Are your leather shoes feeling snug? Have they lost their shape or been damaged after wearing them for long periods? Wearing tight-fitting shoes can be uncomfortable and even lead to foot injuries, so stretching out your leather shoes properly is important.
Stretch leather shoes are simple, but they require patience and the right techniques. In this guide, we will go through the steps on how to strech leather shoes.
Learning how to stretch out leather shoes correctly can help improve your overall comfort and extend the shoe’s longevity. This is especially important for those investing in high-quality leather shoes, as they can be expensive. Follow these tips to ensure your leather shoes fit comfortably and look great whenever you wear them.
What Will You Need?
Before we get into the steps, here is a list of things you will need when stretching out your leather shoes:
- Leather conditioner or stretching spray
- Thick socks (or multiple pairs of socks)
- Wooden shoe stretchers or plastic shoe trees
- Shoe stretcher spray (optional)
- Hairdryer (optional)
Once you have all the necessary items, follow these simple steps to stretch out your leather shoes.
10 Easy Steps on How to Strech Leather Shoes
Step 1: Prepare the Shoes
The first step is to prep your shoes for stretching. Start by stuffing them with a damp towel or newspaper, filling up all areas, including the toes and heels. This will help loosen up the leather and make it easier to stretch.
Step 2: Apply Leather Conditioner or Stretching Spray
After preparing the shoes, the next step is to apply a leather conditioner or stretching spray to the areas you want to stretch. Make sure you apply it generously, covering all tight spots of the shoes. This solution will soften the leather, making it more flexible for stretching. Always test a small area first to ensure the conditioner or spray does not discolor the leather.
Step 3: Insert the Shoe Stretcher or Shoe Trees
Once you’ve applied the conditioner or stretching spray, it’s time to insert the shoe stretcher or shoe trees into your shoes. Make sure they’re fit snugly inside, filling up all the spaces. If you’re using a shoe stretcher, you must turn the handle to expand the device until it puts pressure on the shoe’s sides. This will allow the shoe to stretch out in the intended areas. Leave it in this state for at least 24 hours to ensure an effective stretch.
Step 4: Heat the Tight Areas
If the shoes are too tight after using a shoe stretcher or shoe trees, you can use a hairdryer to apply heat to the tight areas. Put on a pair of thick socks and then the shoes. Blow heat on the tight areas for about 20-30 seconds, and flex your feet while the shoes are warm to help stretch out the leather. Be careful not to overheat the shoes as it can dry out the leather. Once the shoes have cooled down, keep them on to let them take the shape of your feet.
Step 5: Massage and Manipulate the Leather
After heating, it’s beneficial to massage and manipulate the tight areas of the leather shoes. With your hands, gently push out from the inside of the shoes or knead the outside areas that feel tight. This will further help the leather to stretch and mold to the shape of your feet. Remember to do this gently to avoid damaging the shoes.
Step 6: Wear the Shoes with Thick Socks
Now it’s time to try on your shoes with thick socks. If they’re still tight, try wearing multiple pairs of socks or thick woolen ones and walk around in them for some time. This will help stretch out the leather even more.
Step 7: Keep Wearing Them
The key to effectively stretching leather shoes is to wear them as much as possible. The more you wear them, the more they’ll stretch and mold to your feet. Try wearing them for short periods at first and gradually increase the duration as your feet get used to the new fit.
Step 8: Use a Shoe Stretcher Spray
If you’re still having trouble stretching out certain areas of the shoe, you can use a shoe stretcher spray. This spray is designed to soften up and stretch leather even further. Simply spray it on the tight spots and wear your shoes with thick socks.
Step 9: Maintain with Regular Conditioning
To ensure your leather shoes stay in good shape and remain comfortable, it’s important to condition them regularly. This will prevent the leather from drying out and becoming tight again. Use a leather conditioner every few months or as needed.
Step 10: Consider Professional Help
If you’re still unable to get the desired stretch on your own, consider taking your shoes to a professional. They have the expertise and equipment to stretch out leather shoes effectively without damaging them. Be careful when choosing a professional and check their reviews and experience before entrusting them with your expensive leather shoes.
By following these steps, you can stretch out your leather shoes and make them fit comfortably. With the right techniques and some patience, your once tight-fitting shoes will now provide you with all-day comfort.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Exposure to Heat: Applying direct heat to your leather shoes may seem like a quick way to stretch them, but it can damage the material and result in discoloration or cracking.
- Avoid Overstretching: While your goal is to make the shoe fit better, hastily stretching it too much can lead to deformity, ruining the shoe’s appearance and comfort.
- Avoid Using Wrong Tools: Household items can be tempting for a quick stretch, but using the incorrect tools can cause damage. Shoe stretchers are a safer option.
- Avoid Wetting the Shoes: Soaking leather shoes in water may make them pliable, but it can also cause the leather to shrink and harden once it dries, worsening the problem.
- Avoid Ignoring the Pain: If your leather shoes are causing significant discomfort, it may be best to consult a professional cobbler for advice. Ignoring persistent discomfort can lead to foot problems in the long run.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can stretch your leather shoes without damaging them. Remember to take your time and be gentle with stretching, as leather is a delicate material that requires careful handling.
Does Leather Stretch When Wet?
Yes, leather does stretch when wet, but this method is not recommended for stretching your shoes. As mentioned earlier, soaking leather can cause it to shrink and harden once dry. This can lead to the opposite effect of what you’re trying to achieve.
Exposing leather shoes to water can also damage the material and result in discoloration or water stains. It’s best to stick to safer and more reliable methods of stretching leather shoes, such as using a shoe stretcher or seeking professional help from a cobbler.
Be careful to distinguish this from the popular water method, and wear wet socks to stretch out new leather shoes. This technique may work for breaking in stiff leather, but it could be more effective for stretching the shoe size. It’s also important to note that repeated use of this method can cause damage to the lining and sole of the shoe.
What Type of Conditioner Should You Use for Leather Shoes?
Using a leather conditioner can help soften and stretch the material of your shoes, making them more comfortable to wear. When choosing a conditioner, use one specifically designed for leather shoes. Avoid using household products or oils as they may contain chemicals that can damage the leather.
Before applying any product to your shoes, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure there are no adverse effects. Follow the instructions on the conditioner and allow it to fully absorb into the leather before wearing your shoes again.
Can You Stretch Leather Shoes with a Hairdryer?
As mentioned earlier, exposing leather shoes to direct heat is not recommended as it can cause damage. This includes using a hairdryer to stretch the material. The high heat from the hairdryer can cause the leather to shrink and crack, ruining the appearance of your shoes. Avoiding this method and opt for safer alternatives, such as using a shoe stretcher or seeking professional help.
In conclusion, while using quick and easy methods for stretching leather shoes may be tempting, it’s important to take caution and avoid potential damage. Following these tips and techniques, you can stretch your leather shoes without compromising their quality or comfort.
Conclusion
Regular stretching is essential to ensure that your leather shoes are comfortable and last as long as possible. With the right tools and techniques, you can quickly and easily stretch out your dress shoes properly in the comfort of your own home.
Not only will this increase the longevity of your footwear, but it will also give them a chic custom look that’ll turn more than a few heads! So don’t wait any longer – go grab those stretchers and get to stretching now. Your feet will thank you for it later!
Hopefully, the article on how to strech leather shoes has provided you with useful information and tips. Thank you!
