Stretching Leather Shoes – How to Make Them Fit More Comfortably
Leather shoes can be a bit constricting and uncomfortable when they are new, but they don’t have to be. In fact, with a little help, you can break them in and feel comfortable wearing them right out of the box.
Getting the right shoe sizing is crucial. It can save you a lot of trouble down the road, so take the time to get it right when you order your new shoes.
If you’re unsure about what size you need, don’t be afraid to try on multiple pairs of shoes at a store. The key is to get a pair that feels snug but not too tight, which will keep your feet from rubbing and causing blisters.
Stretching shoes is a natural part of the breaking-in process, so it’s important to let it happen naturally. This is also the best way to preserve your leather’s strength and look.
When your shoes are too tight, they’re not likely to fit you properly and will damage the material over time. Excessive stretching with tools or heat is not a good idea, as it can cause cracking and other problems.
There are a few simple ways to stretch your leather shoes that will make them fit more comfortably and that will not damage the leather at all. First, use a blow dryer to warm up the inside of your shoes.
Once your shoes are heated up, gently aim the blow dryer at the areas of the shoe that feel tight. It may take a few minutes to soften the shoe, but it’s an easy and quick way to help them fit more comfortably.
Next, if the shoes are still too tight, place them in the freezer for a few hours and allow them to thaw. The cold temperature will alter the structure of the leather and force it to resize itself.
Afterwards, you can wear the shoes and walk around to help them stretch out. This will take a while, so you’ll probably need to do it over several sessions, but it should eventually help them to fit more comfortably.
You can also try using a product called FootFitter, which can be purchased at most shoe repair stores and helps the shoes to stretch by penetrating and relaxing the fibers in the leather. This works well for leather shoes that are too tight, but not all types of leather will respond to this method.
A hair dryer is another handy tool for stretching too-tight leather shoes. It can soften the material and make it easier for you to break them in, says David Mesquita of Leather Spa.
Applying a rubbing alcohol and water solution to the shoes can also be helpful in stretching them. But be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that it won’t stain the shoes.
Hopefully, these tips will help you get the right size for your leather shoes and to avoid any issues down the road. If you’re unsure about what size to get, do some research and make sure that you are buying shoes from a trusted retailer with free returns.
