How to Stretch Out Sneakers & Tennis Shoes

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Expand tight sneakers with ice or heat so they fit more comfortably
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When you get a new pair of sneakers or athletic tennis shoes, you want them to feel broken in before you wear them for long periods of time. If your sneakers are feeling just a little too tight, there are several easy ways to stretch them out so they fit your feet comfortably. With the help of shoe care and repair specialist Moe Draper, we’ve put together the best ways to stretch out your sneakers with ice, heat, and manual methods. Read on to learn more!

The Best Ways to Stretch Tight Sneakers

Place a sealed bag of water in each sneaker and set them in the freezer overnight. Alternatively, put on 2 pairs of socks and your sneakers and heat your shoes with a hair dryer for 30 seconds at a time. Or, simply wear your sneakers and spray them with a shoe-stretcher spray.

Section 1 of 3:

Stretching Sneakers Overnight with Ice

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  1. Since water expands when it freezes, you can use it to stretch your shoes out overnight. Fill both sealable bags about ½ full to avoid overstretching your shoe. Then, seal the bags tightly shut to avoid any leakage. [1]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Stretch Sneakers
    Put 1 water-filled bag into each sneaker so that the front of the bag is at the very tip of the shoe. If necessary, reach into each shoe with your hand and press the water-filled bag into the front and back of the shoe. [2]
    • Make sure that the bags are still sealed at this point—a leaky bag can ruin a shoe.
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  3. Set the shoes on a flat surface inside your freezer with their tops facing upward. It will take at least 8 to 10 hours for the bags of ice to freeze. As the ice freezes, it will expand and stretch outward against the insides of the sneakers. [3]
  4. Take the sneakers out of the freezer, remove the bags from inside the shoes, and try them on. At this point, the sneakers should have stretched enough to fit your feet. [4]
    • If you don’t want to freeze your feet, let the sneakers warm up for 20 to 30 minutes before trying them on.
  5. If the shoes still constrict your feet after 1 night in the freezer, freeze them again. Fill the plastic bags with water, making them slightly fuller this time so they expand more within the shoes. Then, freeze them overnight and try the sneakers on again in the morning.
    László Vass, Master Shoemaker

    Stretching sneakers is an art of gently expanding the shoe to create a customized, comfortable fit. The goal is not to distort the shoe but to patiently mold it to the unique shape of your foot. Use proper tools and services to gently stretch the materials. A well-fitted shoe enhances comfort and longevity.

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Section 2 of 3:

Stretching Sneakers with Heat

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  1. Watermark wikiHow to Stretch Sneakers
    Find 2 pairs of thick socks, such as wool, and put them on over one another. Then, put on the sneakers that you’re planning to stretch. Using socks to make your feet as large as possible will help stretch out the sneakers. [5]
    • If the shoes are so tight that your feet won’t fit in while wearing 2 pairs of socks, just wear 1 pair.
  2. Keep your feet inside the shoes, and use a hair dryer to blow hot air over the outside surfaces of the shoes. Set the hair dryer to medium heat and keep it about 2 to 3 inches (5-7.6 cm) above your shoe to avoid overheating and potentially damaging your sneakers. Every 30 seconds, switch the air from the hair dryer to the other shoe. [6]
    • Keep the hair dryer moving so that it heats all surfaces of the shoe, including the toe cap, sides, and heel.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Stretch Sneakers
    The heat from the hair dryer will loosen up the fabric of your sneakers. Wiggling your toes and flexing your foot while you’re heating up each shoe will help to stretch the sneakers. [7]
    • Stretching your sneakers out so they fit comfortably may take up to 2 minutes per shoe.
  4. 4
    Walk around in your sneakers to see if they’re loose enough. Keep both pairs of socks on and walk around your house for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until your sneakers cool down. This helps ensure that the sneakers maintain their shape. Then, take off your socks and try on your sneakers to see if they fit comfortably. [8]
    • If your sneakers still feel tight, put your thick socks back on and heat the shoes with the hair dryer again. Just keep repeating until your sneakers feel loose enough.
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Section 3 of 3:

Manual Ways to Stretch Sneakers

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  1. The best way to break a pair of sneakers in is by wearing them around your home—they’ll loosen even if you’re just sitting down. The heat and sweat from your feet will soften up the shells of the sneakers and cause the shoes to mold to the shape of your feet.
    • Be aware that it can take 5 to 7 days to break in a pair of shoes. So, if you have a big track meet or other sporting event tomorrow, this may not be the most effective method.
    • Tip : Wear a thick pair of socks to help stretch and break in your sneakers faster.
  2. 2
    Spray your shoes with a shoe stretcher spray . Many manufacturers make special sprays that help stretch out your sneakers so they fit more comfortably. With most sprays, you spritz the product inside and outside of your shoes. Then, either wear your sneakers with a thick pair of socks until they’re dry, or insert a shoe-stretching device overnight.
    • Test the spray on a hidden part of your sneaker to ensure it doesn’t stain or damage it before you apply it all over.
    • Check your bottle of shoe stretcher spray for any specific instructions or warnings. Some sprays might not be suitable for leather or suede sneakers.
  3. 3
    Take out the insoles inside your sneakers. For a quick fix, simply reach inside your sneakers and remove the insoles. This can free up some space to help your sneakers feel wider and longer, but it might not stretch your sneakers as much as other methods. [9]
    • Removing the insole can make your shoes feel less supportive. So, consider replacing the original insoles with a thinner pair of insoles .
  4. Keep shoe trees inside your sneakers when you’re not wearing them. Shoe-trees are foot-shaped wooden or plastic inserts that widen and exert outward pressure on shoes when they’re pushed inside the body of the shoe. Draper recommends keeping a pair of shoe-trees inside your sneakers when they aren’t on your feet to help stretch them out and maintain their shape. [10] To use shoe-trees, simply place the toe of the insert into the shoe and press the heel into place. This action will expand the front portion of the insert. [11]
    • Even if you keep the inserts in around the clock, it can take at least 3 days for the shoes to be stretched enough to accommodate your feet.
    • Purchase shoe trees at a local sporting goods store or shoe store.
    • Alternatively , stuff your sneakers with newspaper when you’re not wearing them to help stretch them out and maintain their shape.
  5. 5
    Use a shoe stretcher to stretch out your sneakers. Draper says you can “purchase your own wooden shoe stretcher” to “stretch out sneakers that are too tight.” Simply place the tool inside your shoes and “hand crank [it] to the appropriate tension” to stretch out the sides, top, and bottom of the sneakers. Draper recommends that you “stretch them at least 3 days” and then “wear them the remainder of the day” to “ensure that the stretch lasts.” [12]
  6. Professional cobblers have machines and tools specifically designed to stretch sneakers and other types of running shoes. Draper says to simply drop your sneakers off with the cobbler and explain that you’d like the shoes stretched. [14] Expect a 48-hour turnaround time on this procedure, which usually costs about $15-30 USD. [15]
    • If you don’t know whether or not there’s a cobbler nearby, search online for a phrase like “professional cobblers in my area.”
    • This is a great option if your sneakers are made out of leather, suede, or synthetic materials, as these fabrics are more difficult to stretch with DIY methods.
    • Want tips for stretching your shoes without causing damage? Check out what wikiHow users say at our How do you stretch shoes without damaging them? Forum .
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Join the Discussion...

How do you stretch shoes without damaging them?
WikiLynxWatcher304
WikiLynxWatcher304
My wife bought me these shoes when she was on vacation and she really likes the way they look on me. The problem is that they’re like half a size too small. I can’t actually tell if it’s a length or a width thing, to be honest. In any case, I can’t go back to where she bought them in Costa Rica to exchange them for a better fit, so I’ve resorted to trying to stretch them out. Any tips here? I think the shoes are leather, but they could be some kind of synthetic material, I’m not sure.
Carroll Kelly
Shoe Care Specialist
Shoe repair shops have a specially formulated shoe stretch solution that's safe for leather and doesn't discolor it. While the solution is wet, they put a wood shoe stretcher in the shoe and turn it and then crank it up till you know stretch it to the correct width. As that solution dries, the leather will stay in the new stretched position.
Moe Draper
Shoe Care & Repair Specialist
To stretch out leather shoes that are too tight, purchase your own wooden shoe stretcher and hand-crank them to the appropriate tension to stretch them. In order to get a good stretch, stretch them for at least three days, and you should wear them for the remainder of the day to ensure that the stretch lasts. To further maintain the stretch, use a cedar shoe tree to hold the stretch when you are not wearing your shoes.

If this is too difficult, you can always google your local shoe repair or shoe cobbler and take them in to have them professionally stretched.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Does stretching shoes really work?
    Moe Draper
    Shoe Care & Repair Specialist
    Moe Draper is a Shoe Care and Repair Specialist based in Detroit, Michigan. Moe is the Owner of Detroit Shoe Shine and Shoe Repair. With over 20 years of experience as a cobbler, Moe specializes in shoe shining, cosmetic restorations for quality leather goods, and minor/major shoe repair services. Moe and his staff at Detroit Shoe Shine and Repair have over 30 years of combined experience and knowledge. In addition to his brick and mortar business, Moe has a mobile shoe repair business where he travels to perform shoe shines for clients. Moe frequently gives back to his community by offering his services to law enforcement officers and other valued patrons. Moe and his business were featured for their work in the community in the Detroit Free Press.
    Moe Draper
    Shoe Care & Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    To a degree, yes. It's not like you're going to turn a size 6 into a size 10 or anything like that, but you can definitely get shoes to stretch a bit.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 11
  • Question
    How long do you need to stretch shoes with a wooden stretcher?
    Moe Draper
    Shoe Care & Repair Specialist
    Moe Draper is a Shoe Care and Repair Specialist based in Detroit, Michigan. Moe is the Owner of Detroit Shoe Shine and Shoe Repair. With over 20 years of experience as a cobbler, Moe specializes in shoe shining, cosmetic restorations for quality leather goods, and minor/major shoe repair services. Moe and his staff at Detroit Shoe Shine and Repair have over 30 years of combined experience and knowledge. In addition to his brick and mortar business, Moe has a mobile shoe repair business where he travels to perform shoe shines for clients. Moe frequently gives back to his community by offering his services to law enforcement officers and other valued patrons. Moe and his business were featured for their work in the community in the Detroit Free Press.
    Moe Draper
    Shoe Care & Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You have to use the stretcher for at least 3 straight days. On that third day, take the stretchers out and wear them for the remainder of the day.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 11
  • Question
    How can I make sure that my stretched shoes don't shrink back to their original size?
    Moe Draper
    Shoe Care & Repair Specialist
    Moe Draper is a Shoe Care and Repair Specialist based in Detroit, Michigan. Moe is the Owner of Detroit Shoe Shine and Shoe Repair. With over 20 years of experience as a cobbler, Moe specializes in shoe shining, cosmetic restorations for quality leather goods, and minor/major shoe repair services. Moe and his staff at Detroit Shoe Shine and Repair have over 30 years of combined experience and knowledge. In addition to his brick and mortar business, Moe has a mobile shoe repair business where he travels to perform shoe shines for clients. Moe frequently gives back to his community by offering his services to law enforcement officers and other valued patrons. Moe and his business were featured for their work in the community in the Detroit Free Press.
    Moe Draper
    Shoe Care & Repair Specialist
    Expert Answer
    Cedar shoe trees! They're inexpensive, and they really work. Whenever you aren't wearing your shoes, put the shoe trees in.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 14
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      Tips

      • When purchasing sneakers and running shoes, it’s best to get a pair that fits well . That way, you won’t have to stretch the shoes so they fit, and you also won’t have to deal with a too-big pair of sneakers.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • To help your sneakers fit more comfortably, wear thinner socks and keep your laces loosely tied.
        Thanks
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Tightly stuff your shoes with newspapers or rags so it's easy to mold your shoes into the right shape.
      • Try replacing the insoles of your sneakers with a thinner material so your feet have more room.
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      Things You’ll Need

      Using Ice

      • Sealable plastic bags
      • Freezer

      Using Heat

      • 2 pairs of thick socks
      • Hair dryer

      Manual Methods

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      References

      1. ↑ https://experthometips.com/how-to-stretch-shoes-quick-free
      2. ↑ https://experthometips.com/how-to-stretch-shoes-quick-free
      3. ↑ https://experthometips.com/how-to-stretch-shoes-quick-free
      4. ↑ https://experthometips.com/how-to-stretch-shoes-quick-free
      5. ↑ https://youtu.be/rkuxxUkZx8Y?feature=shared&t=155
      6. ↑ https://youtu.be/rkuxxUkZx8Y?feature=shared&t=262
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/oncb3pSxYjA?feature=shared&t=203
      8. ↑ https://youtu.be/rkuxxUkZx8Y?feature=shared&t=476
      9. ↑ https://youtu.be/oncb3pSxYjA?feature=shared&t=37
      1. ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/QohsNMsplqI?t=34
      3. ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.
      4. ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.
      5. ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.
      6. ↑ https://www.vox.com/2017/9/4/16243578/shoe-repair-cobbler-cost

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To stretch your sneakers, wear them for 4 or 5 hours around your home, which will help break them in. If this doesn’t work, put on 2 pairs of your thickest socks to make your feet larger, then put your sneakers on again. While you’re wearing your shoes, heat them with a hairdryer on the medium setting for 30 seconds at a time, which will warm the material and cause it to stretch. As you heat your sneakers, wiggle your toes and feet as much as you can to encourage your shoes to expand. For tips on how to stretch your sneakers overnight using ice, keep reading!

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