It can be hard to find footwear that fits perfectly. But many will end up with shoes that are just a bit too narrow … and pinch the toes. Fortunately, if the issue is minor (around half an inch) there are a few things you can do to stretch your shoes to a fit you like.

Though the techniques mentioned above tend to work better for shoes made from natural materials such as canvas or leather, it is important to note. Shoes produced from artificial materials resolve back to their first size after it has expanded. So, if your shoes are drastically small, usually the best thing to do is get new ones.

Reasons to Stretch Your Footwear

No matter what make or model your shoe is, every one fits differently, and stretching them can make for a more comfortable experience. Suffering is discomfort, and we all want to avoid suffering. But wearing ill fitting shoes can result in discomfort and other bodily concerns. Additionally, they can benefit to possible injuries, so make sure they fit properly.

Shoes that seemed perfect in the store might get uncomfortably tight when you’re home for a while. It is often the case that your feet change throughout the day and therefore this happens. Your foot width varies daily, so the shoes that feel just fine at one time may feel too tight at another. In addition, there is fluctuation in water retention and thus fitting.

If you find that your shoes are too small, it’s easy to see if they are in fact the right size for you. Check the toe area: There should be about ¾ inch of space between the shoe’s end and your big toe. If this quick method tells you there's any tightness, it can tell you if sizing is a problem.

A hand slide between the back of your shoe and your heel to see if they fit around your heel. Your finger should be able to easily fit into that space. Your shoes are too tight if you can’t get your finger in.

It can be trickier, but it is just as important to determine width. If you are feeling discomfort on the sides or pinching at the broadest part of your foot while wearing your shoes you may have shoes that are too narrow.

At the very least, proper fit improves comfort and—along with that—your overall foot health can be greatly improved. But stretching allows you to adjust the usability of your favorite footwear and not letting it go out of comfort as well.

Increase Comfort with Heat

To get into tight leather shoes on the first day, use thick socks and a blow dryer. Thick socks inside your shoes, then blow dryer over snug areas. Gently softened with medium heat for the fit, it should take a few minutes for comfortable fit. Protect the leather from heat damage, keep the dryer’s nozzle moving.

Once stretched, apply a leather conditioner to keep the material in good condition and prolong the material’s life.

Use Ice To Expand Your Footwear

Ice can help stretch tight shoes. The snug area of shoe can be filled a resealable bag with water without it being full. As the water freezes, and expands within the shoe, it will help to loosen the fit a little for greater comfort.

Consider Purchasing a Shoe Stretcher

If you get regular discomfort from tight shoes, investing in a shoe stretcher isn’t a bad idea. These devices are meant to broaden the width of your shoe and lengthen its legh. Also, there's specialized stuff made for that kind of thing, like a boot with extended calf size or a high heel accommodator.

The best way to use shoe stretcher is to apply shoe stretching solution to the areas you want to modify and mail it to wearers. It helps relax these materials and makes for better expansion. Place the stretcher into the shoe, so that the shoe tight against the toe box. Leave it in place for six to eight hours gradually turning the handle until you see the shoe starting to stretch. After that period, fit the shoe. You can keep adjusting the handle, and reapplying it until it still feels tight but not too tight and you’ve got the fit you want. It may take a few repetitions over several days to get the correct size.

Many stretchers have small plugs if you have targeted areas needing more space. These plugs can be inserted to widen the space at exactly the right place, relieving pressure to bunions, for instance.

Use Them Indoors

One of the ways to help your shoes adjust to your feet is by wearing them at home — a cheap, effective way to do so. Put them on for short periods each day, starting. This gradual process will softening of the shoes so they can be worn for longer periods of time. Moreover, they help to frequently slide them on and off, stretching further without rushing the whole process.

Consider Wearing Multiple Pairs of Socks

If you're on the small end of the pod size and used to thin socks or none at all, wear thicker socks over those to get tighter shoes around that area. If you’re already wearing socks, add more by layering two or several pairs. For the process of stretching your shoes while you move around at home, this technique will speed things along.

Apply a Shoe Stretch Spray

Specialized sprays exist to make tight shoes easier to wear by relaxing the material. No matter if your shoes are made out of leather, vinyl, or fabric just spray the areas where your shoes might be a bit tight. After wearing the shoes, or using a shoe stretcher to help you stretch.

Fill Them

Squeeze newspaper into your shoes and leave them overnight. Pairing with a stretch spray will help to enhance this method. Balled up socks are also great stuffing!

Take Them to the Pros

When you have high end or sentimental footwear, seek professional shoe repair service help. But the best fit is something they excel in ensuring that your shoes are adjusted correctly.

How to Stretch Various Materials

Understanding the material of your shoes is crucial for proper stretching techniques:

Leather: For stretching leather the right way, use leather conditioner. It helps it not tear, but flex. Instead of using stretching spray, others recommend making something with diluted rubbing alcohol solution (50% alcohol, 50% water). Always test it out in a small, out of the way place first because it could discolor.

Canvas/Fabric: It’s often easier to break in canvas or fabric shoes. Since these materials are much softer than leather, you can use the same methods as listed above to stretch without much regard for damage.

Suede/Nubuck: With suede and nubuck, avoid working with water. There can be irreversible harm due to moisture. Keep to the dry techniques of stretching. It’s best to have a professional help you stretching out these products in order to prevent mishaps and maximize the benefits.

Faux Leather/Vinyl: Their construction makes these materials less flexible in terms of stretching. Faux leather or vinyl is generally not going to stretch because it’s made to not stretch. With these types of shoes, do not stretch with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stretch my new shoes?

Sure, you can actually stretch your shoes up a half or full size with different stretching techniques.

How long does the stretching process take?

Most shoes need about 24-48 hours to properly stretch because of the material of the shoe and how it will be used.

Is it possible to stretch them overnight?

Depending on how they’re stretched, you can also stretch some shoes overnight.