Have you ever purchased shoes only to discover after a few wears that they are too tight? They're the proper size in terms of length, yet they still ache. We've all been in that situation before.
We've placed an order for shoes online and eagerly awaited their arrival, discovering that they're too tiny and tight. Alternatively, you may just find a pair of ideal shoes on the clearance rack and purchase them without any, second thought, even if they were smaller. Sometimes one foot is somewhat larger than the other, or we just bought the incorrect size shoe, which feels overly tight.
Whatever the situation, stretching too-tight shoes to half a size or more may be done fast and successfully. While you can always take your shoes to a cobbler to have them professionally stretched, there are some simple do-it-yourself shoe stretching tricks.
So don't worry; here's a compiled list of six simple methods for stretching shoes for large feet if they are too tight or are narrow for your toe fingers:
HOW TO STRETCH SHOES FOR WIDE FEET?
1. Wear them to loosen them up
Try wearing your shoes around the home if they're a touch uncomfortable. A few nights of doing this will sometimes soften them up enough to make them feel pleasant.
Do you have any new shoes? Only walk on carpets or carpeted floors so that you may return the shoes in good condition if necessary.
2. Use thick socks and a blow dryer to widen them
Inserting a pair of thick socks can create space between your foot and shoes.
Apply a hairdryer to the tight regions for 20 to 30 seconds.
To avoid over-drying or burning the leather, use medium heat and keep the blow dryer moving.
3. Use a frozen zip lock bag
Partially fill a zip-close bag with water. In your shoe, place the partly filled bag. Try to put it near congested areas. Keep it in the freezer for at least one night. The water will freeze and expand, giving your shoes a customized stretch.
4. The peeled potato trick
Remove the skin of a potato and cut it into the toe box shape of your shoe, i.e., the front of the shoe. Pat dry the potato with a paper towel and stuff it inside your shoe for the night. This procedure might give you a little extra stretch.
5. Shoe stretch sprays and liquids
There are many liquids and sprays available to stretch leather, cloth, and even vinyl. After that, walk in your shoes and spray them on the tight regions. These items can also be used with adjustable shoe stretchers to provide a bespoke stretch for your shoes.
6. Find an expert cobbler
A cobbler can stretch your shoes using the stretching machine they have. It can stretch only that particular part that is hurting you and not the entire shoe.
How to identify if the shoes will be of the right fit?
It's usually wise to pass on shoes if you have any doubts regarding their comfort or fit. An ill-fitting pair of shoes can cause long-term damage to your feet and joints. You'll always be able to locate a better-fitting pair somewhere. The easiest way to check if the shoe has enough space or not is to make sure there is enough room between your skin and the shoe.
There should be a finger's breadth size of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe. Another method is to put your finger between your foot's heel and heel of your shoe to ensure there is enough space for your finger to slip snugly inside.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. How to stretch heels for wide feet?
Stretching your heels with cold, heat, or even potato is an option. Bring your high heels to a professional cobbler if you're having difficulties extending them on your own.
2. How to stretch sneakers for wide feet?
Getting a Ziploc bag, filling it with water, and inserting it into your sneakers is a wonderful method to stretch out your sneakers overnight. After that, you'll place your shoes in the freezer overnight, where the water will freeze and expand, further opening up your sneakers.
3. How to stretch tennis shoes for wide feet?
Tennis shoes will usually expand naturally as you wear them. Whether men's dress shoes or women's heels, leather shoes will stretch over time and become more comfortable. The ideal tennis shoes should be a perfect fit for your feet. They must be neither too tight nor too loose. They should provide appropriate padding on the inside sole while allowing for pleasant mobility.
4. How to stretch toms for wide feet?
With wear, your TOMS Shoes will most likely stretch somewhat. Your toes should be able to touch the end of the shoe right out of the box. They will most likely expand somewhat after a few hours of wear to fit your feet.
CONCLUSION
Properly fitting shoes for your health and well-being cannot be overstated. A shoe purchase should never be rushed. Always check to see if the shoes you're buying are a decent fit for you.
If your shoes are a little too tight, there are several things you can do at home or with the help of a shoemaker to get them to fit properly.
Jeffrey has a Master of Science degree in sports science and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. Jeffrey has worked in sports medicine clinics, corporate wellness facilities and rehabilitation clinics. He/She is an exercise physiologist and fitness consultant who has been writing about sports equipment and training techniques for athletes and fitness enthusiasts for over a decade.