How you can widen your shoes yourself

Sneakers, sneakers or leather shoes: New shoes can lead to blisters and pressure points, especially in the beginning. But that need not be. In addition to professional solutions, there are a few simple home remedies that will allow you to walk comfortably even with new shoes.

Have your shoes widened by a cobbler

Tight leather shoes can usually be made up to half a size larger. It is important that it is high-quality leather that is not too fine.

A specialist can widen the shoes using special tensioners. He can also give you tips on wearing fabric and artificial leather shoes that are too oppressive. The prices for stretching vary, but should not be more than 15 euros .

Widen shoes with a spray

Special stretching sprays are available in retail stores that you can use to stretch your leather shoes. You have to spray most products onto the outside and inside of the shoe. Then put your shoes on and walk for a while. Ideally, the shoe will then have adapted to your foot. If necessary, you may have to repeat the procedure.

Widen your shoes at home with shoe trees

Another way you can widen your shoes yourself is with shoe trees . Simple models stretch your shoes evenly. You can adjust the width and length of special screw shoe trees. This means you can widen your shoes according to your needs.

In any case, after you have used the tensioner, you should check after a while whether the desired width fits your feet. If this is the case, it is best to leave the tensioner in the shoe overnight. Experts recommend products made of wood instead of plastic, as these can absorb moisture from the shoes. At the same time, air can circulate in the shoes.

Width shoes cheaply with newspaper

A very cost-effective way to widen shoes that are too tight is to stuff them with damp newspaper. To do this, moisten crumpled newspaper and stuff it into the pressing areas in your shoes and leave the shoes overnight. If they are still too tight the next day, repeat the process.

Warm air expands shoes

Another simple trick is to widen shoes with a hairdryer. To do this, wear shoes that are too tight with thick socks. Warm them from the outside with a hair dryer. Make sure that the device is not set too hot so as not to overstress the material.

Wipe shoes with water and vinegar

If you want to widen shoes that are too tight, it can help to slip into the shoes for a while with water-moist socks. A mixture of equal parts water and vinegar can also widen tight spaces. To do this, either spray the shoes with the vinegar mixture or dab the affected areas with it.

Can you widen all shoes that are too tight?

Many of the tips above only work on leather shoes. Shoes made from fabric, faux leather and other materials are often not as stretchy. Therefore, try out the methods mentioned carefully and, if in doubt, ask a cobbler for his opinion.

First aid for blisters

If you notice in everyday life that your shoes are getting too tight, you can buy gel cushions or insoles from the store to take the pressure off. If blisters have already formed, plasters can help.