How to stretch out tight shoes: a guide
April 02, 2025
Ever bought the perfect pair of shoes that seemed to be a good fit when you tried them on, but after wearing them for a couple of hours they feel uncomfortably tight? Or perhaps you have a favourite pair of shoes that you just can't seem to squeeze your feet into anymore. Don't worry, we've all been there.
While you could always return your shoes or take them to a shoe shop to get them professionally stretched, there are a few shoe stretching hacks you can try at home to stretch them out yourself.
Read on to discover our five easy ways on how to stretch tight shoes.
What's on this page:
The importance of well-fitting shoes
We spend most our lives wearing shoes. So, it's important to make sure they fit correctly. No matter how stylish or durable your footwear may be, if they don't fit properly, they won't be doing your feet any favours.
Footwear that doesn't fit properly can cause injuries and lead to a variety of foot problems. When you purchase a new pair of shoes, it is a good idea to have your feet measured. This way, you'll be able to determine your exact shoe size and find a pair of shoes with a comfortable fit.
For more practical tips on sizing and fitting your shoes, you can also explore our shoe style & fitting guide.
How to tell if your shoes are too tight
If your shoes are too tight, this can result in blisters or sores, which can quickly lead to serious infection.
The easiest way to tell if your shoes are too tight is to check how much room there is in the toe area of your shoe. There should be a finger's width of space between your big toe and the end of your shoe.
Another way to check if your shoes are too tight is to slide a finger between the heel of your foot and the back of your shoe. If there is little space to spare, then your shoes are probably too tight.
5 ways to stretch new shoes
Thankfully, most shoes can easily be stretched out to create some additional wiggle room. In this section, we'll explore how to stretch new shoes with five simple techniques you can do at home. It is worth noting however that the following shoe stretching techniques will vary for different materials and shoe types.
1. Wear your shoes around the house
A simple way to stretch out shoes is to break them in by wearing them around the house. Start by wearing them for short periods of time—just 20 to 30 minutes a day. Over time, the material will start to loosen up and give you some extra room. It’s a gentle method that doesn’t require any special tools, just your shoes and a bit of patience. The more you wear them, the more they'll adapt to the shape of your foot, and soon enough, you’ll be able to wear them comfortably for longer periods.
2. Layer up on socks
If you want to stretch shoes a bit faster, try layering a couple of thick socks on your feet. It’s a quick and easy hack to give your shoes a little more room. Put on a pair of thick socks, slide them into your shoes, and walk around the house for a while. The socks will help expand the material without putting too much pressure on your feet. It also helps prevent blisters as the shoes loosen up. Once the shoes feel more comfortable, you’ll be able to wear them outside without any discomfort.
3.Apply a little heat
A handy trick to stretch shoes quickly is to use a hair dryer. Put on a pair of thick socks and slide your feet into the shoes. Then, set the hair dryer on medium heat and direct the air onto the tight spots of your shoes for about 20 to 30 seconds. The heat helps soften the material, making it easier to mould to your foot. Keep the dryer moving so you don’t overheat one area. After heating, wear the shoes around the house to make sure they’re stretching properly. Just avoid using this on plastic or PVC shoes!
4. Stretch your shoes in the freezer
It might sound strange, but freezing your shoes can work wonders for loosening tight shoes. Simply fill a plastic bag with water, seal it tightly, and place it inside your shoes. Then, pop your shoes in the freezer overnight. As the water freezes, it expands and gently stretches the material. This trick works best with non-leather shoes, like sneakers or fabric shoes. Just make sure the bag is sealed properly, so it doesn’t leak inside your shoes. The next day, your shoes should feel a bit more comfortable to wear.
5. Invest in a shoe stretcher
If you find yourself struggling with tight shoes often, it might be worth investing in a shoe stretcher. These handy tools are designed to stretch shoes in length or width, depending on your needs. All you need to do is spray your shoes with a shoe stretching solution, insert the stretcher, and twist the handle to gently expand the shoe. Leave it in for a few hours, then try them on. If they still feel tight, just repeat the process. It’s an easy and reliable method, especially for leather or suede shoes that need a little extra stretch.
How to stretch leather shoes and boots
When it comes to stretching leather shoes, you may want to turn to a shoe specialist to get them professionally stretched out. As leather shoes and boots are often more expensive, they should be handled with care.
However, many of the previous shoe stretching techniques can still be applied to leather shoes and boots, such as using a shoe stretcher. Shoe stretching liquids and sprays can also work wonders for leather shoes.
Before using a shoe stretching spray, make sure you carry out a patch test. Spray the stretching spray on a small section of the shoe. If your shoe changes colour or texture, don't use it.
How to soften leather shoes
When they're new out of the box, leather shoes can be stiff to wear. Like any pair of shoes, the best way to soften up leather shoes is to gradually wear them in. However, you can often speed up the process by following these simple hacks.
Soak them in warm water
A simple way to soften leather shoes is to soak them in warm water mixed with a small drop of Fairy Liquid. Let them soak for about 10 minutes, which helps relax the leather fibres. Once the time is up, remove the shoes and wipe off any excess soap using a clean cloth. Allow them to air dry naturally, and the leather will be softer, making them more comfortable to wear.
Soak them in cold water
If you prefer a gentler approach, you can soak your leather shoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes. Fill a sink with cold water, then submerge your shoes. Cold water softens the leather without risking heat damage. Once soaked, let your shoes air dry completely. Over time, the leather will become more supple and comfortable, making it easier to wear without discomfort or stiffness.
Apply Vaseline
Vaseline or petroleum jelly is a great option for softening leather shoes while also preventing cracks. Apply a small amount of Vaseline to the stiff areas of your shoes and gently rub it in. For better results, use a hairdryer on a low setting to warm the leather, helping the Vaseline absorb deeper into the material. This method nourishes the leather, leaving it soft, moisturised, and more flexible for better comfort.
Why should you not overstretch your shoes?
While it’s tempting to try and stretch shoes as much as possible, it’s important to remember that stretching shoes too much can damage the material, especially with delicate fabrics like leather or suede. Overstretching can lead to permanent damage, and your shoes may not retain their original shape. It’s best to stretch shoes gradually and stop when they’re comfortably fitting.
How to maintain the shape after stretching shoes
After you’ve successfully stretched your shoes to a more comfortable fit, it's important to maintain the shape. Stretch shoes with care and avoid wearing them too long in one go until they are fully broken in. Try using shoe trees or stuff your shoes with tissue paper to help maintain their shape and prevent them from reverting to their previous, tighter form.
Explore our blog for more shoe care tips and tricks, or check out our wide range of shoes online to benefit from free next day delivery and returns to shoezone stores nationwide.
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