How to Stretch Tight Shoes the Fast and Easy Way

I recently bought a pair of these exact Naot Women's Borasco shoes after a friend recommended them as a cute and comfortable work/walking/dress up or down travel shoe (Disclosure: I am including affiliate links for your convenience.) My friend did not do me wrong. Ilove everything about the shoes except for one minor thing:

I’m having some pain and discomfort because of the new leather is stiff so the shoes are a little too tight.

I don’t have time to have my shoes stretched at the shoe repair shop or at home with a pair of shoe stretchers. I need to break my new shoes in fast and make them more comfortable in the heel and ball of my foot for an upcoming event. Fortunately, there is a simple and effective way to stretch new shoes quickly – and it is cheap too!

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How to Custom Stretch Tight Shoes with Hot 

Water

Enter the hot water method – the fast and easy way to stretch your tight shoes on your feet without enduring the pain and discomfort of breaking them in. In just a few minutes, you can say goodbye to cramped toes and blisters

By following the simple steps provided, you can have comfortable shoes that fit perfectly in no time. It is easy! I’ll walk you through it (pun intended.)

Step 1: Fill a basin or bathtub with enough hot water to fully submerge your shoes. The water should be hot enough to help the shoes stretch, but not so hot that it damages them. It's important to note that this method works best on leather shoes, as they are more pliable when exposed to heat. Once the basin is filled, it's time to move on to the next step: soaking your shoes in the hot water.

Step 2: The next step in the hot water method is to put on a pair of fairly thick socks with the shoes you want to stretch and soak them in the hot water. It's important to allow your shoes to soak for at least ten minutes to ensure that the material becomes pliable enough to stretch.

 

Taking the plunge!

• To stretch tight shoes at the ball of your foot: I like to sit on the edge of the bathtub for safety and do toe raises and ankle rolls to encourage the stiff leather shoe to custom stretch where I need it.

• To stretch the heel of new shoes to prevent blisters: I remove the shoe when it wet, push the heel toward the inside of the shoe. After I hold it there for a bit I put the shoe back on and soak it the hot water.

 

I had to repeat the the heel process a few times before this shoe fit how I wanted

While soaking, it's important to occasionally check the temperature of the water. If it cools down, it may not be as effective in stretching your shoes. Add more hot water as needed to keep the water at the desired temperature.

For tough or resistant shoes, you may need to repeat Step 2 as needed and/or let the shoes soak on your feet in the hot water for up to thirty minutes.

Step 3: Once you've completed the soaking process, it's time to move onto the next step: wearing your shoes while they are still wet. This may seem uncomfortable (I HATE wearing wet socks, so I’m with ya) but it's crucial in the stretching process. Wearing your shoes wet will allow them to conform to the shape of your foot, resulting in a more comfortable fit.

Don't worry about ruining your shoes (I wear mine inside just to make sure) or getting blisters, the water will act as a cushion between your skin and the material of the shoe.

Step 4: Once you've successfully stretched your shoes while wearing them while they are wet, it's important to allow them to dry naturally. Either on your feet (preferable) or if you are comfortable with how the newly custom stretched shoes feel on your foot (or, like me, are DONE with wearing wet socks for the day) off of your feet.

Note: Step 4is crucial to the stretching process as it ensures that the shoes retain their new shape. It can be tempting to use a blow dryer or other heat source to speed up the process, but this can damage the shoe material and cause it to shrink. Just say no!

Instead, find a well-ventilated area and place your shoes in a spot where they can air dry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as this can also damage your shoes. It may take awhile for the shoes to completely dry, but it's worth the wait to have a comfortable, well-fitted pair of shoes.

Step 5: Once the shoes are completely dry, wear your custom stretched shoes and say goodbye to blisters and discomfort!

Here are a Few Extra Tips to Ensure Your Success in Stretching Your Shoes

First, if you've tried the hot water method and still find your shoes too tight, don't be afraid to repeat the process. It may take a few attempts to achieve your desired fit. However, be aware that excessive stretching can cause your shoes to warp or lose their shape, so proceed with caution.

Second, consider investing in a shoe stretchers like this kind. These tools are specifically designed for stretching shoes and can provide a more precise and controlled stretch. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and gradually stretch the shoes over a period of several days. This is my preferred shoe stretching method.

Finally, if you're still struggling to stretch a specific area of the shoe, try using a stretching spray. I use this exact shoe stretch spray for my leather shoes and this exact shoe stretching spray for my suede, faux leather, canvas, cloth, and vinyl shoes with my wood shoe stretchers to break in my new shoes.

Shoe stretching sprays work by softening the material of the shoe, making it more pliable and easier to stretch. Make sure to test the spray on a small area first to ensure it won't damage or discolor the shoe.

Looking for more shoe stretching and blister presentation ideas? Check out the following options – and more - below!

 

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