It will stretch them ok. There is risk of staining light colours if the moisture soaks through. If they are new or valuable you will be best to take to a cobbler for advice and stretching. Is the insole removable? This might give you room until they give and fit better.
@shanebarrshoerepairs Thank you. I'll take the insole out and wear them in for a bit more and if there's not much of a change by then I'll take them to a cobbler and see what they can do
Carefully. WIth a shoe stretcher. Focus on the spots that are tight using the bumps on the stretcher, rather than making the entire shoe bigger. Also consider stretching spray.
I have boots that I love so much I’m a size 6 but the boots are 5.5 is there any way to make them bigger because my pinky toes are the biggest problem wearing them
@@shanesshoerepairs oh thanks for the response! I’d like to get a pair of astronaut boots but the 6 is big and wide - they fit ok with a super thick insole and thick socks but quite clunky when walking, plus they’ll stretch a bit more 🥲 the size 5 is too small but I’m worried it won’t stretch enough and will remain small 🥲 so I’m quite torn. I have the same problem with dr martens
@@thebabymomo2709 yeah it's tough to not buy something when you like them. But it's better to not spend the money if they don't fit. I've spent a few dollars on shoes too big and too small. Not nice to wear.
Nice shoes, ideally take to your cobbler and get them stretched on machine. And yes I'm sure it will work with the steam and broom method. Practice on your old shoes first.
@@shanesshoerepairs thank you I’ve read that it’s easier to stretch a shoe wider but it’s often harder and you risk damaging the shoe if you stretch it length wise I’m only looking to get them stretched a few cm length wise is this doable you think without changing the look of the shoe
you can work on the sides of the shoe to get some width. Else find a cobbler with machines like these shanes.co.nz/products/stretching?_pos=1&_psq=stretc&_ss=e&_v=1.0
I have so many shoes I gave away or sold because they were too small. I have ordered shoes with the correct measurements and they are still too small and there is no size up. I am a woman with US size 9.5 feet living in Asia. I was able to resize a pair of sneakers and a pair of Mary Janes using this trick.
Greetings from New Zealand :-) you would be better off with a mechanical shoe stretcher that you can leave your shoes on overnight. Some shoe shops have them out back and most cobblers or shoe repairers have them. Here's what shoe stretchers may look like shanes.co.nz/products/stretching Common shoe stretching questions 1. Does shoe stretching really work? Yes it does. Works best on unlined leather. Works best when placed on a shoe stretcher for 4 -24 hours. Even better if you can heat and wet them (not a great plan for light leathers that may stain). Also tightening the stretcher several time while the shoes are on them. 2. How much does it cost to have your shoes stretched? Varies widely. Some shoe retailer shops do it as a service for free on shoes bought in their store. Repairers tend to know the ones that give trouble ... soles come off or seams split. And so they charge more for certain ones because extra care and time is taken. As a very rough guide $25 - $50 per pair. 3. How long does it take to stretch shoes? 4 - 24 hours. Depends on 3 things. How much stretch it needed. Material or leather type. Stretcher type. If you only need a slight easing on a bunion, 15 mins may well do it. If they are hard leather work boots with lots of seams a stitching and you need more then half a size ... you may never get enough room! Any way hope that helps Shane 🙂
@@shanesshoerepairs thank you very much although I doubt I would find those here I live. I ll I've In a small town without much access to this kind of tech. Is there any diy technique to do it ?? My shoes are a bit tight around the toes and causing my feet to heat up
@@saipranav88 Try a strong jar, a tin of fruit etc. And try the broom handle idea with or with out team. Just make sure the end is smooth. Don't want to roughen up the lining. And triy taking the insoles out to make more room.
Also be careful with steam and applying heat to air forces because although the stitching is visible, there is quite a bit of glue composite in air forces that weakens with heat
Worth a try. It's likely the heel stiffener that is giving issue and once that cools down it will be hard again. Getting the boot on a pipe and tapping the seams and any lumps may also help.
I broke my cowboy boots in by stepping into a bucket of water and then walking around for a while. They shaped right to my feet, perfectly molded to my feet.
Works great with leather footwear that also has either a leather insole board or at least not a cardboard insole board. Even some cheaper tramping boots have the cardboard insole board.
Few reasons it does work in a certain pair of shoes. Not leather? Not enough steam? Not enough force. Also some shoes have avery well reinforced toe box and this makes stretching the toe area really tricky. Might be time to get your tight shoes onto a proper bench mounted shoe stretching machine. Hope yo solve it, lifes too short for tight shoes and sore feet.
Send a pic and note of where they are tight to shane@shanes.co.nz and I'll see what I can come up with. Heres's machines we have plus a couple that get inserted into long boots www.shanes.co.nz/blog/shoe-stretching#/
the first time I saw this done was in Live Footage Tauranga and I was buying some $320 Clarkes ... that I still wear. I mentioned they were tight on my right big toe and Quentin showed me the trick and I put them back on and bought them. About 16 years ago.
My shoes are sometimes too tight just past the heel area, where my little toe bone sticks out. Even in the wide Sketchers. Any suggestions for this area? It is worse on the side that I once broke the bone in.
Best to discuss with your cobbler and get them stretched on the proper machine. I'll find a video about taking shoes to be stretched and load it to youtube.
Check that they are leather. Plan B could be getting them onto a stretching machine. Once that are bench mounted and look similar to these are good shanes.co.nz/products/stretching
Huh ... maybe the answer is in your question? Dr Martens are for on your feet! Yes you can try this on your DM's. If no luck take to your cobbler to get them put on the stretching machines. Take a look in the pictures at this link and you'll see the silver lasts that go in shoes to help stretch. The holes in them can hold bumps to help stretch local areas like you big toe ... or thumb :-). Good luck.
Dude, you give the best tips to stretch shoes. You saved my feet and my outfit.😊❤
Found a pair of Frye boots 1/2 size too small at a thrift store, used your trick and BAM they fit like a glove!!! Thank you so much!
Winning!
They should make shoes that are shaped like feet, so many otherwise perfect shoes are too tight on my toes
Makes so much sense to have shoes the shape of a foot. But fashion and trendy looking shoes make sales I guess.
You're looking for "barefoot shoes". There's a whole market on that. But I tell you, once you go there you're never going back to conventional shoes
They should make feet shaped like shoes
@@ShakaShinePressureWashing wear conventional shoes long enough and your feet will be deformed into shoe shaped
Not very elegant, as you will see
Hi Shane,I just tried this, and it worked perfectly. I can't wait to share this. Thx so much😊
Good skills, you'll be happy face now! Not nice when shoes hurt all day eh!
Did the shoes become wide so your fingers doesn't hurr anymore?
This dude is a legend for ordinary people like us not those who run around for yeezys
Excellent hack. Tried this and worked perfectly. Thanks!
Good skills, you can now walk without thought of your tight shoes!
Good on yer, Cobbler!😄@@shanesshoerepairs
Thank you! So helpful! Just saved me sending back a pair of shoes
Happy to help!
I reckon this mate is a cool kiwi with heaps of greats tips🇳🇿❤
Thanks Lori!
I'll have to try cause I'm tired of crying over my poor big toe😆
Did it work?
Just don't use the hot steam with vegetables tanned leather linings 😁
thank you so much! i bought shoes online that were tighter on me so i hope this works!
Thank you I need this for my pinky toe area
works a treat for pinky toe
@@shanesshoerepairs excellent
Can i use a hair dryer insetad of steam?
Yes it’s better than no heat.
Thank you so much!!
Would this work on a seude boot by any chance or would it damage the seude? Just want to make sure before I try it thanks
It will stretch them ok. There is risk of staining light colours if the moisture soaks through. If they are new or valuable you will be best to take to a cobbler for advice and stretching. Is the insole removable? This might give you room until they give and fit better.
@shanebarrshoerepairs Thank you. I'll take the insole out and wear them in for a bit more and if there's not much of a change by then I'll take them to a cobbler and see what they can do
That worked awesome
Is this thing works on cricket gripper?
Will it last long
How do you stretch vintage ferragamo patent leather and coach leather pumps?
Carefully. WIth a shoe stretcher. Focus on the spots that are tight using the bumps on the stretcher, rather than making the entire shoe bigger. Also consider stretching spray.
I dont have problems with the toe area its the little toes..how can i get that area to widen...is it the same method?
Sure can
Thank you!!❤
Can a textiles or synthetic material do this?
Works best with leather. Best to use a shoe stretcher for synthetic or textiles.
I'm assuming this technique works with the pinky toe area too? I've got a favorite pair of CL high tops that I need to try this on..
Yes any area you can get the broom at. Take care and good plan to try on an old not so favorite pair to get used to it.
Can I do same to my soccer boot?
Works best with leather and take care not to rip lining. If in doubt take to cobbler to stretch
@@shanesshoerepairs I haven’t seen or heard the word cobbler in decades. Thanks for actually using it
@@Obiamajoyisrmd Cheers I get in some trouble for using it as people have varying understanding of what it means.
@@shanesshoerepairs
You’re talking cobblers. 😂 Joke.
@@JAY1892 you’ll enjoy Adam Sandlers movie the cobbler 😂
Work whit soccer cleats ?
Works best with leather and take care not to rip lining. If in doubt take to cobbler to stretch
Does this work on rubber clogs?
No, the rubber shrinks back
Does it work on non leather material.
I mean some cheap stuff.
Better to use shoe stretcher machine on synthetics.
How many sizes can you go up using this hack I am size 7 and I want to fit in my size 6s but it’s wide enough it’s just the toe that hurts
Excellent
I’m excited to try this!!
Thanks
Can this be performed also with a blow dryer or only steam would do the trick?
worth a go
Would this work for the width of a shoe as well
Yes ... you could steam then wear them or steam and insert a strong jar that is a tight fit.@@jessicaedwards9336
How about stretching the bridge of the shoe?
Stretcher machine best, else jam a tin of beans or a strong glass jar - be careful.
The shoes my wife wants are 2 1/2 sizes too small for her. Is there any way they can be stretched that far?
No
I have boots that I love so much I’m a size 6 but the boots are 5.5 is there any way to make them bigger because my pinky toes are the biggest problem wearing them
bench mounted shoe stretching machines like in these photos
shanes.co.nz/products/stretching
search for your local cobbler and ask if they have one.
yeah, so... works with Oxfords?
yes and take care with lighter colours ... don't need a water stain.
❤️❤️ the shoe whisperer
Your page is wonderful!
Can I try this with Dr Matrens, my big finger is hurting so much, and they are new 😢
I also tried putting steam in the shoe and wear the shoe after some steam comes out and it’s now taking the shape of my foot
Can I use this on black dyed leather boots?
I see no reason why not from here.
@@shanesshoerepairs ok. I was worried it would ruin the dye. Thanks
what about the last toe what can you do
Can I do this with solovair boots
Better to use a shoe stretching machine
@@shanesshoerepairs oh thanks for the response! I’d like to get a pair of astronaut boots but the 6 is big and wide - they fit ok with a super thick insole and thick socks but quite clunky when walking, plus they’ll stretch a bit more 🥲 the size 5 is too small but I’m worried it won’t stretch enough and will remain small 🥲 so I’m quite torn. I have the same problem with dr martens
@@thebabymomo2709 yeah it's tough to not buy something when you like them. But it's better to not spend the money if they don't fit. I've spent a few dollars on shoes too big and too small. Not nice to wear.
can you do this with rick owens ramones id really appreciate a response
Nice shoes, ideally take to your cobbler and get them stretched on machine. And yes I'm sure it will work with the steam and broom method. Practice on your old shoes first.
@@shanesshoerepairs thank you I’ve read that it’s easier to stretch a shoe wider but it’s often harder and you risk damaging the shoe if you stretch it length wise I’m only looking to get them stretched a few cm length wise is this doable you think without changing the look of the shoe
@@deenerpeener Unlikely to stretch a shoe "a few cm length wise" better to sell while all is good and buy some that fit.
@@shanesshoerepairs thanks man!
Can i hold my shoe over a pot of boiling wayer with steam
Take care and yes this may do it.
this won’t damage leather, right? i just bought new docs but they’re a bit tight in the toe
How’s a great time to try a bigger size? If the insole is removable do they feel better?
Else take it easy and make sure end of broom is smooth.
@@shanesshoerepairssize up was huge on me :/ guess i will try this
Works in length, but how about width?
you can work on the sides of the shoe to get some width. Else find a cobbler with machines like these
shanes.co.nz/products/stretching?_pos=1&_psq=stretc&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Is this work on plastic shoos
Somewhat, take care, practice on an old pair.
I have so many shoes I gave away or sold because they were too small. I have ordered shoes with the correct measurements and they are still too small and there is no size up. I am a woman with US size 9.5 feet living in Asia. I was able to resize a pair of sneakers and a pair of Mary Janes using this trick.
Well done, great save. 2 less pairs sitting unused.
My bball shoes are made of a textile upper is it ok do it ??
Greetings from New Zealand :-) you would be better off with a mechanical shoe stretcher that you can leave your shoes on overnight. Some shoe shops have them out back and most cobblers or shoe repairers have them.
Here's what shoe stretchers may look like shanes.co.nz/products/stretching
Common shoe stretching questions
1. Does shoe stretching really work?
Yes it does. Works best on unlined leather. Works best when placed on a shoe stretcher for 4 -24 hours. Even better if you can heat and wet them (not a great plan for light leathers that may stain). Also tightening the stretcher several time while the shoes are on them.
2. How much does it cost to have your shoes stretched?
Varies widely. Some shoe retailer shops do it as a service for free on shoes bought in their store. Repairers tend to know the ones that give trouble ... soles come off or seams split. And so they charge more for certain ones because extra care and time is taken. As a very rough guide $25 - $50 per pair.
3. How long does it take to stretch shoes?
4 - 24 hours. Depends on 3 things. How much stretch it needed. Material or leather type. Stretcher type. If you only need a slight easing on a bunion, 15 mins may well do it. If they are hard leather work boots with lots of seams a stitching and you need more then half a size ... you may never get enough room!
Any way hope that helps
Shane 🙂
@@shanesshoerepairs thank you very much although I doubt I would find those here I live. I ll I've In a small town without much access to this kind of tech. Is there any diy technique to do it ?? My shoes are a bit tight around the toes and causing my feet to heat up
@@saipranav88 Try a strong jar, a tin of fruit etc. And try the broom handle idea with or with out team. Just make sure the end is smooth. Don't want to roughen up the lining. And triy taking the insoles out to make more room.
@@shanesshoerepairs thank you 🙏🙏
Tanks I'll try that
Thanks
Does it work with air forces?
Better to use stretching machine as air forces have a few layers and rows of stitching.
Also be careful with steam and applying heat to air forces because although the stitching is visible, there is quite a bit of glue composite in air forces that weakens with heat
Ssns the Toe on those damn 270s
what if it is tight over the bridge of the shoe
Jam a strong jar or can of beans in there … carefully. Else take to cobbler for stretch on machine.
Thank you I will try that@@shanesshoerepairs
Can you do with Yeezys?
Better to use stretching machine
How about the back area? i got a chelsea boots here that tight for me
difficult. Cobbler on machine may help. Also try thinner insole or remove existing to test.
@@shanesshoerepairs yeah right, i'll just try the ice solution thanks sir
good plan, love to hear how it goes.@@gads994
did pvc shoes work ?
Not ideal on PVC. Better to use a mechanical stretcher. They do shrink back a bit afterwards. Can you remove the insole?
Does steaming also work if the heel on a Lether boot is too stiff?
Worth a try. It's likely the heel stiffener that is giving issue and once that cools down it will be hard again. Getting the boot on a pipe and tapping the seams and any lumps may also help.
I must try this
How about toes along with instep?
Worth a try, else onto a shoe stretcher machine. Or jam a can or sturdy glass jar in there.
What’s an easy way to reshape boot heel area?
Can i do this to my New Balance 9060?
Shoe stretcher machine will work better on those.
You could try them with the insole out.
I stuffed some thick newspaper in my shoe. Will it work ?
It may work if you only need a little stretch ... let us know how it goes
I broke my cowboy boots in by stepping into a bucket of water and then walking around for a while. They shaped right to my feet, perfectly molded to my feet.
Works great with leather footwear that also has either a leather insole board or at least not a cardboard insole board. Even some cheaper tramping boots have the cardboard insole board.
yo it worked thanks man pleas give me a shout out
Legend, glad to here you can get some comfy wear out of them.
gonna try this on my leather heels that i just bought
Take it easy with light or delicate leathers, good to practice on an old pair.
Can Dr Martens be stretched at the toe box area ?
Yes ... but not much. Try the fit with the insole removed ... if it is easily removed. Else try bigger size.
Legend
It didnt work for me 😔
Few reasons it does work in a certain pair of shoes. Not leather? Not enough steam? Not enough force. Also some shoes have avery well reinforced toe box and this makes stretching the toe area really tricky. Might be time to get your tight shoes onto a proper bench mounted shoe stretching machine. Hope yo solve it, lifes too short for tight shoes and sore feet.
Who is big toe is that big that it's too tight? How is it your fav? Buy a half large!!
Omg why I didn’t see this earlier
Do you have a solution for boots?
Send a pic and note of where they are tight to shane@shanes.co.nz and I'll see what I can come up with.
Heres's machines we have plus a couple that get inserted into long boots www.shanes.co.nz/blog/shoe-stretching#/
Genius
Imagine doing that with a pair of expensive 1s.
the first time I saw this done was in Live Footage Tauranga and I was buying some $320 Clarkes ... that I still wear. I mentioned they were tight on my right big toe and Quentin showed me the trick and I put them back on and bought them. About 16 years ago.
Holly schmidt..my coffee smells like feet.. no...my show smells like coffee..nice😊😊
Tea hee 😂
Норм объяснил)
Yes I do, but they're steel toe boots
Try slipping the insole out, if that helps replace it with a thin leather one.
Life saver lol
Sounds like you did a good save!
My shoes are sometimes too tight just past the heel area, where my little toe bone sticks out. Even in the wide Sketchers. Any suggestions for this area? It is worse on the side that I once broke the bone in.
Best to discuss with your cobbler and get them stretched on the proper machine. I'll find a video about taking shoes to be stretched and load it to youtube.
Have a quick watch of this before going to cobbler. ruclips.net/user/shortsqe2e8AyB7T8
😮😮😮😮❤❤❤❤❤
Hlo sir
Try Para rubber if you need the EVA or take to cobbler if you want the job done.
www.shanes.co.nz/store/p228/Shoe-Raise.html#/
Toes fit now. Hole in end of shoe but hey they fit! 😊
Good news, bad news! 😃
Just get s slightly better shoe tree ?
Yes good idea and I've added bumps to big toe tip and little toe. doesn't look elegant but works ok.
Well I no longer have favorite pair of shoes because I put hole in my shoe with 🧹 broom stick 🤬🤬
Sorry to hear. Best to test gently.
@@shanesshoerepairs yeah my mistake
Can you make legging shoes for me
Hi, I’m a repair guy. No shoe making for me.
AMERICANS LIKE THE WHAT ?
It goes back once it colors fown👎👎👎
Check that they are leather. Plan B could be getting them onto a stretching machine. Once that are bench mounted and look similar to these are good shanes.co.nz/products/stretching
Thank you.
Does this work on rain boots too?
Can I try this with Dr Matrens, my big finger is hurting so much, and they are new 😢
Huh ... maybe the answer is in your question? Dr Martens are for on your feet! Yes you can try this on your DM's. If no luck take to your cobbler to get them put on the stretching machines.
Take a look in the pictures at this link and you'll see the silver lasts that go in shoes to help stretch. The holes in them can hold bumps to help stretch local areas like you big toe ... or thumb :-). Good luck.
Can I try this with Dr Matrens, my big finger is hurting so much, and they are new 😢
Updates?
You should wear thicker socks it helps a lot as well as either getting a shoe stretched or buying a shoe stretcher