Introduction
Leather shoes can be tricky to find the right size for. Sometimes you’ll buy a pair only to discover that they’re too tight. If this is the case, you don’t have to throw them away. There are several methods you can use to stretch out your leather shoes and make them more comfortable to wear. This article will explore eight of these methods so that you can get the most out of your shoes.
Stuff Your Shoes with Newspaper or Tissue Paper
One of the simplest ways to stretch out leather shoes is to stuff them with newspaper or tissue paper. The paper absorbs any moisture inside the shoe and helps to expand the leather. Plus, it’s an easy and inexpensive method.
Benefits of this Method
- Inexpensive
- Easy to do
- Absorbs moisture
How to Do It
- Remove the laces from the shoes.
- Stuff the interior of the shoes with crumpled up newspaper or tissue paper.
- Put the shoes on and walk around in them for a few hours.
- Remove the paper.
Wear Thick Socks and Walk Around in the Shoes for a Few Hours
Another method for stretching out leather shoes is to wear thick socks and walk around in them for a few hours. This will help the leather to form to the shape of your foot and become more comfortable.
Benefits of this Method
- Easy to do
- Forms to the shape of your foot
How to Do It
- Put on a pair of thick socks.
- Put on the leather shoes.
- Walk around in the shoes for a few hours.
- Take off the shoes and remove the socks.
Apply a Leather-Stretching Spray to the Interior of the Shoe
A leather-stretching spray can also help to stretch out leather shoes. This type of spray contains ingredients that soften the leather and make it more pliable.
Benefits of this Method
- Softens the leather
- Makes the leather more pliable
How to Do It
- Remove the laces from the shoes.
- Spray the interior of the shoes with a leather-stretching spray.
- Put the shoes on and walk around in them for a few hours.
- Remove the shoes and let them air dry.
Place a Bag of Water Inside Each Shoe and Freeze Them Overnight
Another method to stretch out leather shoes is to place a bag of water inside each shoe and freeze them overnight. The freezing process expands the leather and makes it more comfortable to wear.
Benefits of this Method
- Expands the leather
- Makes the shoes more comfortable
How to Do It
- Fill two resealable bags with water.
- Place one bag in each shoe.
- Put the shoes in the freezer overnight.
- Remove the shoes from the freezer and let them thaw.
Use a Shoe Stretcher Device on Both the Length and Width of the Shoes
A shoe stretcher device is designed specifically for stretching out leather shoes. You can use it to both lengthen and widen the shoes so that they fit better.
Benefits of this Method
- Designed specifically for stretching out leather shoes
- Can be used to lengthen and widen the shoes
How to Do It
- Remove the laces from the shoes.
- Insert the shoe stretcher into the shoe.
- Adjust the device to stretch both the length and width of the shoe.
- Leave the device in the shoe overnight.
- Remove the device and put the laces back in.
Fill Two Resealable Bags with Water and Place Them in the Shoes for a Few Hours
Filling two resealable bags with water and placing them in the shoes for a few hours is another way to stretch out leather shoes. This method works by expanding the leather with the moisture from the water.
Benefits of this Method
- Expands the leather with moisture
- Easy to do
How to Do It
- Fill two resealable bags with water.
- Place one bag in each shoe.
- Put the shoes on and walk around in them for a few hours.
- Remove the shoes and empty out the water.
Visit a Cobbler to Have the Shoes Professionally Stretched
If all else fails, you can always visit a cobbler to have your leather shoes professionally stretched. A cobbler has the tools and expertise to stretch out leather shoes without damaging them.
Benefits of this Method
- Tools and expertise to stretch out leather shoes
- Will not damage the shoes
How to Find a Qualified Cobbler
- Check online reviews to find a qualified cobbler in your area.
- Call the cobbler and ask questions about their experience and services.
- Make an appointment to have your shoes stretched.
Conclusion
Leather shoes can be difficult to find the right size for. But if you have a pair that are too tight, you don’t have to give up on them. There are several methods you can use to stretch out your leather shoes and make them more comfortable to wear. From stuffing them with newspaper or tissue paper to visiting a cobbler, there’s sure to be a method that works for you. So don’t throw away those shoes just yet – try one of these methods and get the most out of your shoes.
