Maya Ellison
It is possible to stretch plastic shoes, but only by half a size at most. There are several methods to achieve this, including using a hairdryer, wearing thick socks with the shoes, or using a shoe-stretching spray. However, it is important to note that not all shoe-stretching sprays are suitable for plastic shoes, so it is recommended to read the label carefully. Additionally, coconut oil or leather conditioner can be used to soften the plastic and make it easier to stretch, but this will not result in a significant increase in size.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of stretching plastic shoes | Yes, but only up to half a size bigger |
| Techniques to stretch plastic shoes | Using a hairdryer, wearing thick socks, leather-stretching spray, coconut oil, or a boot tree |
| Permanence of stretching | May depend on usage; some users report that plastic shoes return to their original size after a few days |
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$9.99
What You'll Learn
Thick socks and a hairdryer
First, put on one or two pairs of thick socks, depending on how tight the shoes are. If the shoes have zippers, zip them up as far as they will go. Then, put on the shoes.
Next, take a hairdryer and turn it on to its hottest setting. Hold the hairdryer a few inches away from the parts of the shoes that feel tight and blast those areas with hot air in 20-30 second intervals. While the hairdryer is aimed at your shoes, be sure to wiggle your feet and toes to help the plastic expand.
After applying heat to the shoes, they will be pliable. Continue to wear the shoes until they cool down and mold to your feet. You can also try walking around in them while they are still hot to help them stretch out further.
If the shoes still don't fit right, repeat the process.
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Stretching sprays
It is possible to stretch plastic shoes. One way to do this is by using a hairdryer. Put on thick socks, slide your foot into the shoe, and heat the shoe with the hairdryer. Let the shoes cool down, and they should mould to your feet.
Another way to stretch shoes is by using a stretching spray. These sprays use diluted alcohol to soften the fibres of the shoe. You can then use your feet or a wooden shoe tree to stretch the shoes. Stretching sprays are available for a variety of materials, including leather, suede, canvas, linen, and nubuck. Some sprays, such as Jason Markk's Repel spray, are formulated to protect shoes from water damage.
FootMatters Professional Boot & Shoe Stretch Spray is a popular option for stretching leather, suede, nubuck, and canvas shoes. It is available in a 4 oz bottle for $10.99.
It is important to note that while stretching sprays can help loosen shoes, they may not provide a significant amount of stretch. For best results, follow the instructions on the bottle, which may recommend spraying the interior of the shoes heavily.
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Coconut oil or leather conditioner
While coconut oil can be used as a leather conditioner in a pinch, it is not recommended by experts. Coconut oil can darken leather, leaving it feeling greasy, and may even weaken the material, causing boots to wear out faster. Coconut oil is also solid at room temperature, so it can leave white splotches on your boots.
Leather conditioners are readily available on the market and are formulated specifically for conditioning leather. They offer a good balance of moisturizing, waterproofing, and improving the leather's appearance or luster.
If you are looking to stretch plastic shoes, it is recommended to use a blow dryer to heat the plastic and shape the shoe to your foot. Put on your shoes and hold the hair dryer 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) away from the fabric of your shoe. Move the dryer around your shoe, focusing on particularly tight areas, for 10-30 minutes at a time to help soften the plastic and stretch your shoes.
It is important to note that plastic shoes cannot be stretched too much, as they are not super stretchable. If stretched too much, there is a risk of tearing holes in the shoes. Additionally, make sure to stop if your feet start to get too hot.
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Boot trees
Shoe trees, in general, are devices that approximate the shape of a foot and are inserted into shoes. They serve multiple purposes, including preserving the shape of the shoe, preventing creases, and wicking away moisture caused by sweat, which can lead to lining rot and leather degradation. Shoe trees are particularly beneficial when shoes are worn without socks.
Shoe trees are commonly made from wood, typically softwood or cedar, which helps control odour and absorb moisture. Wooden shoe trees come in various categories, with the cheapest option lacking a full heel, which can put excess pressure on the heel and potentially deform the shoe over time. Varnished wood, such as beech, is another option but is less effective at absorbing moisture and odours compared to untreated wood or red cedar.
Plastic shoe trees are a lightweight and foldable alternative to wooden ones. They are ideal for travel and, when unfolded, function similarly to wooden shoe trees, stretching the leather and preventing creases. Metal shoe trees made from stamped sheet metal or coiled steel spring stems are also available, offering a lightweight and affordable option.
While plastic shoes may stretch to some extent with wear, they may not provide a permanent stretch. Some people suggest using a hair dryer to heat the plastic and mould it to the shape of the foot. This method may help achieve a more comfortable fit, especially for those with wider feet. However, it is important to note that heating plastic shoes with a hairdryer might not ensure a permanent stretch, and the plastic may return to its original shape over time.
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Wear and break in
Plastic shoes can be stretched to achieve a better fit. This can be done by wearing thick socks, putting on the shoes, and then using a blow dryer on its hottest setting to heat the tight-fitting areas in 20-30 second intervals. While heating the shoes, it is important to wiggle your feet and toes to help the plastic expand. After heating, walk around in the shoes while they are still hot to help them stretch further. This process can be repeated until the desired fit is achieved.
It is worth noting that wearing plastic shoes for extended periods, especially without socks, can cause some foot problems. Plastic shoes do not absorb moisture, so wearing them without socks can lead to blisters and create a favourable environment for fungal growth. Additionally, plastic soles do not absorb shock, so any existing foot problems may be exacerbated by wearing plastic shoes.
To avoid these issues, it is recommended to wear socks that wick away moisture when wearing plastic shoes. It is also advised to wear plastic shoes in moderation and avoid walking long distances in them. Buying plastic shoes in the afternoon when feet are most swollen can also help ensure a more comfortable fit.
When not wearing the shoes, it is suggested to leave a shoe stretcher inside to maintain their shape. Filling a resealable bag halfway with water, placing it inside the shoe, and then removing the excess air before sealing the bag is another method to help stretch plastic shoes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to stretch plastic shoes. However, they may only stretch up to half a size bigger.
There are a few ways to stretch plastic shoes. One way is to wear thick socks with the shoes and use a hairdryer to heat and mould the plastic to your feet. Another way is to use a shoe-stretching spray, but make sure to check the label as many stretching sprays are designed for real leather only.
It may take some time to see results, and you may need to repeat the stretching process multiple times. One source suggests wearing the shoes with thick socks for 15-30 minutes at a time to break them in and help them mould to the shape of your feet.
