Do Shoe Stretchers Actually Work? – 2024 Guide

Sometimes we come up with a tight-fitting shoe but we love to buy it. You might be worried about your wide feet, inflammations, bumps and wounds after wearing those shoes. So, no need to worry. Here, we are going to give you useful information about shoe stretchers that give you a perfect fit and are the best for breaking into new shoes.

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What are Shoe Stretchers?

These are the tools that not only expand the width and length of your shoes but also stretch the calves and instep areas. They make your shoes comfortable for you. The unique and innovative design of shoe stretchers consists of a thumb wheel that easily and evenly expands any tight-fitting shoes. Shoes made of leather or canvas are more appropriate for adjustment through shoe stretchers. For other types of shoes or boots, those are made of synthetic materials, you have to use shoe stretchers again and again.

Why are Shoe Stretchers Needed?

In cases when your feet can swell or you can have a size between two numbers or you can get corns and bunions because of imperfect fitting of your shoes, shoe stretchers can help you to lessen your problems and give you a more comfortable fitting.

Precautionary Measures 

So yes, shoe stretchers really work. However, you must do some practice on some old pair of shoes before stretching your new shoes. There is a chance that you can ruin your new pair of shoes by overstretching them because of lack of practice.

You may contact some repair person for stretching your shoes if you are not confident in doing so. However, if there’s no assistance available, you may opt for the technique of using thick socks for stretching. If you plan to do so, don’t forget to check out our article covering the best 5 socks here.

How to Use Shoe Stretchers?

Let’s start having a thorough discussion of ways and tips for using shoe stretchers. The two-way shoe stretcher will help you to stretch the length and width of your shoes at the same time. Here we are going to give you details of using this particular type; other types are using the same principles.

Things to Remember

Put the shoe stretcher inside one shoe and turn the knob. Stop turning when you feel pressure from the shoe. Leave the stretcher inside the shoes at least for the whole night or sometimes for 24 to 48 hours.  Be careful, do not leave for a longer period of time and make sure you’ve stretched your shoes to your required width or length.

Just keep in mind that shoe stretchers work best for leather shoes and they are less effective for synthetic and rubber shoes. You need extra treatment and care for these shoes. Synthetic materials like polyurethane revert back to their original shape and size after some time, so you need to repeat the process of stretching again.

Shoes stretched only when the material gets wet, so the best way is to use shoe stretching sprays. Use specific shoe stretching sprays for leather, synthetic or rubber shoes. For leather shoes, you must use leather shoe stretching spray for soles and outer of the cowboy, suede or faux suede shoes; but for the inner lining, use synthetic shoe stretching spray.

Things Required

• Shoe stretcher
• Shoe stretching spray
• Shoe tree
• Spot stretching plug

Stretch your Shoes Length-Wise

1. Spray your shoes from the inside and outside with the shoe stretching spray. Prepare your shoes by spraying on those spots that are tighter.
2. If you have one shoe stretcher, place it into both shoes one by one for the required time.
3. Make sure the toe block of the shoe stretcher is fully closed.
4. Rotate the lengthening wheel on the shoe stretcher for a snug fit.
5. Turn the wheel clockwise to move the heel block towards the heel counter of your shoe.
6. Leave the shoe stretcher inside your shoe for six to eight hours. Check for the required fitting that you want.
7. Remove the shoe stretcher by turning the handle counter-clockwise and take it out.
8. If you did not achieve your required results, repeat the steps from 1 to 7.
9. Repeat the same process for the other shoe.
10. While you are not wearing your shoes, put the shoe tree inside them for permanent results of stretching.

Stretch your Shoes Width-Wise

1. Start spraying your shoes from inside and outside with the shoe stretching spray. Prepare your shoes first spraying on spots that are specifically tight.
2. Put spot stretching plugs into those areas where you are feeling more pressure. Remove them when you will get the required results.
3. If you have one shoe stretcher, place it into both shoes one by one for the required time. Caution: Make sure the toe block of the shoe stretcher is fully closed. It should touch the end of the toe box of your shoe. Also, ensure that the heel block of the shoe stretcher has tucked in the shoe.
4. Rotate the handle of the shoe stretcher for ensuring proper fitting.
5. Turn the handle clockwise to widen the toe block of the shoe. You must rotate the handle two to three times to achieve the required shoe expanding.
6. Leave the shoe stretcher inside your shoe for six to eight hours. Check for the required fitting that you want.
7. Remove the shoe stretcher by turning the handle counter-clockwise and take it out.
8. If you did not achieve your required results, repeat the steps from 1 to 7.
9. Repeat the same process for the other shoe.
10. While you are not wearing your shoes, put the shoe tree inside them for permanent results of stretching.

Conclusion

Finally, we have some insight into the solution to a big problem. So, if you have shoes in your wardrobe that are tight and you are not able to wear them. Take them out and try our tips and ways to stretch their width or length, instep or toes box. Just keep this thing in mind that stretching does not mean to enlarge your shoes by one or two numbers in size, it is just to give you some relief or comfort and release the extra pressure because of tight size. So, be careful not to overstretch your shoes as they will create another issue related to loose shoes. Also, the fabric of the shoe matter. So here comes the requirement of using specific shoe stretching sprays.

Here are some products that can help you stretch your shoes on your own, without paying a visit to the repair shop:

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