Leather shoes have a habit of being tight and, as such, very uncomfortable when you first buy them. In case you need to stretch them out to fit better, you must learn how to stretch leather shoes. Indeed, all leather shoes can be used when too tight, or you need them to be more spacious for comfort. There are many tried and tested methods that will help achieve that. This guide provides safe and easy instructions for how to stretch out leather shoes at home.
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Why Do Leather Shoes Feel Tight?
Most leather stiffens at the beginning. This is because leather, a natural material, is not meant to break in all at once. It will, however, stretch and mold itself according to the shape of your foot as time goes by. But who has the patience to wait that long? That is why how to stretch a leather shoe makes the entire process much faster so it will get that perfect fit much sooner.
7 Best Ways How to Stretch Leather Shoes
1. Use a Shoe Stretcher for Leather Shoes
A shoe stretcher is quite a handy item designed for expanding shoes evenly. This is the safest and most exceptional method of stretching leather shoes without damaging the leather.
How to Use a Shoe Stretcher:
- Insert the stretcher into tight leather shoes.
- Wind the handle to expand the shoe at its own pace.
- Leave it for 6-12 hours.
- Put on the shoe and repeat this running cycle if necessary.
2. Thick Socks Walk Around
Walking around in thick socks in your shoes helps to stretch them out in their origination mode, minus the shoe stretcher.
Directions:
- Wear two pairs of thick socks.
- Wear your leather shoes and walk for 20-30 minutes.
- Repeat until the difference is felt.
3. Using a Blow Dryer to Stretch Your Shoes
Leather becomes supple with heat, and hence shoes become easily stretchable.
Steps:
- Wear allergy-inducing thick socks with the shoes.
- Apply a blow dryer on the tight areas with low heat.
- Move the legs in the shoes to stretch the leather.
- Let them cool on their feet.
4. Freeze your leather shoes.
Water expands when frozen; hence this is a neat trick to stretch out shoe leather.
Steps:
- Fill up two zip-lock bags with water and seal them tightly.
- Place them inside the leather shoes, directing your focus on the tight areas.
- Then put the shoes in the freezer overnight.
- Remove the two bags and leave the shoes to thaw before slipping them on.
5. Trying a Leather Stretching Spray
These sprays soften leather material; making how to stretch out leather shoes easier.
How it Works:
- Spray on the cramped areas inside and outside of the shoe.
- Wear the shoes right away or use a shoe-stretching tool.
- Repeat if necessary.
6. Stuffing Shoes with Newspaper
Newspapers absorb moisture and expand, thus stretching shoes by natural means.
Procedure:
- Crumple wet newspapers and stuff them inside the shoe.
- Let them dry overnight.
- Remove the paper and try on your stretched leather shoe.
7. Consult a Cobbler
A trained professional can stretch your leather shoes if they’re incredibly tight.
Additional Tips on How to Stretch Leather Shoes.
How to Stretch a Leather Shoe Without Damaging It
- Never make stretching on leather all at once, because this causes cracking.
- After stretching the leather, use a leather conditioner so that the material stays flexible.
- Do not overstretch, because it will misfit the shoe shape.
How to Stretch Out Shoes Leather for Different Types of Shoes
- Dress Shoes: Have a professional, as far as stretching is concerned, buy a shoe stretcher.
- Boots: Thick socks and walking will help loosen them up.
- Sneaker with Leather: The best combination is heat and stretching spray.
How Long Does It Take to Stretch Leather Shoes?
The time required for stretching completely depends upon the method used:
- With a shoe stretcher, the time needed is 6 to 12 hours.
- Using thick socks, stretch them for 2-3 days.
- Blow dryer application gives an immediate stretching effect.
- To freeze them, place the shoes overnight.
- For a stretching spray, 1 to 2 days is required.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Stretching Leather Shoes
Excessive Heat
Overheating leather will dry it out and cause cracks. Always use indirect heat and be sure to apply a leather conditioner afterward.
Overstretching Leather
If you overstretch, they could become too loose. Stretch incrementally and keep testing for fit.
Ignoring Leather Care After Stretching
After stretching your leather shoes, you should use a leather conditioner to maintain their softness and durability.
The Bottom Line On How to Stretch Leather Shoes
Knowing how to stretch leather shoes makes them comfortable and increases their life. Using a shoe stretcher, heat, or freezing, these techniques help get a better fit. Do apply these methods and relish wearing comfy leather shoes without any discomfort!
By using these ‘how to stretch out leather shoes techniques,’ one can avoid discomfort and achieve the best fit for one’s feet. If this fails and your leather shoes remain small, find a good cobbler to help with the stretching.
If your shoes smell bad, read this article to find a solution.
