How to quickly break in tight or new shoes?

Many people experience situations when carefully selected shoes turn out to be tight and uncomfortable when worn. And even if you follow the rule of trying on in the afternoon, it is sometimes difficult to choose the right pair. The reasons may be a non-standard leg, a narrowed shape of the model itself, poor quality material, etc.

If during the purchase you find that for one of these reasons the model is not suitable, then do not despair. And in this case there will be a way out. In order not to endure unbearable torment and pain from rubbed calluses until the moment when the shoes stretch, you can use a few tips on stretching shoes .

But before you begin the procedure, you should make sure that stretching is necessary. After all, some models simply do not stretch, and any interventions spoil their appearance. Now let’s figure out in what cases stretching should be used.

When do you need a shoe stretcher?

This procedure is quite effective, but at the same time it must be carried out with caution. There are several cases when stretching should be used:

• purchasing a small size model because there was no suitable pair in the store;
• the shape of the shoe is too narrow, although the length is suitable;
• suitable width, but tight in length;
• reducing suede shoes after rain;
• decrease in pattern at the end of the day.

In any of these situations, stretching will help avoid calluses, foot diseases, and injuries. Next, we’ll look at several ways to effectively stretch shoes.

How to distribute new models?

If calluses appear on the heels, then in most cases a regular bactericidal patch will help. It should be applied to the areas of redness, and this should be repeated for 2 or 3 days. During this period, the front of the shoe noticeably widens, and the load on the heels is significantly reduced. The patch can also be used to eliminate discomfort that appears on one of the toes.

It is especially important to purchase a bactericidal patch, since it has an antiseptic and healing effect. This is facilitated by the presence of an additional thick layer, which helps to increase the stretch of the shoe in that particular place. 

There are 4 universal methods that can be used when purchasing tight shoes:

Method No. 1

Tight shoes can be taken to a shoemaker. Such workshops often have special devices that are designed to stretch shoes. In addition, stretchers of this type can be purchased in a store and used at home for various shoes.

Method No. 2

You can use foam to carry shoes. In addition to it, you can purchase a special stretching product, which can be found in specialized stores. This product is suitable for almost any material, with the exception of varnished products. This method is considered the most effective.

Typically, the stretching agent is a liquid composition that must be applied inside the shoe. More detailed information about use can be obtained from sellers or read on the label. In most cases, you need to apply the solution to cotton wool and wipe it over the area that rubs your shoes.

Next, you need to put on cotton socks and walk around in such shoes for about 45 minutes. Such products can be presented in the form of sprays. In this case, it can be applied to the inside of the products. After this you should also wear socks.

Foam is used especially for suede products. The principle of application is the same as the previous product. The foam should be applied inside the product, then place newspapers there or walk around the rooms in them. The active ingredients in almost all such products are chemical softeners and alcohol.

Method No. 3

To soften and stretch shoes, you can also use alcohol diluted with water, vodka and cologne. To make your new shoes fit comfortably, you can moisten the inside of them with these products. Next, according to the standard procedure, you need to put on thick socks and walk around the house until completely dry.

Method No. 4

You can stretch your shoes in the freezer. This method is perhaps the most unusual, but at the same time quite effective. To get the desired result, you need a sealed bag that can be filled with tap water.

Procedure:

• the bag must be placed in the shoes and filled with water (water should occupy the entire space from socks to heels);
• all this should be placed in the freezer for 8 hours.

The essence of this method is that the transformation of water into ice helps the shoes stretch. After the specified time has passed, the bag must be removed from the freezer and placed in a deep container. After the ice has thawed, it can be removed from the shoes. Otherwise, you risk scratching or damaging the pair from the inside. If after the procedure you do not feel any effect, it must be repeated again.

How to stretch leather shoes?

Genuine leather lends itself best to stretching, which is why products made from it are especially popular. If you don’t want to buy special products or they simply aren’t available in stores, you can use some folk recipes. A liquid containing alcohol or a solution with the addition of vinegar is suitable for this.

These substances must be applied to the inside of the products. Greater efficiency can be achieved if the shoes are completely soaked in liquids. To achieve maximum results, you should wear thick socks and wear the model until completely dry.

A soap solution that can be used to treat the steam from the inside will help eliminate the unpleasant odor of the vinegar solution. Regular boiling water is also suitable for stretching. You can pour it into your shoes and immediately pour it back out. After treatment, the product needs to be worn for approximately 25 minutes.

There is also a method of stretching leather shoes using a hair dryer and thick socks. Tight shoes should be worn on feet with thick socks. The feet should be squeezed as tightly as possible and the bend should be heated with a hairdryer. If everything has cooled down, you need to repeat the procedure. To avoid damage after such drying, you should treat the leather with a special conditioner.

Distribution of shoes made from leather substitute

This material is more difficult to stretch, but there are several methods that will help solve this problem. There are several ways you can try. Thick socks that need to be soaked in cologne are suitable for this. You should walk around in them for about 15-20 minutes. This procedure can be repeated every day for 10 days. The smell of cologne can be eliminated with the same soap solution.

Another material for stretching such products is regular newspaper. It needs to be cut and filled with water until it swells. The finished mass must fill the entire volume of tight shoes. Shoes should be dried naturally for 2 days.

Ways to wear suede shoes

This type of material requires a special approach, since it is most susceptible to damage. To stretch these shoes, you need to free up space in the freezer. This method was described in more detail in the previous part, where four universal tips are indicated.

In addition, there is another stretching method designed for suede. You can use regular beer for this. The processing technology is the same: shoes should be wetted with beer, and thick socks should be worn for wear. To get rid of the smell, you should air your shoes in the fresh air.

Distributing patent leather shoes

This type of shoe can be stretched using the classic method - vodka. This liquid is a universal remedy. If you have alcohol, it is best to add water to it in a ratio of 1:3. You need to soak your socks in the prepared solution and, without wrung out, put them on together with patent leather shoes.

You need to walk around the house in these shoes until they dry completely. This usually takes 2 to 3 hours. This solution is completely safe for patent leather shoes. And if everything is done correctly, the original appearance will be preserved.

In conclusion, it is worth noting that no matter what method you use, you should always adhere to certain recommendations. After all, each material and each model requires an individual approach, and neglecting these factors leads to damage and other adverse consequences.