Ballerinas are a must in the wardrobe of many girls. They can enrich any combination, making it chic, cute or feminine. Unfortunately, however, it can take some time before they become comfortable. This article will tell you some simple ways to make them more comfortable and wider.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Plastic Bags and Ice
Step 1. Take two airtight plastic bags and half fill them with water, then seal them tightly
The bags must be of a size that allows you to slip them into your shoes without problems. This method is preferable for shoes that are slightly tight at the toes.
Step 2. Put the bags in your shoes
Insert them by pushing them towards your fingers. If you are concerned that a bag is leaking, put it in another bag before putting it in the shoe.
Step 3. Put the shoes in the freezer
If the idea disgusts you, put them in a plastic bag first.
Step 4. Wait for the water to freeze
As it freezes, it will spread the shoes.
Step 5. Take your shoes out of the freezer and remove the bags
If you have difficulty, wait for the ice to melt a little. You can also try to break it with a hammer.
Step 6. Put your shoes on right away
This will help you maintain shape and make sure they don't shrink as they warm up.
Method 2 of 4: Socks and Hair Dryer
Step 1. Put on a thick pair of socks
If you don't have any, wear two pairs of regular socks. They will help you widen your shoes.
- This method is preferable for slightly tight shoes.
- Proceed with caution. If the soles are glued, the heat from the hairdryer can cause the glue to melt and detach the soles.
Step 2. Turn on the hair dryer and direct it towards the shoes
Focus on tight spots, like the tips. The heat will soften the material and make it more elastic.
Step 3. Put on your shoes and, if necessary, heat them again with the hairdryer
They will feel even tighter than before, but after stretching them the seal will be perfect.
Step 4. Keep your shoes on while indoors until they have cooled down
Move your fingers from time to time to make them soften even more. As they cool, they will keep the shape of the foot. It can take some time. Be patient and do not remove them until they have cooled completely.
Step 5. Take off your socks and try on your shoes
They should be a little bit wider than before and will be more comfortable to hold. If they are still too tight, repeat the whole process.
Method 3 of 4: Enlarge them with a Device
Step 1. Prepare your shoes for the process
You will need to moisten or heat them depending on the material they are made of. This method is effective for most materials, including synthetics. However, keep in mind that leather stretches more than synthetic materials, such as vinyl and fabric.
- Moisten leather or fabric shoes. Hot water is preferred, but it can stain or fade the leather. A special solution to widen the leather would be safer, if you can find it.
- Heat vinyl or urethane shoes with a hair dryer. Remember that this process can damage some surfaces.
Step 2. Slide a shoe expander into the shoe
Don't worry if it feels too small - it fits snugly into your shoe. If you have hallux valgus, you can use a special accessory that is attached to the shoelace.
Step 3. Turn the knobs clockwise until the shoe shimmer fits snugly on the shoe
Keep doing this until you see some pressure on the surface of the shoe. Don't widen it too much: three or four turns will suffice. If the shoes are still too tight, you can always repeat the process.
Step 4. Leave the shoe sharpener on overnight
As the shoes dry or cool, they will begin to retain their new shape.
Step 5. Loosen the shoelace and take it off the next morning
Rotate the knobs counterclockwise until the shoesher regains its initial shape, then remove it.
Step 6. Try on your shoes to see if they fit you
If they still get too tight, repeat the process. Remember that some materials, especially synthetic ones, may recover their original size over time. If that happens, do it all over again.
Method 4 of 4: Other Methods
Step 1. Use shoes
Many shoes stretch on their own, especially leather ones. If they are slightly tight and don't hurt, try wearing them around the house a few times. Over time they will soften and become more comfortable.
Remember that this method will only soften the toe area, it will not stretch the shoe
Step 2. Try moistening your shoes with isopropyl alcohol and put them on
Spray it on the inside until it becomes moist, then wear it until completely dry. The wet material will stretch to adapt to the shape of the foot and will keep it dry when dry.
- This method is preferable to spread the shoes on the toes. It doesn't work to stretch them.
- This method is most effective for canvas, leather and microfiber shoes.
- If you have particularly sensitive skin, try diluting the alcohol with water first. You can also use just water.
- First try to give it a try on a small part of the shoe. Some materials do not react well in contact with isopropyl alcohol.
Step 3. Try using water and newspaper
Wet the entire shoe, then fill it with newspaper for 24 hours. Rewet it every four to eight hours as needed. Let it dry completely before you remove the paper and try it on.
- If you are concerned about the ink staining your shoe, you can use a paper bag or food paper.
- You can also use olive oil or petroleum jelly, but remember that they could stain the shoe. Let the oil sit for only 24 hours.
Step 4. Take your shoes to the cobbler
A professional can enlarge them by making use of suitable tools and his experience. Usually it costs about 10-20 euros to widen the shoes, but this depends on the rates of the shoemaker. Remember that footwear can only be stretched up to a certain point, which is approximately half a number.
Advice
- Most shoes soften and stretch with use.
- Ballet flats tend to be small as they need to fit snugly against the foot. In the future, try to buy them a number (or half a number) larger.
- Before putting on your shoes, apply a blister balm to your heels and top of your foot.
- If the dancers are irritating your feet too much, try lining them with moleskin. You can also soften the inside with a nail file.
Warnings
- If they hurt you too much, give them to a friend or give them to charity. No shoe is worth the damage you could do to your foot.
- Leather stretches more easily than synthetic materials. If the shoe is vinyl, faux leather, canvas, etc., it may not stretch that much.
- A shoe can only be stretched up to a certain point. It is almost impossible to expand it by more than half a number.
- If the shoes have elastic, avoid cutting it, as it allows you to keep them on your feet. If your heels are bothering you, try lining this part of the shoe with a thin strip of moleskin.
