7 simple and cost-effective methods to stretch your leather shoes

Leather is a natural, flexible, and durable material that softens and stretches regularly. If you own a pair of leather boots that are too tight to wear for an extended period, there is good news—you can stretch them at home using simple DIY techniques.

I won 5 pairs of beautiful leather shoes, and Bruno Marc shoes are my favourite, but I rarely wear them because whenever I do, my feet get squeezed uncomfortably. Unfortunately, they are too tight and uncomfortable to wear for an extended period.

So, to make my shoe comfortable, I stretched it using a shoe stretcher, and now it fits in my feet comfortably. A shoe stretcher helps pull the shoes to the required length and comes with hand cranks that offer precise control.

Remember, you cannot stretch leather shoes too far; you can only stretch them if they are slightly too tight.

In this guide, I will share various tried and tested methods you can use to stretch your shoes at home.

Related:

How to clean white leather shoes

3 Simple Techniques to Eliminate Yellow Stains from White Shoes

How to Stretch Leather Shoes the Right Way at Home

Condition the Leather:

Before stretching the shoes, apply a good leather conditioner. This will help in two ways:

• It will moisturise the leather, protecting it from cracking while stretching.
• It will soften the leather, making it easier to stretch.

Use a soft cloth and apply the conditioner across the upper part of the shoes in a circular motion. Once done, wipe off the excess conditioner and leave it for 10 minutes.

Methods to Stretch Leather Shoes:

1. The Thick Sock and Hair Dryer Method:

This method works well if you have a pair of shoes that are slightly small. To stretch them, wear one or two pairs of thick socks and slide your feet inside the shoes.

Take a hairdryer, put it on medium heat, and blow hot air over the tight area of the shoes for about 30 seconds. Then, walk around until the shoes cool completely. 

Be careful while using heat; too much can dry out and crack your shoe leather. Keep your hairdryer 4 to 6 inches away from the shoes.

2. Shoe Tree Method:

Although shoe trees are made to keep the shape of shoes over time, if you have a shoe tree that is slightly larger than your shoes, you can use it to stretch your shoes.

To do this, simply put the shoe tree inside the shoes and let them sit for 24 to 48 hours. After that, test the fit with your dress socks. If more stretching is needed, repeat the process for another 24 hours.

3. Shoe Stretcher:

This device looks like a shoe tree but is specifically made for stretching shoes.You can stretch your shoes to the exact required length as the hand crank offers precise control.

It comes with knobs that can be attached at multiple points to focus on specific areas. To use a shoe stretcher, identify the problematic parts of the shoes, attach the knobs to those areas, insert the stretcher inside, crank the handle until it is firm, and leave it for 24 hours. 

Test the fit, and if needed, repeat the process. Remember, do not crank the handle too hard, as it might crack the leather.

4. Shoe Stretch Spray:

Various types of shoe stretch sprays are available in the market. Clean your shoes properly before applying the spray to ensure it penetrates the leather effectively.

Spray the product on the interior areas causing discomfort. Once sprayed, put the shoes on and walk around to allow the expansion to occur in the required areas.

5. Rubbing Alcohol:

Make a solution of rubbing alcohol and water by mixing one part isopropyl alcohol with three parts water. Fill a spray bottle with the solution, shake it well, and apply it to the shoe surface where you want to stretch.

After applying the spray, wear the shoes with thick socks or use your hands to manipulate the area manually. Wear the shoes until the parts where you applied the rubbing alcohol are completely dry.

6. Frozen Water Bag:

Fill a sealable bag halfway with water, ensure it is closed securely, and insert it inside the shoe, positioning it in the area that requires stretching.

Place the shoes in a second bag to avoid any water damage and put them inside the freezer overnight.

As the water freezes into ice, it will expand and stretch the shoes. Repeat the process if further stretching is needed.

7. Take the Help of a Shoe Expert:

If you have bought a pair of shoes and are worried about damaging them, seek help from a local cobbler. They use various machines and techniques to stretch the leather.

How Do I Know If the Shoes Are Not the Right Fit?

1. If your toes feel pinched and cramped, the shoes are likely too small.
2. If your heel slides up and down excessively, the shoes are too large.
3. Shoes that do not offer proper arch and ankle support.
4. Shoes that lead to blisters and calluses.
5. Shoes that do not conform to the shape of your foot.

If the above steps are not clear, watch the video below where my friend beautifully explains how to find the right-fitting shoes.

Problems Caused by Wearing Tight Shoes

1. Bunions (It is a bony bump that forms at the base of your big toe.)
2. Poor blood circulation
3. Corns and calluses (It is a thick and hardened layer of skin that develops when the skin tries to protect itself against friction and pressure.)
4. Hammer toe (A foot condition in which the toe has an abnormal bend in the middle joint.)
5. Deformities

How to Find the Right Shoe Fit?

1. Measure your foot length and width before buying shoes.
2. Ensure there is enough space for your toes.
3. Check the size and depth of the toe box; opt for a deep toe box if you have foot problems.
4. Choose shoes with removable insoles so you can replace them with orthotic or cushioned insoles if needed.
5. Try the shoes multiple times to see what fits best.

Conclusion:

These are the methods that I use to stretch my shoes. However, if you know any other methods to stretch your shoes, please don’t hesitate to share them with us.

I have one additional pair of shoes that are too tight, and I’m ready to try new methods. If one works well, I will include it in my guide.

Please share your feedback in the comments, and don’t forget to pass along this article to help others with their shoe-stretching challenges.

FAQs