How To Stretch Wool Shoes

Step into the cozy world of wool shoes that combine the unparalleled comfort of wool with the trendy appeal of footwear. We all know the feeling of slipping our feet into our favorite pair of wool shoes, embracing the warmth and softness they offer. But what happens when, alas, these dreamy shoes feel a little too snug for your liking? Fear not, for we have the ultimate solution: stretching wool shoes to perfection! In this article, we will guide you through a simple yet effective process that will make your woolen companions feel like they were custom-made for your feet. Slip into your imagination and let’s embark on this stretching adventure, where comfort meets style in a symphony of woolly delight.

How to Stretch Shoes with a Blow Dryer + Socks:

• Put you socks on, followed by your shoes
• With your blow dryer on its medium/hot setting, blast it towards the tight areas of your shoes, from about 1 foot away.
• Move your feet & wiggle your toes to stretch out the tightest areas, while blow drying on hot
• Walk around in the shoes, at least until the shoes cool down
• Now try on your shoes without the socks. Still too tight? Repeat all previous steps!

This method is best for: All shoes made of natural materials such as leather, because they’ll expand more & likely not to melt. Beware of heating any plastic or patent material. It may not end well :/. This method to stretch shoes is best for sizing up more vs less.

2. Wear Your Shoes in the Evening

Of course, the best way to stretch shoes initially – in order to break them in & enlarge them slightly – is by gently walking in them. Preferably with thick socks at home, so you don’t run the risk of blisters.

Seems obvious to wear your shoes in order to stretch them, but it’s doing so in the later afternoon/evening that is ideal.

Because our feet swell during throughout the day, due to walking and standing, our feet in the evening are at their largest size. So if you have a pair of shoes that you’d like to nudge in expansion, this is the simplest and cost-free solution.

Just wait until an hour before your bedtime when your feet are at their peak and wear them around the house. Want to stretch your shoes a little more? Try adding a pair of socks and repeating the process!

This is also why shoe shopping is recommended during the evening vs at the beginning of the day.

This method is best for: shoes that are only a little tight. Say, a quarter to half-size (absolute max) too small. If you’re looking for how to break in new shoes, this is a great first step!

3. Use a Shoe Stretching Tool

The most professional way of stretching your shoes at home is by using a shoe stretcher. Yeah, I know, not a very creative name, right!?

Shoe stretchers are great shoe accessories for those of us who have problem feet and can’t get the right shoes to fit. So it’s worth investing in a premium shoe stretcher if this is something you’ll be using time & again.

Wondering how to stretch shoes wider? Well, this a shoe stretcher a fab tool because that can expand the width and/or the length of shoes. To get the use of the two functions in one, you’ll want to buy a two-way stretcher, like 

There are shoe wideners & lengthener and 2 in 1 stretcher for both men and women’s sizes, as well as stretchers specifically designed for stretching high heels.

Some even have these little holes throughout the toe area, where you can insert plugs into for areas around the toe that are particularly tight.

If you want to stretch boots, there’s an app tool for that too! This  happens to be cheap, cheerful & also helps tall boots keep their shape

Of course, each product is different, so be sure to read the instructions! For a standard stretcher, you can use it per my instructions below:

How to use a shoe stretcher:

• If your gadget requires it, spray it with the liquid it came with, or suggested by the manufacturer
• Place it inside the tight shoe
• Turn the knob to expand the stretcher the desired amount*
• Leave overnight. Repeat the process with the other shoe

*NB: Start small, so you don’t over stretch the shoes. When it doubt, take baby steps!

This method is best for: For sizing up to a full size. For expanding the toe box area and width of shoe, depending on which tool you purchase. Best for shoes made of natural materials.

Leathers, suedes, cotton canvases naturally stretch, while man-made fabrics such as plastics & PVC don’t really “give” that much.

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4. How to Stretch Shoes with Alcohol

No, not that kind of alcohol, silly! Using rubbing alcohol – aka isopropyl alcohol – is definitely a solver of the how to stretch out shoes problem, but is also a great way to break in new shoes. I buy my rubbing alcohol from my nearby pharmacy or Walmart.

And you can stretch your shoes with alcohol at home, so easily! I’ve used this trick a few times myself and it works miracles. There are two ways to show you how to stretch shoes with alcohol of the rubbing kind:

1. Wet a wad of cotton or a cotton ball/pad with rubbing alcohol. Then press it onto the desired, tight area of the shoe, transferring the liquid. Then, immediately put on the shoes & walk around. It’s important to do this fast, as rubbing alcohol dries quickly. It will only act as a strong shoe stretcher when it is wet.
2. For a shoe that is too tight all over, put on a pair of socks. The tighter your shoes, the thicker the socks! Soak the socks thoroughly with rubbing alcohol. Then, put your shoes on and walk around, stretching any particularly tight area with your foot, until the alcohol has evaporated & the socks are dry.

This method is best for: Expanding all or parts of the shoe and for footwear that requires a minor stretch. Rubbing alcohol is best used on shoes made of natural materials & fabrics.

Avoid repeated use on fancy leather shoes, as rubbing alcohol dries leathers out. And don’t worry about rubbing alcohol ruining your shoes.

I used them on this pair of pink satin espadrilles, and there was absolutely no discoloration or damage. However, some dyes may leak, so if you must go ahead with the “procedure”, test it on a small, non visible area first.

If you prefer, there are professional stretching sprays that you can buy such as  or any of the ones referenced to in the slider, below.

Easier to use, as it sprays from a bottle. Alternatively, you could buy a small spray bottle and add rubbing alcohol to it yourself for a DIY version.

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Shop highly rated shoe stretch sprays, below:

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5. Stretch Shoes in the Freezer

Yes, the freezer. And, it works overnight. But before you get all grossed out by the prospect of mixing shoes with food, hear me out! It’s all very scientific 😉

So how do I stretch your shoes in the freezer, you ask? Essentially the trick here is to fill a baggie – like a medium sized Ziplock bag –  with water, then place it into your shoes.

As the water freezes & expands, it will stretch your shoes by pushing against them slow and steady.

This works particularly well for stretching out the front part of your shoes and the width, if you shoes happen to have straps or laces to secure the baggie inside.

Below is your step-by-step guide on how to stretch your shoes this way:

How to stretch shoes in the freezer:

1. Depending on shoe size, fill 2 small to medium sized ziplock bag half full of water
2. Seal it well so that no water can leak out & making sure that there is no air in the bag
3. Place each water-filled baggie into each shoes
4. Put both shoes into another larger plastic bag, to protect the shoes (and frozen produce!)
5. Leave overnight & voilà!

This method is best for: gradually enlarging the toe box of the shoe. Good for all shoe materials, including plastic & vinyl.

1. Unleashing the Cozy Comfort: Mastering the Art of Stretching Wool Shoes