Are your new shoes too tight and stiff? Are you struggling to make them more flexible? To avoid blisters and rubbing, there are several tips you can use to stretch your shoes.
It’s important to note that some shoes made from synthetic or rigid materials can be harder to stretch or adjust. In some cases, if the shoes are extremely tight and uncomfortable, it may be better to consider exchanging them for a larger size or replacing them with a pair that fits your foot better.
Main leather types and how flexible they are
The type of leather your shoes are made of has a big impact on how much flexibility you’ll gain as you wear them. Some leathers remain stiffer despite all the solutions suggested.
- Grained leather: As the name suggests, this is a type of leather with a grained appearance. It’s durable and softens well over time.
- Smooth leather: This is a supple, fine-grain leather with a smooth appearance.
- Patent leather: This is a type of leather with a glossy finish applied. It’s a coated leather, so by definition it’s harder to soften, because you can’t nourish it with a special leather milk, for example, or a softener.
- Suede or nubuck: This is leather that has been treated on the flesh side, giving it that velvety look. It stretches fairly easily.
How do you stretch leather shoes?
There are several tips you can try at home to stretch new shoes and make them more comfortable:
- Newspaper to stretch your shoes: Make balls and slip them into your shoes. Make sure you fill all the spaces and push them well into the shoes. Leave them for 24 hours. If necessary, you can repeat this process several times.
- Plastic shoe stretcher: Insert them and leave them in place for 24 hours, then remove them. This will help slightly stretch the leather and create a bit more room for your feet.
- Softening spray to stretch shoes: There are softening sprays specially designed for leather. Spray the inside and outside of the shoe, then wear the shoes for a while so the leather relaxes and adapts better to the shape of your foot.
A cobbler to stretch your shoes
If none of these solutions has worked, you can call on a specialist who has the expertise and the necessary tools to meet your needs. In particular, they can use a stretching machine to relax the leather of your shoes.
For more technical stretching, such as stretching the boot shaft, the cobbler can also help.
At Galoche & Patin, our team of craftspeople can handle all your requests to widen and stretch your shoes, whether they’re boots, Oxfords, pumps, or any other style.
