How to make shoes a little bigger. How to stretch shoes that are too tight at home and make them at least one size larger

At home you can increase your shoe size by a whole size

At the moment when we try on a pair of shoes we like in a store, we, as a rule, do not notice how tight they are. After all, it was this couple with their very appearance that made our heart beat faster, and beyond a short time It’s not always possible to evaluate the comfort of shoes. Already at home, when emotions have subsided a little and there is plenty of time, we often discover that the purchased pair is half a size, or even a whole size smaller than our actual one. At the same time, it is sometimes not possible to replace an unworn product, for example, if you took the last size or bought shoes in an online store.

You shouldn’t scold yourself for making a hasty purchase; as they say, tears won’t help your grief. Therefore, it is necessary to either take the shoes to a workshop, where professionals will increase their size, or try increase shoe size at home. Below we will share the most effective methods that more than one generation of consumers have already experienced.

Ways to increase shoe size

Wet wool socks

This method is one of the most effective and easiest to use for breaking in leather shoes. Socks from natural wool need to get wet hot water, then put them on your feet, put on the “problem” pair and walk around like that for several hours. The shoes will definitely stretch and become a little looser.

Vodka

Shoes that feel a little tight should be lubricated from the inside with medical alcohol. Then it should be put on, after which the outside should be lubricated with the same liquid. After a short period of time, the shoes will stretch slightly. Instead of vodka and alcohol, you can use castor or any other oil, which will make the product soft and elastic.

Liquid soap

For following method you will need to dilute the usual liquid soap hot water, keeping the proportion 1:4. After this, the resulting solution is poured into a spray bottle and sprayed on the shoes outside and inside. You need to let the liquid absorb a little, then put on tight ones and walk around a little in a tight pair.

Cologne

After soaking small pieces of fabric in cologne and placing them inside the shoes, the pair must be packed in a tight plastic bag and leave it like this overnight. In the morning, you should put on your shoes and walk around in them a little (until you realize that they have already increased in size).

Boiling water

If your recently purchased leather shoes cause you serious discomfort, pour boiling water over them, then pour out the excess water, wait until the product cools down a little, put them on and wear them until dry.

But remember, so aggressive influence Only genuine leather can survive! Other materials will irrevocably lose their spectacular appearance.

Cold

Another rather non-standard, but working method of breaking in tight shoes is using a home refrigerator. This method is great for stretching sneakers and boots.

You need to take a thick plastic bag of sufficient size without holes, place it in the shoes, distributing it as carefully as possible along the toe and heel, width and length. Next, pour it into the bag cold water(this is why the absence of holes on the bag is so important). The liquid should fill the entire volume of the sneaker or boot. We tie the bag well and put the shoes, loosely wrapped in another bag (we maintain hygiene, after all, this is a refrigerator), in the freezer. Leave it there until the water freezes completely. In winter, you can use a balcony for these purposes. We take the pair out of the refrigerator and wait until the ice melts slightly. Throw away the ice packs. If the shoes are wet, you can dry them a little and then try them on.

If you decide to stretch high-heeled shoes using this method, you will additionally need to take care of the lining under the sock. The water must be evenly distributed over the block, only in this way will it be possible to achieve desired result.

Should not be used this method stretching shoes for expensive leather products, since under the influence of cold the leather can simply crack and lose its original appearance.

Hair dryer and wool socks

Heat, like cold, can change shoe size. To do this, put tight boots on a thick woolen sock, then heat the shoes with a hairdryer until your feet feel warm. Next, you need to walk in tight shoes until they cool completely.

Newspapers

One of the effective old-fashioned methods of increasing shoe size is stretching. To do this, you need to wet the newspapers and try to push as much of them as possible into each shoe, then wait until they dry.

"Cowboy" way

Perhaps this is one of the most unusual techniques wearing tight shoes. Pour more grain into the shoes and pour plain water. We leave it in this form for 12 hours. Then we remove the swollen grain, put on shoes and walk in them until they dry completely.

Vinegar

A three percent vinegar solution will help stretch an “uncooperative” pair if you rub it on the inside of your shoes and wear them a little. But you should not rub your shoes on top, since the aggressive action of acid can damage them hopelessly.

Paraffin

Gentle and at the same time effective method stretching leather shoes, which, as you know, require the most delicate treatment. You need to rub it in the evening inner part shoes with a paraffin candle and leave it like that until the morning. Then the paraffin is removed, and you just have to evaluate the effect of using this method.

Foams, sprays, aerosols

Science does not stand still, so if you are afraid to use it to increase your shoe size old ways, then you have a great opportunity to go to a shoe store and purchase a special spray, foam or aerosol. Further professional product spray on shoes and put them on to break them in.

Shoemakers additionally use special wooden lasts, the shape of which exactly repeats the shape of the human foot.

We've covered a lot of tips for increasing your shoe size, but you shouldn't rely on them too much. At home, you can achieve an increase of half a size, but no more. Many methods are quite aggressive and can easily ruin both expensive and cheap shoes.

Sometimes I buy new shoes, believing that she is a perfect fit. But the first time I wear it, I realize with horror that it’s rubbing or pinching. So that this does not become a reason for returning, I want to tell you how to stretch your shoes at home in several proven ways.

Proven Methods

First you need to come to terms with the fact that you can only stretch your shoes in width. It is almost impossible to fight stubborn toes in the toe area. Most likely it's all about the seams or the wrong size. But if the shoes are tight on the sides, options for stretching them are possible.


Method 1. Army

The simplest and most proven method is the army method. What do we have to do:

  1. Wet socks in warm water and squeeze until damp;
  2. Then put wet socks on your feet., and on top of them are shoes that rub or squeeze;

  1. Leave your shoes on for at least an hour, or even better, wait until they dry completely;
  2. Then compact it inside several newspapers;

  1. Swap wet newspapers for dry ones, as they get wet;
  2. When the shoes are dry, try them on.

Method 2. Chemical

You can use a special store product- shoe stretcher. Most often sold in the form of a spray or foam. It's easy to use - you just need to spray it inside your tight shoes and leave it on for a while. Then remove the remaining substance with a dry cloth and walk around in your shoes a little.


The only caveat is that you must do the test in an inconspicuous area. Due to exposure to chemicals, light-colored material may change color, so be careful.

Method 3. Hot

I'll tell you how to increase your shoe size using a hair dryer. It's simple:

  1. We put on clean thick socks;
  2. Then a pinched pair of shoes;
  3. Warm up gradually problem areas hairdryer;
  4. We take off our socks and try them on. If it becomes freer, good; if not, repeat the procedure from the beginning.

Do not turn on the hair dryer at maximum power; too hot air can damage the surface of the material from which the shoes are made.


Method 4. Ice

Image Sequencing

Step 1

Pour water into two bags and tie it tightly.


Step 2

Place the bags in your shoes as shown in the photo. They should be as close to the nose as possible.

At this stage, be sure to check that the packages are intact.


Step 3

Place the resulting structure in the freezer for 5–10 hours.

Step 4

Remove frozen shoes from the freezer and leave them in room temperature for 20–30 minutes.


Step 5.

Take out the bags and try on the shoes.

Method 5. Professional

Professional repair technicians know how to expand shoes without ruining them. Order a stretching service. Its price is reasonable, and the effect is very high.


Method 6. Cereals

There is also a more extravagant way to expand shoes with your own hands. For example, use oatmeal or bran.


  1. We take a pair of shoes.
  2. Cover it with oatmeal.
  3. Fill the oatmeal with water.
  4. After some time, the oatmeal will absorb moisture, swell and stretch the shoes a little.

Method 7. Socks

Probably the oldest and most proven method is the ordinary distribution of shoes. All you need to do is cover the “dangerous” places on your foot with a plaster, put on thick socks and keep your shoes on for 4-5 hours. At the same time, you need to constantly move so that the shoes accept the required form and increased in size.


Results

With a 100% probability, at least one of the proposed methods will be able to increase the size of shoes at home. The video in this article will reveal the secrets of stretching clearly. If something is unclear, please ask in the comments.

Often, after purchasing a pair of shoes you like, you have to admit with horror that the new thing is too tight. Don’t panic ahead of time; stretching your shoes at home is quite possible, albeit by a maximum of one size.

You don’t need to get to work right away; it’s quite possible that your feet are just slightly swollen after a long shopping trip. You should wait until morning, do another fitting and, if necessary, begin stretching manipulations. When selecting impact options, it is necessary to take into account the type of shoe, quality of material, direction (you need to add length or width).

Before increasing your shoe size by stretching the material, you need to evaluate the following factors:

  1. If synthetics are too tight, then it is better to refuse such a purchase. This raw material is valued precisely for its ability to retain its shape under any conditions. It cannot even be processed professionally;
  2. Trying to increase the size textile products, you can damage the fibers and ruin the item;
  3. It happens that people are excited about any new product, it doesn’t matter whether it’s boots or shoes, whether they’re patent leather or patent leather. In this case, it is recommended to give preference to products with wedge-shaped inserts. They stretch easily and do not create problems during wearing;
  4. All materials have their own stretch limit. Even genuine leather has different properties depending on its origin (boots made from kangaroo leather are easier to stretch than those made from bull leather).

Regardless of the chosen processing procedure, after achieving the desired result, the products are coated with polish, this will allow them to be fixed. new size, especially if physical phenomena were involved in the process.

The simplest and most affordable options for stretching new shoes based on mechanical action

Ideally, if new boots, shoes or shoes do not press so hard and time allows, it is recommended to use mechanical methods. They do not act as quickly, but do not lead to changes in the shape and functionality of the products.

In just a few days the shoes will be the right size. This best option stretch varnish or leather shoes, adjust their width and not provoke the formation of cracks.

  • Shoes can be worn in. You'll just have to walk around the house in it free time. In this case, you need to walk, not sit. If you simply pull a tight pair over your feet and place them on the floor or even on a raised platform, swelling is guaranteed; the material, especially natural ones, will not stretch at all;
  • If you don’t want to torture your own feet, you should try the option with socks. The first option will help stretch suede boots, leatherette shoes or genuine leather, rag moccasins. Take several socks made of fine wool, roll them into tight rolls and place them tightly in the product. Leave it like this overnight and check the results in the morning. If necessary, repeat the approach;
  • patent leather shoes or rubber shoes You can’t stretch it with socks, but you can try the potato approach. Cleaning root vegetables the right size and place it tightly in the object, adding crumpled newspapers if necessary. The surface of the product should be lumpy. We keep the tubers until they dry well. Remaining liquid can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth.

Tip: If you need to get results quickly, then the listed methods can be combined. After three days we evaluate the effect. Absence visible changes will indicate incorrect execution of basic actions or the lack of necessary properties in matter.

How to increase shoe size using manipulation based on physical phenomena?

To quickly and strongly stretch your shoes at home, you will have to resort to more aggressive methods of exposure. There are approaches that can make larger lacquer boats, leather boots, synthetic sneakers and leatherette boots.

The main thing is to act carefully. And before you stretch suede shoes or similar fragile and delicate things, it is better to practice on something unnecessary.

  • If the products fit on your feet without difficulty and only feel tight when worn, you can try the option with socks and heat. This will not only allow you to get the right size, but also significantly increase the width of the shoe. We put on our thickest socks (you can even have more than one) and squeeze into your shoes. We determine the tightest area and apply warm air from a hairdryer to it for half a minute. At the same time, we try to make stretching movements with our feet. Then we wait until the material cools down, remove it and try to put the product on a bare leg or stocking. If they are still pressing, we repeat the approach.
  • Freezing. This approach is a real salvation for those who do not know how to stretch shoes from artificial leather. It is not recommended to subject natural material to such torture; the consequences can be very unpredictable. Let's take it balloon or a plastic bag without holes, fill one third with water and tie tightly. We place it in tight shoes and put it in the refrigerator overnight. When water freezes, it will expand, increasing the volume of the product. In the morning we take out the structures, wait for the ice to melt and remove it.
  • Leatherette boots stretch well with damp newspapers. The method can also be used for leather products; its distinctive ability is to preserve the original shape. We moisten newspapers abundantly with water, form dense lumps, and stuff things with them. After the paper has dried, take it out and try on the products.

If the shoe size does not increase even after such manipulations, and the shoes are mercilessly tight, you can try a professional product - a stretcher. The composition is applied to the material, softening it and facilitating stretching.

True, almost all such means are designed for Leather Products and negatively affect other materials.

Sometimes we have to face the need to stretch new shoes if the shoes were purchased in the wrong size, or expand old shoes that have dried out in the process long-term storage. There are many ways to deal with this problem. First of all, you need to find out where to stretch shoes and how much it costs to stretch shoes in a workshop. In any workshop, using special equipment and lasts selected for your foot size, specialists will stretch your shoes in length, width, instep or shaft. You can stretch your shoes one size in a workshop, or even two sizes - it depends on what you are used to and what is comfortable for you.

What should you do to stretch your shoes?

In a shoe workshop, any stretching of shoes can be done, and it should be noted that such a process will take into account not only the quality of the material. All the features of the location of accessories and seams are also important, because not every shoe can be stretched without problems.

If you don’t want to look for a shoemaker and be puzzled by how much it costs to stretch shoes in a workshop, then you can try breaking in and stretching uncomfortable products yourself at home. But for this you need to choose the most suitable way on stretching shoes.

Important! You can stretch new shoes only made of genuine leather, nubuck or. Shoes made of artificial leather (leatherette) or fabric, as well as rubber, cannot be stretched. Even a specialist shoemaker will not undertake such a procedure.

How to stretch leather shoes?

Many people wonder whether it is possible to stretch shoes in length? You can only stretch your shoes in width on your own. We offer you several ways to do this.

Method number 1. Use of special means

To stretch tight shoes, use special sprays and aerosols for stretching shoes.

For example, buy a special Oke stretcher in the store, which not only effectively softens all types of skin, but also gives it elasticity without leaving any marks or contours on it.

Apply the product directly to the problem area that requires stretching:

  • For leather shoes - from the outside.
  • For patent and suede shoes - on the inside.

After applying the product, put on your shoes and walk around in them for 7-10 minutes.

Important! Using special means, you can stretch your shoes using last-shaped devices made of natural wood. These products allow you to stretch your shoes as efficiently as possible without disturbing the shape of your shoes. This adjustable stretch fits all types of shoes.

Method number 2. Alcohol treatment

Pour some alcohol (or vodka) into tight shoes, as a last resort- cologne. After this, put the shoes on your feet and wet the top of the shoes. The skin will soften, stretch to the desired size and take the shape of the leg. Walk around the house in your shoes until you feel comfortable.

Important! If the hard heels of new shoes rub your feet, also moisten them with alcohol.

Method No. 3. Boiling water treatment

This method, in some cases, is even more effective than using alcohol. The essence of the method is as follows:

  1. Cover the problematic surface of the product with a cloth.
  2. Take a kettle of boiling water.
  3. Slowly pour boiling water over the top of the stretched surface.
  4. Put a sock on your foot and walk around the house for about an hour until the shoes take the desired shape.

Important! High quality leather can withstand temperatures up to 300 C, so nothing will happen to such shoes, but this method will not work for patent leather products.

Method number 4. We use wool socks

This method of how to stretch shoes not in a workshop, but at home, is suitable even for winter boots with fur:

  1. Put thick socks on your feet and squeeze into tight shoes.
  2. Use a hair dryer to heat the pressure, tight areas of the boot.
  3. When the problem areas are thoroughly heated, begin to bend your feet as much as possible for 30 seconds.
  4. Walk around the house in your shoes until they cool down.
  5. Try on the shoes with thin socks to see if you achieved the desired result.
  6. If not, repeat the procedure several more times.

Method No. 5. Stuffing with wet newspapers

To stretch your shoes to size, use a damp newspaper:

  1. Squeeze several newspapers into a tight ball.
  2. Hold the tight boots over the steam.
  3. Wet the newspaper thoroughly cold water and insert it into your shoes.
  4. Leave the shoes to dry completely.
  5. Get out the newspapers and try on the shoes. They should become looser when exposed to moisture.

Important! Dry your shoes naturally, away from heating devices, otherwise the shoes may become deformed.

Method number 6. Freezing

You will need 2 bags ¼ filled with water (if both shoes are too tight):

  1. Place water bags inside your shoes. The bags should evenly fill the stretchable shoes.
  2. Place your shoes in the freezer overnight to freeze the water.
  3. Remove the shoes from the refrigerator and wait until the ice melts (about 20 minutes).
  4. Remove the packages.
  5. Try on the shoes. If you do not achieve the desired result, then repeat the procedure again.

Important! Do not use this method for patent leather shoes.

Method No. 7. Use of cereals

To stretch leather shoes, as well as shoes from synthetic materials, use the old American way:

  1. Fill the boots with any cereal that can swell when exposed to moisture.
  2. Pour a small amount of water into the cereal.
  3. Leave the shoes on overnight. Under the influence of water, the grain will swell and stretch the problem areas of the shoe.
  4. After the stretching procedure, wear your shoes around the apartment for several days so that they dry and take the shape of your feet.

Important! Surely you have a couple sports shoes, which is also not always immediately convenient and requires appropriate care. So find out and...

  1. Stretch any shoes gradually so as not to make them too loose.
  2. In order for the skin to acquire its original appearance after stretching, at the end of this procedure, be sure to apply a special cream to the outer surface. By doing this you will not only protect the products from the influence negative factors stretching, but also give the shoes a perfect appearance.
  3. Expensive shoes from thin skin do not subject to harsh methods such as boiling water and freezing.
  4. Don’t rush to break in new shoes using harsh methods. Maybe after a couple of days they will stretch to the desired size, because natural stretching is, although not the fastest, but the most effective way stretch marks. In this case, the shoes do not become deformed and fit exactly according to the shape of the foot.
  5. Treat hard shoes fish oil or castor oil, and then clean with a woolen rag or brush.
  6. If the shoe pinches in a certain place, then drop wax or paraffin from a burning candle onto this area and place the shoe on the last. After a few days, the shoes will stretch in the right place.
  7. Before stretching your shoes, inspect them, clean them, remove the insoles and, if possible, remove all accessories and decorative elements (laces, buckles). Also determine what material the shoes are made of to help you figure out which method you should use.

Important! There is another innovative solution that will allow you to stretch shoes without harm to your feet, not in a workshop, but at home. At the same time, you don’t even have to limit yourself in wearing products. Buy special silicone stickers - they are available from different manufacturers different shapes and sizes:

  • in the form of small drops for point stretching of shoes;
    in the form of strips that are convenient to place on the backs and front;
  • in the form of large elements suitable for lining under the sole of the foot.

Having pasted such pads, you can absolutely safely walk down the street in new shoes, and after a week, take them off and continue wearing shoes that are already suitable in shape and size.

How long can shoes be stretched in a workshop?

Stretching shoes in a workshop is a simpler and more trouble-free way for the simple reason that you, in fact, do not have to do anything, but just find a suitable shoemaker.

Stretching shoes in a workshop is completely different from the methods that many people use at home:

  1. Before starting work, the master shoemaker will take detailed measurements of the foot and determine the amount of work required for a particular pair.
  2. Masters perform the complex modern methods adjusting shoes to the individual size of the foot and lower leg, and to carefully change the shape of the shoes, as well as its surface, specialists use related products.

Often professionals use several types of stretching in combination, so if you don’t want to unnecessary problems and costs, then give the problematic shoes to be stretched by specialists from a shoe workshop.

Important! The workshop will increase the width of the shoes (stretch them in width), increase the tops of the boots, and also increase the volume, but, unfortunately, it is almost impossible to change the length of the footprint due to the design of the shoe model.

Stretching technology

Having your shoes professionally stretched in a shoe shop takes many measures to fit your shoes. Typically, hot shoe stretching is performed on special machines, which have special nozzles different sizes. They allow you to stretch any men's, women's and children's shoes, as well as high-heeled shoes.

Shoes are put on these attachments, and special “bumps” inserted on the attachment stretch the shoes exactly in those places where it is tight. Due to special nozzle on the heel, adjustable special form this part. Therefore, when handing over your shoes to the workshop, be sure to tell the master about all problem areas.

The duration and cost of repairs depends on the complexity of each individual case, as well as the volume of work. You can familiarize yourself with the cost of services and prices by studying the price list for shoe repair services.

We hope you have chosen your favorite shoes necessary method and stretching method. In the case of expensive shoes or shoes made of thin leather, contact specialist shoe workshops. Let your “leg clothing” make you happy long years, and creates you coziness and comfort.

Genuine leather and suede are naturally elastic and durable, so stretching new shoes made from these materials is very easy. To do this, you can use the following methods:


1. You can increase it with boiling water. Genuine leather is resistant to high temperatures, therefore, to stretch shoes or boots, you can safely pour boiling water inside the shoes and immediately pour them out. After this, you need to wait until the shoes cool down a little and put them on your feet with a thin sock. You can remove the shoes when they are completely dry.


2. Use water to stretch your shoes. To do this, you need to place a plastic bag inside the shoe and pour water into it, making sure that the liquid completely fills the voids. In this form, the shoes are left in the freezer for 8-10 hours. After the time has elapsed, the shoes are removed from freezer, leave them for a while so that the ice melts, and then take out the bags.


3. You can stretch new leather shoes using alcohol-containing products. It can be cologne, vodka, cognac or alcohol diluted with water in a ratio of 2:1. The inside of the shoes should be wiped with the composition, then put the shoes on warm sock and stay in them for several hours. After this procedure, the skin will become softer and more elastic.


4. Process inner surface shoes with a stretching spray for suede or genuine leather, purchased from shoe store, and after drying, walk around the room in it.

How to stretch faux leather shoes

Unlike natural material, artificial leather has little stretch, so when strong impact Microcracks may appear on it. You can stretch new faux leather shoes without exerting intense effort using the following methods:


1. Apply liberally to the inside of the shoe with Vaseline and leave it in this condition for 2-3 hours. After cloth napkin you need to carefully remove the remaining ointment, put on shoes with thin socks and stay in them for about half an hour.


2. Use newsprint. Newspaper sheets should be moistened and placed tightly in a boot or shoe, making sure that the shoes do not become deformed. After the paper in a natural way Once it dries, you need to carefully remove it.


3. You can stretch new shoes in the instep using wheat, barley or oats. To do this, pour grain into a boot or boot, then fill it with water and leave it to swell for 8-10 hours (overnight is possible). Faux leather stretches as the grains increase in size. When time will pass, the grain should be poured out and walked around the room in new shoes for an hour.

How to stretch new nubuck shoes

Before buying boots or shoes made of nubuck, you should make sure that the material is natural. For stretching shoes from natural nubuck It is not recommended to use alcohol solutions, Vaseline and other fatty compounds, since they, when absorbed into the material, can leave stains on the outer surface. Therefore, if the shoes are tight, you can stretch them only in one of several ways:


1. Try to break in boots or shoes without using any means. To do this, you should wear them at home in your free time and walk around the room.


2. Use the common “old newspapers” method, for which you stuff damp (but not completely wet) sheets of paper into shoes or boots and leave them to dry in this state. The paper, expanding as it dries, will gently stretch the nubuck.


3. Use special remedy, designed to stretch nubuck, for which you apply it to the inner surface of the shoe, put it on a warm sock and walk around like that for 2 hours.


4. Take your shoes to a workshop where experienced shoemakers know how to stretch narrow shoes made of nubuck using wooden blocks.

Patent leather shoes: how to break in shoes if they are too tight

To stretch new shoes with varnish coating, you need to use proven means and methods, otherwise the surface of shoes or boots may lose their shine and become covered with small cracks. If it is not possible to take your shoes to a workshop, then you can take them to a workshop using the following tips:


1. Buy a special softening agent at a shoe store. patent leather in the form of a spray, cream or lotion and apply the composition to the inside of the shoes, while preventing liquid or cream from getting on the varnish surface.


2. You can wear shoes using alcohol diluted with water in a 2:1 ratio. Warm socks should be soaked in a warm solution, wrung out and put on your feet. After this, put on your shoes and walk in them for 1.5 - 2 hours. Instead of an alcohol solution, you can use cognac or vodka without any impurities or dyes.


3. Use a hair dryer to dry your hair. To do this, you need to warm the shoes from the inside with a hot stream of air, immediately put them on with warm socks and walk around the room. The manipulation should be repeated periodically, while avoiding overheating with a hairdryer so that the varnish surface does not fade.


4. Use regular cream or Vaseline. Fat mixture you need to treat the inner surface of the shoe, Special attention Pay attention to the toe and heel. After this, put on shoes or boots with a warm sock and walk around the room in them.


In order not to spoil your feet with uncomfortable shoes and boots, it is better to buy high-quality and comfortable shoes in size, made of soft and natural materials. If, after purchasing the desired shoes, the question arises “how to stretch new shoes,” then you can resort to the methods described above, taking into account the characteristics of the material.


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