How to Stretch Leather Shoes

As we always state, your feet are unique to you, and finding the right pair of shoes can sometimes be a little tricky (I also recommend you read our 10 Tips for Finding the Right Shoe blog). We also know that genuine leather shoes tend to stretch after a few wears, but sometimes, getting to that comfortable spot may be a bit uncomfortable, and buying the next size up wouldn’t make much sense considering that they too would eventually stretch and then become too loose!

The great thing about leather is its versatility and how it becomes more comfortable with time and wear (even if it was so when you first bought the pair!). Its natural pliability allows it to change to the shape of your foot. The only problem is the time it may take – and don’t we all want a quicker and more convenient way to get them to stretch out just that little bit to make them perfectly comfortable?

So the answer to "do leather shoes stretch?", is yes they surely do! And the real concern is how to stretch leather shoes.

Here are a few tips to help you with just that! 

1. Wear Them Around the House
   If the shoes are just slightly snug, a few days of wearing them around the house will help to soften the leather, and this in turn will help to stretch leather shoes. Bear in mind not to do this after a long day when your feet might be swollen. Let your feet rest a little or cool down if it was a hot day out!
   
   

2. Use the Thick Sock & Blow-Dryer Method
   First, put on a pair of thick socks and put on your shoes (fasten buckles or tie the laces if there are any). Next, apply heat from a hair dryer for just about 20 seconds at a time on the areas that need stretching - and that's the 'hair dryer shoe strech'! Make sure to always keep the dryer at a medium heat and motion it back and forth to avoid drying out or burning the leather.
   
   

3. Use Adjustable Shoe Trees
   We’ve seen that shoe trees are generally great in maintaining the shape of your shoes (just check out our blog Why You Need Shoe Trees or Types of Shoe Trees if you haven’t already). Adjustable shoes are an even better creation that help to expand the length and/or width of your shoes. You can even find special add-ons that you can plug in to areas (like the bunion area) to target specific issues (just like the pair from LANHU pictured below).
   The way this works is just like using your shoe tree, but you can use the adjustment handle to add the little width or length needed in stages to achieve the fit desired. It is usually recommended to adjust gradually at intervals of 8 to 12 hours (and try them in-between intervals to make sure you don’t overdo it with the stretching!). This is the most effective way in how to stretch leather shoes at home.
   

4. Visit a Shoe Repair Professional
   Sometimes, handing the job over to a professional might be the quickest and easiest way to go! They usually have the knowledge, equipment and/or machines to stretch your shoes depending on your need! They are also very knowledgeable about tip and sticks, do don't hesitate to ask them for recommendation on how to stretch leather shoes of different types.
   

And always remember that if you’ve bought a pair of shoes from the Rana Cheikha or Wander Collections, you can always get in touch on how to stretch leather shoes, or for any tips to adjust your shoes if you're facing a specific issue. We are always more than happy to make sure your shoes as comfortable as can be, so if you also prefer that we directly alter your shoes, we are more than happy to do so!

Signing-off: Rana Cheikha for The Shoe Advisor