When shoes don't fit like Cinderella

When ordering leather shoes in an online store, each of us looks forward to receiving the dream shoe that not only meets the visual requirements, but fits the foot like a glove. But what if the ordered shoes turn out not to fit like a crystal slipper on Cinderella's foot?

Many homemade tips will tell you how to stretch out pumps, sandals or other shoes made of leather. Most of them, however, are risky or require a bit of skill. Let our examples serve as suggestions, as every pair of shoes is different and there's no guarantee that homemade methods will work as expected and won't damage the leather.

Beware of painful blisters or alcohol

Perhaps the most famous home method to solve the problem called, "how to stretch out pumps" is to stretch them by wearing them. However, this method can hurt! The principle is that you wear the shoes until they loosen. However, wearing tight shoes around the house for a few days can give you painful abrasions that may discourage you from putting on stretched shoes again.

Another method to stretch out pumps is to use alcohol. The procedure is as follows. Rub the alcohol into the surface of the shoe and put the pumps on. The action of the alcohol solution will make the leather that the pumps are made of softer and more sensitive. However, we would like to warn you that although this advice is lauded by the internet, it is risky as it can make light coloured leather shoes unsightly or even more damaging.

Playing for warmth and cold

Many homemade recipes on how to stretch boating recommend the use of steam. This method seems less invasive than the previous one, but is still risky. The procedure for stretching is such that overly tight leather boots should be placed over the steam. The hot and humid air should cause the leather to loosen and become softer and more supple. Then, as in the first example, the shoes should be put on and worn. This method can damage the shoes and cause them to come unglued.  

Where heat won't help, ice will? Stretching leather boots using ice packs is gaining in popularity all the time. This method is appearing more and more often in advice rooms and women's programs when talking about how to stretch out leather pumps. The ice method involves filling the ice bags with water and, after tying them tightly, placing them inside the shoe. The pumps thus filled need to be put in the freezer for a few hours. We would also like to point out that this method may hurt delicate skin. Do not stretch the pumps in the case of painted shoes that are not designed for use at low temperatures.

If not homemade, how?

There are quite a few homemade recipes for how to stretch boating. However, there are also special preparations designed to soften the skin. These are mainly foams and spray preparations. After using them, the shoes become more elastic and adapt to the shape of the foot.

Even if the salesperson agrees that the spray or foam is suitable for your type of shoe, we recommend that you always read the contents of the leaflet or packaging to avoid damaging your newly purchased shoes. Why, you ask? Incorrect choice of product can cause discoloration or alteration of the leather texture. Test the softening agent on a small and barely visible piece of shoe leather before using it.

Don't stretch, we'll replace your shoes

You already know how to stretch leather shoes thanks to our instructions. However, we must point out that none of the homemade methods or purchased preparations guarantee the effectiveness of the correct stretching of the shoes. Apart from the risk of damaging the shoes, such a DIY method will also void the warranty on the shoes purchased in the store.

Therefore, buy the right shoe size from us. If your shoes don't fit, don't worry about stretching them. Simply pack the shoes, send them back and we will gladly exchange them. Take a look at our offer and choose the shoes you desire.