How to Stretch Shoes that Are Not Leather?
How to Stretch Shoes that Are Not Leather?
If you are suffering from tight, uncomfortable shoes that are not leather, then this guide will show you how to stretch them easily and efficiently. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Heat the Shoes
Use a hair dryer to heat the shoes for about two minutes. Concentrate the heat on the areas that are particularly tight. This will make the shoes more pliable and easier to shape.
Step 2: Place Wrapping Paper Inside the Shoes
Stuff the insides of the shoes with wrapping paper. Make sure it’s tightly packed.
Step 3: Wear the Shoes
When the shoes are still warm and the wrapping paper is placed inside, put the shoes on and wear them for 10-15 minutes. This will help break them in and stretch out the tight areas.
Step 4: Moisturize and Condition the Shoes
Once the shoes are cooled, apply a moisturizing and conditioning product to help keep the material soft. This step is very important to prevent cracking.
Additional Tips
- Choose shoes that fit. Always make sure to buy shoes that fit properly in the first place. This will help avoid the need to stretch them in the first place.
- Rotate Your Shoes. By wearing different shoes on different days, putting more wear on each pair and allowing them to rest in between wears.
- Use Shoe Sauce. This product contains natural oils that help keep the material soft and pliable. It is a great way to prevent the leather from cracking.
By following these steps, you should be able to stretch any shoes that are not leather and make them more comfortable to wear. Good luck and enjoy your new, stretchier shoes!
Stretching shoes not made of leather to make them more comfortable and accommodating to your feet is a dilemma many of us face. With so many of our shoes now made of synthetic materials, such as plastic and vinyl, it can be difficult to know how to stretch them properly for the best result. Fortunately, there are some tried and tested tips and tricks to stretch synthetic materials safely and, dare we say it, fairly easily.
The first step is to identify which type of material your shoes are made of and to check the care label. Many synthetic materials respond well to a basic household ingredient – water. The first step is to dampen the areas of your shoes that are too tight. This can be done best by using a spray bottle filled with a mixture of lukewarm water and a few drops of mild liquid detergent. Gently spray the exterior of your shoes until the areas are damp but not soaked.
Once your shoes are dampened, the next step is to put them on your feet and wear them for about 20 minutes, or until the material starts to feel a bit softer. If you want to increase the stretching, take a hair dryer and warm up the area of the shoe that is too tight. You may also stick a couple of plastic bags of water specifically into the parts of the shoe that need extra stretching. Warm the shoe with a hair dryer while pushing down with your feet, using the bag of water to stretch the shoe further. Remember not to heat the shoe too much to prevent damaging it and avoid bringing the dryer too close to the material.
For shoe materials such as rubber and vinyl, stretching them can be a bit more complex. An old fashioned foot stretching tool or a wooden spoon or dowel can be used to help widen the shoe. With the foot stretcher or the spoon or dowel in your shoe, push and compress the sections of your shoe with too much grip. You can also twist your foot from left to right in the shoe to stretch the material in different directions.
As you can see, there are a number of simple and effective methods you can use to stretch synthetic shoes. We recommend that you try these strategies, but if your shoes remain too tight, consider taking them to a professional, such as a shoe cobbler, to have them stretched properly.
