How to stretch leather shoes: Easy DIY methods that work

Everyone loves a good leather shoe because of its quality and how timeless it can be. However, there are instances where leather shoes feel a little too tight to the point of squeezing your toes or rubbing blisters. As such, this article delves into details on how to stretch leather shoes.

Male and female leather shoes. Photo: @Kankan and @Nobler Shoes (modified by author) Source: Facebook

Even though leather shoes are known to naturally stretch when worn, the discomfort of tight leather shoes should not be the bane of your existence. This exploration goes ham on unravelling the tips on how to stretch leather shoes.

How to stretch leather shoes

Can leather shoes stretch a size? Leather shoes tend to loosen up naturally when worn. However, this process takes time. It often invites the question, what is leather shoe stretching?

Stretching leather shoes refers to relaxing new leather shoes to make them fit better. It is a necessary step since the process of creating leather shoes has significantly changed, and the shoes come with a negligible allowance for a comfortable fit.

So, how do you loosen tight shoes? Below are the methods to use if you want your leather shoes to fit better.

1. Using a shoe spray

How can I stretch leather shoes fast? Using a leather shoe spray is one of the most effective methods. This spray softens the leather surface, making it easier to stretch. These are the directions for use on how to stretch shoes immediately:

1. Ensure the shoe surface where you intend to stretch is clean and dry so the spray can effectively penetrate.
2. Hold the spray at least six inches from the surface and liberally apply it to the interior area of the surface that feels tight when worn. You can also spray the exterior surface.
3. Once sprayed, slip your foot into the shoe and walk around. The spray, the heat from your feet and the movement will force the leather to stretch.

Using a shoe spray causes the shoe to stretch within minutes. However, you need to have your shoes on for a few hours for it to stretch fully.

Black and brown male leather shoes. Photo: @Muski Merchants and @Men’s Fashion (modified by author) Source: Facebook

2. Using a shoe stretcher

How can I stretch my shoes without a stretcher? A shoe stretcher is a handy tool in the leather shoe stretching arsenal. It is a device that, when inserted into a shoe, applies pressure on the shoe’s interior, forcing it to stretch.

Shoe stretchers allow you to adjust the stretch to your preferred limit and specific shoe sections. It takes between 24 and 48 hours to obtain the required results, and these are the steps to follow when using one:

1. Turn the handle anticlockwise at the back of the stretcher to close the toe box block 2.
2. Turn the lengthening drum clockwise at the stretcher’s middle to shorten the heel block.
3. Slide the toe box block into the shoe as far as possible.
4. Shove the heel block down into the shoe. Be careful not to damage the shoe.
5. Turn the lengthening drum in the anticlockwise direction to lengthen the shoe to your preferred length.
6. Turn the handle at the back of the show in the clockwise direction to adjust the shoe’s width.

3. Freezing technique

The freezing technique might sound farfetched. However, it has been proven to work and has scientific backing. It is based on the principle of water freezing and its expansion during the change in its state.

Follow these steps if you are looking for ways on how to stretch leather shoes at home:

1. Fill two zip lock bags with water.
2. Insert one bag in each shoe, ensuring the zip lock bag fits into the toe box.
3. Place the shoe in the freezer for about 8 hours or until frozen.
4. Take the shoe out and allow the ice to thaw.
5. Walk around in the shoes; if they feel comfortable, you do not need more ice. If it still feels tight, add more water into the zip lock bag and repeat the process.

Brown leather shoes. Photo: @Wardrobe ya bijjodolo and @G.H Bass ZA (modified by author) Source: Facebook

4. The sock method

The sock method would easily pass as the oldest method for anyone looking for ways on how to stretch shoes overnight. It entails wearing thick socks and forcing your legs into tight leather shoes. Doing so exerts pressure on the shoe’s interior, causing the leather skin to stretch.

It is important to note that this method is significantly uncomfortable. Nevertheless, it is guaranteed to work and is effective since it requires no tools or products.

5. Using old newspapers

Have you heard how to stretch leather shoes with newspapers and wondered how the concept works? How about following these tips, especially if you want to stretch your leather shoes overnight?

1. Crumble up pages of a newspaper and dampen them. Be careful not to have them soaking wet since the excess water risks damaging the leather skin.
2. Pack the dampened pieces of newspaper in the shoes. Ensure to stuff them enough for them to exert pressure against the shoe’s interior. Focus more on the areas causing excess pressure, often the toe box.
3. All the show to sit in the shoe’s silhouette until they are completely dry. By the time the newspaper dries, the shoe will be stretched out.

Designer male leather shoes. Photo: @SLO (modified by author) Source: Facebook

6. Wetting the shoes

Are you looking to learn how to stretch shoes wider at home? How about trying the wetting the shoes method? It is allegedly used by the military forces to stretch their leather shoes. These are the steps to follow if you opt to use this method:

1. With your shoes on, jump into the shower. The trick is to let hot water flow on and in the leather shoes.
2. Have the shoes on for a few hours after leaving the shower. The trick is that as the leather relaxes, it conforms with the shape of your leg as it dries.
3. Apply leather conditioner or saddle shop to retain the moisture depleted when drying out the leather surface.

7. Steaming your shoes

The steaming method is one of the fastest ways of stretching your leather shoes. It entails using heat to stretch the leather surface of your shoe. Follow these steps to stretch your leather shoes:

1. Boil water in an electric kettle or a pan.
2. Hold each shoe over the kettle or pan’s steam for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Immediately stuff the shoe with paper towels or newspapers as tightly as possible.
4. Allow the stuffed shoes to dry under the shade.

These tips on how to stretch leather tips at home are the reason you should not go through the discomfort of wearing an overly tight shoes. They also provide you with options to choose from based on your preference and how much risk you are willing to take.

DISCLAIMER: This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

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