When going to wear sneakers-whether for exercise or normal activities-make sure the shoes are pre-conditioned before being worn for extended periods of time. There are several ways to stretch your sneakers to fit them properly. If you're in a hurry, you can freeze the water in the shoe or stretch it with heat. Also, you can stretch your sneakers by wearing them indoors for a few days, using a shoe stretcher, or taking them to the nearest cobbler.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Stretching Sneakers Using Ice
Step 1. Fill two 4 liter plastic bags with water
Since water expands when it freezes, you can use it to stretch your sneakers. Fill two plastic bags with water until they are half filled to prevent the shoes from getting too loose. Close the plastic bag tightly to prevent leakage.
Step 2. Insert a plastic bag filled with water into the shoe
Insert each plastic bag into the sneakers until the front of the bag is at the end of the shoe. If possible, press each plastic bag with your hands so that it touches the toe and back of the shoe.
Make sure the plastic bag is completely closed. If a leak occurs, the shoe can be damaged
Step 3. Put the sneakers in the fridge and leave them overnight
Place the shoes on the flat surface of the refrigerator and make sure the front of the shoes is pointing up. The water will freeze after 8-10 hours. When it freezes, the water will expand and stretch outward inside the sneakers.
Step 4. Take out the sneakers the next day
Take the sneakers out of the fridge, take the plastic bag filled with ice out of the shoes, then try on the sneakers. The sneakers will be wider and fit your feet.
To prevent cold feet, allow the sneakers to warm up for 20-30 minutes before putting them on
Step 5. Repeat this process if the sneakers are still too tight
If your shoes still feel tight after freezing overnight, try repeating this process. Fill two plastic bags with water until they are slightly fuller than before. This is done so that the water expands more when it is inside the shoe. Put the shoes back in the refrigerator and leave overnight. The next day, try on the sneakers.
Method 2 of 3: Stretching Shoes Using Heat
Step 1. Put on two layers of thick socks and sneakers
Find two pairs of thick socks and wear them in layers. After that, put on the sneakers to stretch. Wearing two layers of thick socks can help stretch the sneakers.
If you can't get your feet in two layers of socks into your shoes, just wear one layer of socks
Step 2. Heat the shoes using a hairdryer for 30 seconds
Keep your sneakers on, then use a hairdryer to blow hot air over the outer surface of the shoes. Use a medium temperature setting so your shoes don't get damaged from overheating. Every 30 seconds, switch hair dryers alternately.
Always move the hair dryer so that the hot air it generates hits the entire outer surface of the shoe: the toe, sides and back of the shoe
Step 3. Wiggle your toes when using the hairdryer
The hot air produced by the hairdryer will loosen the sneakers. Wiggling your toes and flexing your feet when heating your shoes can help stretch the sneakers.
Each shoe may need to be heated for 2 minutes to be comfortable to wear
Method 3 of 3: Stretching the Sneakers without Extremes of Temperature
Step 1. Wear sneakers for 4-5 hours indoors
The best way to stretch sneakers is to wear them indoors. The sneakers will stretch even when you sit down. The heat and sweat from your feet will flex the fabric of the sneakers so they will resemble the shape of your feet.
Remember, shoes will stretch after 5-7 days. Therefore, if you have to wear these shoes tomorrow, this method may not be an effective choice
Step 2. Use a shoe stretcher when you're not wearing sneakers
A shoe stretcher is a wooden or plastic object that is shaped like a foot and expands when inserted into a shoe. This tool can press the inside of the shoe when in use. Use this tool and leave it inside the shoe to stretch out the sneakers you're not wearing. To use this tool, place the tip of the tool into the shoe and press the heel. By doing this, the front of the stretcher will expand.
- Even if a stretcher is used all the time, the shoe will stretch to a perfect fit after 3 days.
- You can buy a shoe stretcher at your local sporting goods or shoe store.
Step 3. Take the sneakers to a cobbler to stretch
Professional cobblers have machines and tools specifically designed for stretching sneakers. Take the sneakers to a cobbler and say you want to stretch them. Generally, your sneakers can be picked up after 2 days. Usually, the cost to stretch shoes is IDR 200,000.
