Hello shoe lovers...!
If you've
ever fallen in love with a pair of shoes even though they're just a bit too
small, you've probably looked for ways to stretch shoes without damaging them.
I started looking because my mother got me a beautiful pair of shoes but I
messed up my sizing and couldn’t exchange the pair, anyway stretching the shoe
was the smartest idea, but if you have a pair of shoes that pinch a bit but
feel like they'll still fit better than a size or half-size up if they just get
used to your feet, never fear! There are lots of safe ways to stretch shoes
without changing their shape or structure!
·
The natural at home method
One of the easiest ways to stretch shoes when they
don't quite fit is to wear them around the house. Even if they're not
comfortable, wearing them while you're on the computer, running the vacuum, or
just lounging on the couch will help stretch them. If possible, you can also
put on extra thick socks – or several pairs.
·
Frozen foot wear
You take a few Ziploc bags and fill
them halfway full with water, check to make sure they don't leak, and then
shove them in your shoes. Depending on where they're too small – narrow toes,
narrow width, not quite long enough – you can situate the bags so they target
those areas. You'll want to keep them in place somehow; rubber bands work best.
Then you shove your shoes in the freezer and give the water time to turn into
ice. As it does so, it expands – and so the bags expand in your shoes. When
it's frozen, you'll either pull out the bags or give them time to thaw. After
that, you have to wear the shoes a while. They'll be cold, so you might want to
wear socks again.
·
Spray stretching solution
Most shoe shops, especially cobbler
shops, sell stretching solution. You just spray it according to the directions;
some go inside, some go outside. You'll still have to wear your shoes around
the house, but the solution helps them stretch easily. Now, some sprays can
mess with the colour of your shoes, so definitely read the directions. If you
want to make your own, some footwear fashionista’s recommend mixing up a spray
bottle containing one part rubbing alcohol with one part water, or rubbing down
your shoes with alcohol, and then wearing them. You can even soak your socks in
alcohol and wear them with your shoes.
·
Hair dryer magic
Going back to number one, pull on
some thick socks, or several pairs, shove your feet in those pesky shoes, and
then get to work with your hairdryer. Use a hot setting but don't put the dryer
flush against your shoes; you don't want to scorch them. As they heat up, make
sure you wiggle your toes and flex your feet to help the process. As they cool,
try them without socks. If they still pinch, just repeat the process.
·
Invest on a shoe stretcher
Shoe stretchers are great, and if
you find you frequently buy too-small shoes, getting one makes a good
investment. You just have to choose one that's the same size as your foot,
paying attention to both width and length. Most of them are adjustable, which
definitely helps. The only problem is that this method takes several days, but
it's also one of the safest ways to stretch shoes.
We all love shoes so much that it becomes a must to
know all the shoe tips, so that fashion is unlimited.
Love,
Raffealla.
