Best Way to stretch shoes?

Frugalista

Just got a new pair of shoes and they are a teeny bit tight across the foot. What are your tried and tested methods for stretching them?
Thanks in advance

Living_proof

I have some proper shoe stretchers but have never had any great success with them to be honest. A friend swears by this method: first get a parsnip and put into the shoe in a paper bag. Leave it for a week or two and the gas the parsnip gives off whilst it deteriorates loosens the leather and it's then possible to stretch properly. I haven't tried it but hey, parsnips are cheap!

PasturesNew

Years ago we used to scrunch up sheets of wet newspaper and put those into the ends of shoes/boots to loosen up and stretch the leather.

Nagme

I have had success by putting water into a freezer bag then into the shoe and sticking it in the freezer. As the water freezes it expands, thus stretching the leather. Don't fill the bag with too much water, experiment until the water is in the right part of the shoe to be stretched.

pollypenny

Wear them with sock on about the house for a few days.

rach_k

Heat them (hair dryer, carefully?), then put on a thick pair of socks and wear them until they cool down. Repeat, adding more socks each time, until they're big enough.

Pollycat

Probably not the most MSE suggestion but you can buy shoe stretching spray.
No idea if it works though.
Google it.

Frugalista

Some good suggestions there!

Unfortunately, I can't squeeze my feet in with socks on as atm I have extensive eczema on my one foot and, as a diabetic, have to be careful with my feet.

I was about to purchase some wooden shoe stretchers - has anyone had any success with them- or should I just save my money?

storytime

Can you take them back to the shop for a wider or bigger size? I've bought and tried a shoe stretcher and never had much luck, the stretcher is also quite expensive.
When I bought a pair of Hotter shoes I mentioned that a pair of shoes from Clarkes rubbed my heels and stretching them didn't work, so they sold me a spray to spray on the area of the foot that rubs and it works! Not very money saving! The cost of the stretcher and the spray was equal to a new pair of shoes!

katkin

Do you have a cobbler nearby? I'd call them if you do and see if they can stretch them for you. They'll have equipment to do that.

Try them again in the morning, they may fit better as I find my feet and legs swell during the day. What can be lose and comfy footwear in the morning can be nipping by the evening.

However, with wear they usually loosen. Boots in particular seem to give well for me.

Most importantly are they leather? I think stretching is only worth doing on leather.