Reading time: 8 minutes | Last updated: June 11, 2025
Ouch, when you tried on those new shoes, they felt perfect, but now that you’re walking in them, you quickly realize: they’re too tight. Unfortunately, the return period has passed, so returning them is not an option anymore… What a shame, you really want to wear those new shoes! Luckily, there are several ways you can stretch your tight shoes just a bit. We’re not talking about a full-size difference, of course. Your shoes won’t suddenly go from a size 6 to a size 9. But we’re talking about a few inches. And those few inches can make all the difference. So, if your shoes don’t fit like a glove right away, don’t panic! With a few clever tricks, you can often stretch them just enough to make them comfortable on your feet. In this blog you’ll learn how to stretch shoes. Let’s dive in!
If you’ve been a fan of ours for a while, you probably already know how important we think it is to buy shoes that fit your actual size. And while we’ve all been tempted to buy shoes that were just a little too tight (because they looked way too cute to pass up), we’ll say it again: don’t do it! You’ll regret it, guaranteed. Not only can too-small shoes cause a lot of pain, but they can also lead to a variety of foot problems. Here’s what you need to keep in mind when trying on new shoes.
Examples of foot problems caused by too-small shoes:
Now that you know why it’s so important to wear well-fitting shoes, it’s time to discover how you can stretch your favorite but slightly tight shoes. There are several ways to do this. You can take them to a cobbler or try a few of our DIY tricks. But be warned: success isn’t guaranteed, and you’re doing this at your own risk 😉
1 | Stretch shoes at the cobbler
The fastest and safest way to stretch your shoes is by going to a professional cobbler. They have special equipment and can stretch your shoes to fit just right. There’s almost no risk of damaging your shoes, and they can even stretch specific parts, such as the width or toe space, if you pinpoint exactly where it hurts!
2 | Stretch shoes with ice
A surprising but effective method (or so they say) is stretching your shoes with ice. Here’s how it works: Fill two freezer bags halfway with water. Seal them well so no water seeps into your shoes, and place the bags inside your shoes. Then, put your shoes in the freezer overnight. A quick science lesson: when water freezes, it expands. This will slowly stretch your shoes just a little bit. It’s also a win-win situation because the freezing process helps eliminate unpleasant odors!
3 | Stretch shoes with wet newspapers
Looking for a simple and cheap solution? Try using wet newspapers. Wet a few newspaper balls (but don’t soak them), and stuff them tightly into your shoes. Let your shoes dry while the newspapers are inside. As they dry, the newspapers will expand, stretching your shoes. Just make sure the newspapers don’t bleed ink, or you’ll have ink stains in your shoes.
4 | Stretch with a hairdyer
Do you have leather shoes that need to soften up? And do you have a hairdryer? Perfect! Using a hairdryer is a great way to stretch your shoes. Here’s how it works: put on thick socks, then wear your shoes. Blow warm air onto the areas where your shoes are too tight with a hairdryer. Move your feet a little to help soften the leather. It’s important to keep wearing the shoes until they cool down, so the leather stays in its new shape. This method is particularly useful for leather shoes. Just be careful with the heat, as too much heat can damage the material or cause the glue to come loose. So, exercise caution!
5 | Shoe stretching spray
A special shoe stretching spray can work wonders. This spray softens the leather, making it easier for the shoes to expand as you wear them. Spray it on the outside of your shoes, put on thick socks, and wear the shoes while the spray works its magic. Note: make sure you choose a spray that’s suitable for the material of your shoes!
6 | Stretch shoes with shoe trees
Shoe trees have been used for a long time to stretch shoes. They’re often made from wood or plastic and can be adjusted to stretch your shoes the way you want. Place the shoe trees inside your shoes for several days for the best results. Using shoe trees helps ensure the stretching process is even.
7 | Wear thick socks inside your shoes
While this might fall more under “breaking in” than stretching, you can also use thick socks to help mold your shoes to your feet. Walk around in them for as long as possible, and the material will gradually adjust to your feet (including the thick socks).
If your shoes are too narrow, stretching them in width can make a world of difference for the comfort of your feet. The best way to do this is by visiting a cobbler. With special equipment, they can stretch shoes in width without damaging the material. Another option is the aforementioned stretching spray. Both methods will give the material a little extra room across the width. Even better? Buy shoes that are naturally a bit wider. Here you can find our wide shoes.
A tight instep can make shoes difficult to put on or even pinch while wearing them. If you have a high instep, this can happen quite quickly. To stretch the instep of your shoes, you can use the same methods as for the width. Shoe trees or a visit to the cobbler would be ideal. At home, you can also try using a hairdryer and a pair of thick socks. Don’t want to deal with all that hassle? Go for adjustable shoes. Our lace-up shoes are perfect for adjustment!
If you suffer from hallux valgus, shoes can often exert extra pressure on this area. Stretching shoes at the location of the bunion can offer significant relief. There are cobblers who can stretch shoes at specific points, like around the big toe, to reduce the pressure. At home, you can also try using shoe trees specifically designed for these types of problems. Of course, the best way to prevent the pinching problem is to buy shoes specifically designed for hallux valgus. With extra space around the bump, you’ll be walking comfortably all day long.
It’s fantastic when a shoe that didn’t fit right suddenly works out with the tips above. However, it’s important to keep in mind that some shoes simply don’t have the right fit for your feet, no matter how much you try to stretch them. This is especially true for shoes that are too narrow in width or have the wrong shape for your foot type. In that case, it’s better to invest in a new pair of shoes that actually fit perfectly, rather than forcing your feet into a pair that could cause multiple discomforts.
At Wolky, we understand how important comfort is. Our shoes are designed with fit, comfort, and support in mind. That way, you can move freely all day long! Whether you have sensitive feet, walk a lot for your job, or simply want to be comfortable all day, Wolkys are made to walk in—without the need for stretching!
Contact us through the options below, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
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