How to Stretch Plastic Shoes

Are you struggling to squeeze your feet into your new plastic shoes?

Well, don’t worry. There are a few easy ways to stretch out plastic shoes so that they’re more comfortable to wear.

This blog post will give you a step-by-step guide on how to stretch plastic shoes using items you probably already have at home. We will also tell you how to stretch your shoes using a shoe stretcher.

So read on for some easy tips on how to make your new shoes more comfortable.

Precautions 

1. Check the shoes for cracks or holes. If you find any, it’s best to avoid stretching them, as this could worsen the damage.
2. It’s best to break the new shoes in gradually.
3. Avoid overstretching the shoes. Over-stretching can damage the plastic and cause the shoes to lose shape.
4. Be careful not to stretch the shoes too much at one time. Stretching them too much at once can also damage the material.
5. Do not use too much heat to stretch the plastic shoes. Excess heat can cause the material to warp and become misshapen.
6. Be sure to stretch both shoes evenly. Stretching one shoe more than the other can cause them to fit unevenly. It can also make them uncomfortable to wear.
7. After stretching the shoes, wear them for a while to ensure they are comfortable and fit properly. If they are not, make necessary adjustments.

Using a Hair Dryer

Materials Required

1. Hair dryer
2. Pair of thick socks

Process 

1. Put on one or two thick socks – depending on how much you want to stretch.
2. Turn the hair dryer to the hottest setting, and hold it a few inches away from the shoes.
3. Move the hairdryer back and forth over areas that feel tight. Do not focus on one spot for more than 30 seconds.
4. Put on the shoes and walk around until they cool down and are comfortable.
5. Repeat the process if your shoes are still too tight.

The Freezing Method

Materials Required

1. Two zip-top bags
2. Water
3. Freezer
4. Towel

Process 

1. Fill two zip-top bags with water and seal them shut. Fill the bags enough to fit inside your shoes.
2. Put the water-filled bags in your shoes. Make sure your shoes are fully stuffed with the bag. 
3. After stuffing the shoes with the bags, place the shoes in the freezer overnight. When the water freezes, it expands and stretches the shoes. You can also place your shoes in another plastic bag to protect their outer sides. 
4. Remove the shoes from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
5. After 30 minutes, remove the water bags and wear your shoes around the house.
6. Repeat the process if your shoes are still too tight.

Using Shoe Stretcher

Materials Required

1. Shoe stretcher

Process 

1. Insert the shoe stretcher into the shoe. You should use a shoe stretcher according to the type of your shoes and tightness. For example, if you want to adjust the shoe’s length and width, you should use a two-way stretcher.
2. Expand the shoe stretcher by turning the knob clockwise. Once the shoe stretcher fits tight in the shoe, turn the knob three to four more times. Be careful not to overstretch the shoes.
3. Leave the shoe stretcher in for about 12 hours or overnight.
4. Remove the shoe stretcher from the shoes in the morning and try on the shoes. 
5. You can repeat the process if your shoes are still too tight.

Using Dry Newspaper 

Materials Required

1. Newspaper

Process

1. Crumple some newspapers and stuff them into the shoes. You should leave a little room in the shoes for your feet.
2. Wear the shoes around the house for one to two hours.
3. Take the newspaper off the shoes and try them on. 
4. You can repeat the process if your plastic shoes are still tight and uncomfortable to wear.

Using Wet Newspaper

Materials Required

1. Newspaper
2. Water

Process 

1. Wet some newspapers with water. The newspapers should be damp but not dripping.
2. Stuff as many wet newspapers into the shoes as you can and let them dry.
3. When the newspaper dries, it’ll expand the shoes with them.
4. Remove the newspaper from the shoes and try them on.
5. If your shoes are still too tight, repeat the process.

FAQs

Do plastic shoes stretch?

Yes, plastic shoes do stretch. You can use several techniques to stretch them according to your need. Just keep in mind that if your shoes are new, wear them regularly before using any methods to stretch them.

Do plastic boots stretch?

You can stretch your tight plastic boots to make them more comfortable. You can use a boot stretcher to stretch your boots’ length and width. Place the boot-stretcher inside your plastic boots and leave them overnight. You can also use a hair dryer to speed up the stretching process.

Is it safe to apply heat to plastic shoes to stretch?

Yes, you can apply heat to your plastic shoes to stretch. Ensure you’re not focusing on one spot for more than 30 seconds. Overheating your shoes can cause them to lose their shape.

How long does it take to stretch plastic shoes naturally?

It depends on how tight your shoes are and how long you wear them. If they’re only slightly tight, you might be able to stretch them by wearing them regularly for a week or two. However, if your shoes are very tight, it might take longer to stretch them naturally.

Conclusion 

There you have it! These are some of the best ways to stretch your tight plastic shoes. Remember to be patient and take your time while stretching your shoes. Do not overstretch them as it can damage the shoes.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask in the comments below. We will be happy to help!