If the shoes you have bought were small for you, you might find this post on how to stretch leather shoes with hair dryer helpful. This is especially true for those uncomfortable with their new shoes and who only need a little more extra room. You can stretch out your shoes so that they will you comfortably.
But take note that it is only applicable for those made of leather material. However, it can be challenging to tell whether your shoes are made of synthetic leather only. Although this hack might work for some fake leather, it won’t work for all.
Suppose you are uncertain. Better not risk it. If you think that your shoe is leather, you should stop heating it when the material wrinkles. This indicates that your shoe is not made of leather since it does not respond to heat.
Steps To Stretch Leather Shoes With Hair Dryer
The heat coming from the hair dryer will make the shoe softer. It helps the shoe to form onto your foot. Follow the steps below on how to stretch leather shoes with hair dryer, and you will become more comfortable wearing your leather shoes again.
Step #1. Put on some socks
You need to wear two layers of socks. It is recommended that you use thick ones such as athletic socks. Then, put your feet into your leather shoes that are too tight.
Step #2. Turn on your hair dryer
Set the dryer on its medium heat setting and directly onto the areas that hurt your foot. Ensure to move your hair dryer to and fro and keep its nozzle away by a few inches. Otherwise, you will scorch your shoe. Warm it for about two minutes as you flex and wiggle your foot inside. The foot stretching, layers of socks, and heat in combination will expand the shoes. In just 10 seconds, you will already feel that the shoe has grown, but you can continue to ensure that it will be permanent.
Step #3. Blow for two minutes
If needed, you can heat your shoes again once they cool down completely. Take note that the heat can cause the glue of your shoe if there is any to soften. As a result, the uppers and sole might separate. So remember not to leave the nozzle of your hair dryer in one area for long periods. It would be best not to heat PVC or plastic shoes as those materials will not stretch. Furthermore, you may end up releasing some toxic fumes. Whether you want to stretch your sandals, flats, dress shoes, or heels to fit into your foot better, you need to blow it for about two minutes for each shoe.
3 Alternative Ways To Stretch Your Leather Shoes
Other than using a hair dryer in stretching your leather shoes, you can apply different methods. Below are three other alternatives that you can try. Any of those would work for as long as the shoes are only too tight a bit.
Alternative #1. Using rubbing alcohol
You will need a tiny spray bottle and rubbing alcohol for this option. The spray bottled should be filled with rubbing alcohol. Then, spray it inside the shoes to make them a bit damp. Wear the shoes and walk around the house until the shoes with alcohol dries up. Repeat until you will that it becomes snug to your foot. Another variation of this method is to get your cotton socks and soak them in rubbing alcohol. Then, squeeze out any excess. Please put on your socks and wear your shoes until they dry. Repeat the entire process as necessary.
Alternative #2. Wearing your shoes around for one hour
The easiest way to stretch your shoes is by wearing them. Wear it for an hour if you can, but initially, you may not be able to wear it long. You may add a pair of thick socks. This will serve as a cushion of your feet, and it helps in stretching your shoes more.
This alternative is suitable for any shoe type you have. But it will only work best if your shoes are a bit too tight only. Take note that if your shoes rub or pinch your feet, the socks will help so you won’t get some blisters. As the shoe stretch, gradually increase the length of time you are wearing them. Once you get comfortable wearing them for a couple of hours, you can wear them going out already.
Alternative #3. Using shoe-stretching sprays
In stretching your leather shoes, you need to wear them, then spray their leather following the directions indicated on their packaging. As you wait for the spray to dry, keep on wearing the shoe. Later, you will notice that the leather stretches out onto your foot.
It’s A Wrap!
So, those are the steps on how to stretch leather shoes with hair dryer. On a final note, you need to keep wearing your leather shoes with socks on until they cool down. Doing so will prevent your shoes from shrinking back to their normal size. After it has cooled down, your shoes should have been worn without pain.
You may want to read related articles; know how to get the wax out of carpet with hair dryer and how to dry oil paint fast with a hair dryer.