs stretching.
- fix the bags of water into the sneakers, ensuring it covers all the areas you want to stretch. Put them into the freezer and let them freeze for 5-8hours.
- Take your sneakers out of the freezer and let them rest for 30 minutes before removing the ice bag.
To prevent your sneakers from getting damaged, do not remove the ice immediately after you take them out.
Using Peeled Potato to Stretch Your Sneakers
Believe it or not, you can use potatoes to loosen up the tightness of your sneakers. It’s simple –
- Get a big or medium-sized potato, peel off its skin and cut it into the shape that befits your sneakers.
- Secure the potato piece over your sneakers, and leave it for 12-24 hours to dry.
- Take the potato out, and your sneaker is free and ready for you to wear!
You can watch this stretching procedure and practice it at home. All you need is to get your potato ready!
Reach Out to A Professional Cobbler
If you are unsure about trying the above-mentioned ways to stretch your sneakers, one last option is to take your shoe to a shoe repair professional.
Most cobblers use a shoe stretcher machine for stretching tight shoes. They are well experienced with the method, so you don’t have to worry about your shoe getting ruined.
If you want to buy new laces for your sneakers at low prices, you can easily get them from professional shoe repair shops. Professional cobblers can also repair damaged parts on your sneakers or rebrand them to look new.
Stretch Sneakers With Thick Socks
One of the easiest ways to stretch your sneakers is to use socks. Wear a thick pair of socks that will still allow you to fit your legs into the sneakers. Set your dryer at medium heat and blow the tight spot for 30-40 seconds.
Walk around in the sneakers to stretch them, and be consistent with the process until you begin to feel comfortable in the shoe.
This method is best used on leather shoes but is also safe for non-leather shoes or canvas shoes.
Using Grains Or Oats
This might sound a bit weirder than the potato method we mentioned above, but it is true that you can stretch your shoes at home using grains or oats. Here is what you will have to do:
- Take a plastic bag filled with water and fill some grains and oats in it until the bag gets filled to the brim.
- Put the bag in your sneakers and let it sit for 24 hours.
- Both oats and grains will start to absorb water, and the plastic bag will slowly start to increase in size, resulting in a gradual stretch in your sneakers.
- Make sure you secure your plastic bag tightly. Otherwise, your shoe might get ruined.
This method is only suggested when you are not able to try any of the above-mentioned methods or do not have ice or potato at home. However, try using the ice method if possible, as it is one of the most effective methods for sneaker stretching.
Using Shoe Stretching Spray
Sprays are exceptional in widening your sneakers. Also, it is the easiest method!
All you have to do is purchase any shoe spray available at your nearest shoe store or online. Once you have purchased the shoe stretch spray, just spray it around the tight areas of your sneakers and walk around in them for a while.
Make sure you wear socks after spraying the product on your shoe, as it can be dangerous for your skin.
Using A Cardboard
Cardboard is another excellent tool for stretching your sneakers. If your sneakers are tight around your toes, you can stretch them by using a piece of cardboard. Here is what you need to do:
- Take out the laces from your sneakers, and stretch the shoe by folding the bottom up.
- Hold the shoe and fold the bottom, then use the scissors to stretch the shoe.
- Place the cardboard directly in front of the shoe, then tightly pull the cardboard.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to clear your doubts regarding the sneaker stretching methods se mentioned above:
Can I stretch sneakers at home?
Yes, you can! Follow any of the procedures listed above that best suit you. You don’t need any professional skills or tools to perform the methods.
Does stretching shoes cause damage?
The answer depends on how much you stretch your shoe. While you can stretch out your shoe in any direction, please don’t do it lengthwise; this may cause damage to the insole.
Conclusion
Tight-fitting shoes can be painful and can also cause blisters on your toes. When shoes are too tight for you, it causes irritate bunions, and cartilage loss, among others.
Therefore, if your shoes are tight, either try to replace them with properly fitting shoes or follow one of the methods we taught you to stretch them.
Whether you have running shoes, narrow shoes, tennis shoes, or athletic shoes, you can use the shoe stretching methods on any of them.
Thanks for reading!
