Use a boot stretcher specifically designed for the type of boots you have (e.g. wide calf, narrow shaft). Alcohol can also be helpful for getting stains out of leather shoes, purses, or furniture. Apply carefully to avoid damaging the leather surface. How to Stretch Leather Shoes with a Shoe Stretcher Alternatively, you can use some stretching sprays suitable for leather and use a shoe tree or stretcher to get the job done. If none of these methods work, you should use professional shoe stretching services to stretch leather high heels. Q: How much do leather heels stretch? My kit came in a handy storage bag. The pair of shoe stretchers are heavy enough ( about 1lb (500g) each) but quite jangly and noisy. You also get little plastic bags with various bits and bobs. There are flat pieces to stretch shoe tops and small round bits to make shoes extra wide for bunions.

Expect to leave the stretcher in your shoes for 24 to 48 hours. If the shoes are still tight, repeat the process. Expected Results If you've got a tight pair of leather shoes, a shoe stretch spray can be your best friend. These sprays are specially formulated to soak into the leather, softening it and making it easier to stretch. It's pretty much a magic potion for tight shoes! Here's how it works: you spray it onto the areas that need a little loosening, put on your shoes, and go about your day. The shoes will stretch naturally with your foot movements. I'll be diving into a step-by-step guide in a bit, so keep reading! 2. Using a Shoe Stretcher Doing this allows the leather fibers to stretch to the shape of your foot. For cleaning leather boots and shoes, try a homemade vinegar spray. Stretching leather boots can be accomplished through all the standard options, including boot stretchers, heat or cold expansion methods, boot stretching spray, and calf stretchers. So, if the boots are snug all around, use any of these methods to stretch them to your perfect fit. If the boots fit perfectly but are too snug around your calves, calf stretchers should fix them right up. Stretching Leather SandalsThese devices can help you expand the length and width of a shoe. Specially designed plugs (bunion plugs) can also target problem areas in the top of the toe box.

We mentioned earlier that leather is breathable and can absorb and release moisture. But did you know that moisture can play a role in stretching leather shoes? When leather absorbs water, it softens and becomes more pliable, which makes it easier to stretch. She wears her Vejas much more often now they both feel the right size. If you're curious about Campos, read my in-depth review of my Vejas after 6 months wear here. Making TOMS fabric shoes longer TOMS fabric shoes before (left) and after (right) stretchingShoe trees are a necessary accessory for leather shoes. They help to keep the shoes in good condition by absorbing moisture and preventing the shape of the shoe from changing. A shoe tree is a more permanent solution to the stretching the spray will do – and definitely inexpensive when compared to buying new shoes altogether. Final Thoughts As someone who loves leather shoes, I bet you've wondered about what gives them their unique charm. Well, here's a little crash course in Leather 101 for you. The reason why leather feels, looks, and behaves the way it does is all down to its properties. Thus, knowing how to stretch leather heels would help break in your new shoes and make tight footwear fit better. I’ll walk you through every step from start to finish ensuring your leather heels fit perfectly. So let’s get this party started! If they need to be a little bigger repeat the process. But again, be careful not to push the stretcher so far that it compromises any stitching. There are a few different methods to stretch leather shoes, and most don’t require a lot of supplies. You probably already have many of these items somewhere in your home. Here are the supplies needed to stretch leather shoes by each method:

Plastic - Plastic is the second most popular material used to make shoe stretchers. While it’s undeniable that stretchers fashioned from high strength plastic will last you for years and years and that they often cost noticeably less than hardwood stretchers they don’t have the panache that wood shoe stretchers bring to the table. Still, for countless people around the world plastic shoe stretchers are a lightweight, affordable, easy to use way to make their new shoes fit properly. And one more thing: Some folks think that shoe stretchers are a one-time thing. Like you stretch your new wingtips and then toss out the shoe stretchers. Nothing could be further from the truth. Especially when it comes to shoe stretchers fashioned from hardwood like cedar or oak. Even some of the better made plastic shoes stretchers should provide years of service. Q : How long does it take to stretch shoes with a shoe stretcher? So, what is the best way to stretch out your shoes? Should you use a shoe stretching spray or one of the best shoe stretcher devices? Let’s compare the two methods:These shoe stretchers worked well for me & I'm really pleased with the results. I only wish I'd known they existed sooner. I could have been wearing my tight suede boots 5 years ago! Shoe stretchers work best for lengthening leather shoes, due to their natural elasticity. I also found that stretching the width slightly as well as the length helps make shoes longer. When I only stretched the length, the result was not as good and did not last as well. See how your shoe feels on. If it is still not long or wide enough, repeat the process, stretching further than before and/or leaving it to stretch for a longer time which may work better. So if you only stretch your shoes length-wise and find it makes no real difference, stretching them again both length-wise and width-wise may work. Go easy with width stretching though, because you can overdo it and end up making your shoes too big and wide. Do shoe stretchers work to make shoes wider at home? Polish for protection: Polishing not only makes your shoes look good, but it also adds a protective layer that helps to preserve the leather.

There are many reasons why you may want to use shoe stretching spray. Perhaps you have a new pair of shoes that are too tight on your feet and need to be broken in. Or, maybe you have an old pair of shoes that have become too snug over time. Whatever the reason, shoe stretch spray can help! Now, let's talk about walking efficiency. This is something we tend not to think about too much, but it plays a crucial role in our daily lives. The right leather shoes, ones that fit you perfectly, can actually make your walk more efficient. Now that you have your supplies to stretch leather shoes, let’s go through each method. Shoe Stretcher

Consider professional help: If you're unsure or dealing with a particularly tight pair of shoes, consider seeking help from a professional shoe repair service. They have the right skills and tools to stretch your shoes without causing damage.