If your leather shoes have loosened too much from wear, or if your new leather shoes are too big, you might consider shrinking your leather shoes. The process is not difficult, but keep in mind that shoes can be damaged if treated incorrectly, and that shrinking shoes more than 1/2 size can be very difficult.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Shrink Your Shoes with Water
Step 1. Be careful when using this method
Water has the potential to damage the leather, and if you use it too much your shoes can become stiff, stained, or cracked. Optionally, you can apply a treatment solution or leather guard to the surface you want to treat, but the solution can make the shoe more resistant to this water method.
If you use leather protectors on your shoes, allow them to dry completely before you move on to the next step
Step 2. Moisturize the sides or top of your shoe
Focus on parts of the shoe that are too big, such as the sides or the front. Use a small spray bottle filled with water, or dip your finger in the water and scrub the area you want to shrink. While this area is moderately wet, do not wet any other areas, especially the soles or bottoms of the shoes.
Step 3. Dry the shoes in the sun if possible
While sunlight will likely take longer than drying methods, this slower process reduces the chance of heat damage to your shoes. If you are shrinking your shoes on a sunny day, place them outside or next to a window in the sun and check again after a few hours to see if they are dry.
Step 4. Dry your shoes with a hairdryer if necessary
If the temperature and sunlight are not sufficient to dry your shoes, use a hairdryer. Use the lowest temperature setting and keep at least 15 cm away from the shoes to avoid damaging or scorching the shoes.
Step 5. Use another heat source as a last resort
A dryer can damage your shoes, although some dryers include a stable drying rack for this situation. Placing your shoes in front of a fireplace or oven can cause damage to the parts that don't get wet. If this is the only method available, place your shoes at a distance where you feel warmth in your hands, not heat.
Step 6. Add water and heat if necessary
You may only need a slight adjustment with this method, depending on the thickness and type of leather of your shoe. If the shoe is still too large, try to wet it with water a second or third time, then heat it in the same way to shrink your shoe further.
A rubber band ketode can also be used in conjunction with this method
Step 7. Give shoe leather conditioner to your shoes after drying
Water and the heating process can cause your shoes to stiffen or crack. Leather shoe conditioner can help reverse this situation and prevent further damage. Follow the instructions on the packaging for the most effective results. If there are no instructions, rub them on the shoes with a clean cloth, then let them dry without further heating.
Some shoe leather conditioners are made for certain types of leather. If you don't know what type of leather your shoes are made of, ask a shoe store employee to identify the material or to find you a leather conditioner for general use
Method 2 of 3: Sewing the Rubber Band on the Heel
Step 1. Use this method for thin, slippery shoes
This method works best on thin leather shoes, as the thick material will be difficult to sew. This method will make your shoes narrower and more difficult to slip on, but if your shoes are too loose for you, use the water method.
If your shoes are too big, try using both methods for more noticeable results. Try the water method first so you can see how much you need to sew on the band
Step 2. Cut an elastic band that is usually used in clothes
These elastics can be found at sewing and craft stores or online. You only need a few centimeters in length. If you like, cut a larger piece for easier manipulation, then trim off the excess after the rubber is sewn.
Step 3. Put the rubber on the heel of the shoe
Spread the elastic at the heel inside the shoe. Stretch until the elastic stretches tightly behind the heel, then use safety pins or bobby pins to secure it on each side. It's easier to pin the rubber on one side of the heel, then pull the other end across the heel and secure it again with a safety pin.
Make sure the rubber can be held against the heel so you can sew it. If the rubber is stretched too tight and there is a gap between the heel and the rubber that it cannot be squeezed with a light touch, remove the pin and reattach it further to make it a little looser
Step 4. Sew the rubber on the shoe
Use a needle and thread to sew the rubber on the shoe, then knot the thread when you're done. If you want more detailed instructions on sewing, read the How to Sew article. Remove the pin after the rubber is sewn.
Curved needles may be easier to use
Step 5. Try on the shoes
The rubber should pull the shoe into a tighter position around your heel, preventing the shoe from slipping. If the shoe is still too loose or stretched too high above your foot, consider inserting a tissue paper into the toe or inserting a removable sole.
Method 3 of 3: Trying Substitute Solutions
Step 1. Stuff the tissue paper into the toe
If your shoes are too big on your toes, a stack of tissue paper can prevent your shoes from slipping. Cloth or newspaper can also work well, but you may need to walk around the house for an hour to see if the shoes are comfortable before they are worn out.
Step 2. Add thick sole
If there is a gap between the top of your foot and the shoe, you may need to use a portable thick sole. These soles can be purchased at shoe stores and some drugstores, or taken from other shoes. These soles are usually made of rubber or foam. Cut the sole to fit your shoe if it's too big, using regular scissors.
Remove the insoles on your shoes first, if any. These are thin strips of material that can be removed from inside your shoe. If the bottom of the shoe seems to stick, leave the sole in the shoe
Step 3. Find a cobbler near your location
The cobbler is a shoe repair specialist, and may have experience shrinking leather shoes. Consider asking several cobblers for an estimate of the cost of this service, as some may cost more than others.
Step 4. Ask the laundromat if you can't find a cobbler
Laundry workers are used to working with a wide variety of materials, including leather, and may know how to shrink your shoes. However, the typical laundry process aims to avoid shrinkage. A cobbler will have more of this skill.
