You love high-heeled shoes, but wearing them is always torture for your feet. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple and inexpensive remedies to make your shoes wider: you can use ice, heat, and maybe even a potato. But if these solutions don't work as well as you would like, contact a good shoemaker.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Ice
Step 1. Fill two plastic bags ¼ with water
Close them tightly to keep the water out. If the bags do not have a special closure, you can tie a knot.
Step 2. Put the plastic bags in your shoes, taking care to insert them all the way to the tip of the shoe
If, on the other hand, you need to widen another part of the shoe, arrange the bag so that the water, freezing, expands in the desired place.
Remember that this technique is particularly suitable for leather and suede shoes. Normally it also works with imitation leather shoes, even if they tend to quickly regain their original shape; you will therefore have to repeat this operation a couple of times before obtaining the desired result
Step 3. Freeze the water
Put the shoes with the water bags in the freezer overnight. If you need a quick fix to make your shoes wider, you need to make sure they stay in the freezer at least until the water in the bags has completely frozen.
Step 4. Melt the ice
Once the water is frozen, take your shoes out of the freezer. Let the ice packs thaw for 20-25 minutes until the ice has completely melted and then remove them from your shoes.
Step 5. Dry your shoes
Remove any residual water that the bags have left in the shoes. So try to put on your shoes and check if they have stretched enough. If they still don't work, you can repeat the process or try another method.
Method 2 of 3: Using Socks and Heat
This method works very well with leather shoes, because the direct and constant heat causes the leather to stretch. If you slip your feet, covered with several layers of socks, into your shoes and let the material around your foot cool, the leather should fit the new slightly larger size.
Step 1. Wear lots of socks
Two pairs of heavy socks should be enough. You can use more than two layers of socks if you need to stretch your shoes even more. The goal is to get your foot big enough to stretch the shoes just enough for them to be comfortable, but not too big.
Step 2. Put on your shoes
It might be a little tricky at first, but try to insert your foot completely. Be careful not to get hurt or crush your fingers!
If you can't get your shoes on, take off a layer of socks and try again
Step 3. Warm your feet with the hair dryer
Now you have to heat the shoes with the hot air of the hairdryer. Focus on the area that needs to be enlarged. Move your toes and the sole of your foot. Continue for 2-3 minutes until the leather of the shoe gets warm enough, but not too hot.
- Continue to wear the shoes and layers of socks until the fabric cools. As it cools, the material will take the shape of your foot, becoming slightly larger and more comfortable.
- Be careful with heat. The leather of the shoe must not burn: if you feel that the heat becomes excessive and annoying, take off your shoes immediately and try again later.
Step 4. Remove the socks
Once the fabric has cooled, try wearing the shoes without the layers of socks. If they fit comfortably, that's it! If the shoes are still too tight, repeat the process until you get the desired result.
If you want to stretch the shoes a little more, try bending them back and forth to loosen the leather. Then heat them again for 2-3 minutes to shape the material
Method 3 of 3: Contact a Professional
Step 1. Look for a cobbler near you
If you live in a populated area, chances are good that you will easily find a shoemaker or shoe repair shop. You can search online for a good shoemaker in your city and go to his shop.
Step 2. Pay for the service
Stretching your shoes is a relatively easy and inexpensive job; on average it will cost between € 15-30 depending on the shoemaker, the area and the type of work you require. This solution, however, is the longest, because you need time to bring the shoes and collect them. But remember that you are paying for a quality and very advantageous service.
Tips
- You must always ask for permission before putting your shoes in the freezer. It might be very annoying for someone to find them there.
- Make sure you remove any excess water from your shoes after removing the ice packs, otherwise you risk forming mold
- Try leaving a potato in your shoes overnight. Place a large potato in your shoes, towards the toe. Leave it in place for 12 hours. The next morning, the shoe should be slightly wider; however, this method has not been verified.
