If you've ever bought a shoe that was too small, you may only be able to wear it for a while before finally finding a way to flex it. While you can't change the shoe more than 1/4-1/2 size, if you just need to loosen the shoe a bit, you may be able to flex the material to make it more comfortable to wear.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Wearing Shoes for Flex
Step 1. Wear shoes at home for 1 hour at a time
One of the easiest ways to flex your shoes is to wear them. Try wearing shoes for 1 hour at a time. Even if you can't wear your shoes for an hour at first, it's not a problem. If you want, you can also wear thick socks to protect your feet and give your shoes more flexibility.
- This technique is suitable for almost any type of shoe, but is more suitable for shoes that are just a little tight.
- Keep in mind that if your shoes pinch or rub against your feet, your skin may blister if you don't wear socks.
- As the shoe becomes more flexible, try to wear it longer. Once your shoes are comfortable enough to wear for a few hours at a time, you're good to go outside!
Step 2. Put on thick socks and heat the shoes with a hairdryer to flex them quickly
Put on thick cotton socks and tuck the foot into the shoe. Turn on the hairdryer on medium heat then aim it at each shoe for about 30 seconds while continuing to slide the funnel. As the shoe heats up, wiggle your toes and bend the soles of your feet to give them more flexibility. After that, put on shoes after the temperature cools down.
- The heat will soften the shoe material so it molds to the size of your foot. If necessary, reheat the shoes once they have cooled completely.
- The heat can soften the glue on some of the shoes, causing the soles to come off. So, don't point the blow dryer at the same place for too long. Do not heat plastic or PVC shoes. Shoes made of this material will not flex when heated and can even release toxic fumes into the air.
Tip:
if your shoes are made of leather or suede, apply a special leather conditioner to the surface after heating.
Step 3. Spray alcohol to adjust shoe size
Put on the shoe you want to flex and then fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol to saturate the outer surface. Wear shoes while the alcohol dries. The shoe should be more flexible and conform to the shape of your foot.
- You can also wet thick socks with rubbing alcohol and then wear them with your shoes until the alcohol evaporates.
- This method is suitable for canvas and athletic shoes, but may not be suitable for stiff shoes.
- Since the alcohol dries quickly, your shoes shouldn't be damaged. However, it's a good idea to try using a little rubbing alcohol on the hidden areas first if your shoes are made of non-wetted materials like leather or suede. If in doubt, try another technique.
Step 4. Try a special flexing spray to flex leather shoes
If you want to flex your leather shoes, try wearing them and then spray on a special flexing product according to the directions for use. Continue to wear shoes while the spray dries and the leather should become more flexible to the shape of your foot.
This special flexing spray is designed to loosen the leather fibers allowing the shoe material to expand slightly. This spray can also be used on suede shoes, but be sure to read the instructions on the label carefully first
Method 2 of 3: Flexing Shoes in the Freezer
Step 1. Fill the clip bag halfway with water then insert it into the shoe
You can flex your shoes overnight by filling them with water and then allowing them to freeze. The easiest way to do this is to fill the clip bag half full and then put it in the shoe. Be sure to seal the bag tightly so that water doesn't spill into the shoe and damage the sole.
- If you are afraid that the bag will break, use 2 layers of the bag at once.
- You can try this technique on any type of shoe, although it will work better on open-toed shoes or athletic shoes. If the toe of your shoe is very pointed, you may find it difficult to adjust the water bag to cover the entire area. As a result, the shoe will not stretch evenly.
Step 2. Place the shoes on the baking sheet then put the pan in the freezer
Leave the shoes in the freezer for a few hours or even overnight until all the water has frozen and solidified.
Placing the shoes on a baking sheet or baking sheet will prevent their surfaces from coming into contact with the food. In addition to using a baking sheet, you can also put your shoes in a large plastic bag or wrap them in parchment paper. However, you can put your shoes straight in the freezer if you want
Step 3. Leave the shoes at room temperature for 15-30 minutes then remove the ice pack
Once the water in the clip bag has frozen, remove the shoes from the freezer. Leave the shoes in a warm, dry place for about 15-30 minutes or until the ice begins to melt. After that, shake the ice pack back and forth until it can be removed from the shoe.
It's best not to wait until the ice is completely melted. If there is a hole in the ice bag, spilled water can get the shoe wet and damage it
Method 3 of 3: Filling the Inside of the Shoe
Step 1. Use a shoe stretcher to gradually expand the size
A shoe flexor is a device made to widen a shoe. Usually, this tool is equipped with a knob or lever that can be turned to expand and lengthen its size. That way, over time, the shoes will be more flexible and wider, and will grow to 1/2 size.
- You can buy a shoe stretcher at most high-quality shoe stores.
- For best results, try using this tool in combination with a shoe-specific flexing spray. Moisturize the shoes by spraying the product and then inserting the flexor in them. Repeat as needed until the shoe size fits your foot.
Step 2. Roll up the sock and then tuck it into the toe of the shoe to flex it a bit
Prepare a sock roll and then insert it until it fills the inside of the shoe from the end. Continue stuffing the sock until you can't add any more and the shoe is completely full. After that, leave the shoes on overnight or store them until the time you want to wear them again.
- Although it doesn't produce results as quickly as heating, using alcohol, or ice, this technique will gradually flex the shoe gently making it suitable for leather shoes, vintage shoes, or shoes that are easily damaged.
- This technique may not be suitable for shoes with stiff uppers such as formal shoes. In addition, shoes made of flexible materials such as mesh may have to be heated or saturated to stretch the fibers.
Step 3. Place the wet newspaper inside the shoe to give it more flexibility
Moisten a few sheets of newspaper then roll them up and tuck them into the toes of your shoes. Keep rolling in the damp newspaper rolls until the shoes are full. As the newspaper roll dries, it will expand in size and the texture will harden, causing the shoe to stretch.
- Since this technique will shape the shoe by stretching its shape, be sure to arrange the rolls of newspaper to keep the shape of the shoe.
- Do not saturate newsprint because it can damage the inside of the shoe. Also, don't use this technique on leather shoes.
Step 4. Take advantage of the old technique of flexing your shoes using wet oats, seeds, or rice
Fill a plastic bag with oatmeal, rice, or other grains that will increase in size when wet. Pour enough water to soak the seeds, then close the bag tightly and tuck it into the shoe until it reaches the end. Leave this bag overnight then take it out and try on your shoes.
As the oats expand, the pressure will help flex the shoe material
Tips
- If your shoes are expensive or break easily, it's best to take them to a professional cobbler to have them flexed.
- If your shoe size doesn't fit your foot, there's not much you can do to change its shape. Remember to always buy the right size shoes whenever possible.
