How to stretch suede shoes?

Shoes made of natural suede always look elegant, feminine and spectacular. Usually suede stretches on its own during the very process of wearing, since this material is soft and pliable. We often don't feel any discomfort while trying on in a store, however, when it comes to everyday wear, it turns out that the shoes are pinching or chafing. This situation can be easily corrected by using the methods discussed below. The main thing is that the suede is natural.

In order to stretch suede shoes, there are special sprays and stretching foams that can be used at home. These can be purchased at any shoe store. The technology of use may differ, depending on the manufacturer, but the basic steps themselves are very simple and straightforward.

1. Apply the required amount on a cotton swab and treat the area that is rubbing on the outside. The option of applying it to the inside of the shoe is possible.
2. Wear socks and shoes for 30-40 minutes, or stuff them tightly with paper. It is not recommended to take newsprint, because it will paint the shoes from the inside.

If you need to stretch the shaft of your boots, a foam stretcher is also suitable:

• the bootleg should be unfolded;
• treat with a product;
• cover the inside with a cloth and iron.

This method will seem strange to many, but today beer is used not only as a drink. This method can be used to stretch suede shoes.

To do this, you need to distribute the beer over the inside of the boot or boot (be sure to make sure that no liquid gets on the outside, in this case the coating may deteriorate) and wear it for several days until the smell evaporates and disappears.

Another slightly extreme method of stretching suede shoes involves placing them in a very cold place, such as the freezer.

The processing process is as follows.

1. Put the bag in the shoe and pour water into it. It is necessary for the water to be distributed throughout the entire volume of the shoe.
2. Leave the boots in the freezer for 8-9 hours, or overnight. The suede will stretch due to the fact that during the freezing process the water will turn into ice, increase in volume and take up more space.
3. In order to get the bag out of the boot, you need to let the ice melt a little and decrease in volume. Otherwise, the inside of the shoes will be damaged.
4. Leave the boots to dry completely.
5. If the effect turns out to be insufficient, you can repeat the freezing again.

Today there are hundreds of different ways you can stretch your shoes in length, width, or even make them one size larger. We offer you a list of the most convenient and effective methods.

• Similar to the previous version with a bag and water is the method with a bottle. The essence of the method is that instead of an unreliable bag, a half-liter bottle of water is used. It also needs to be placed in a shoe and left overnight (7-8 hours) in the freezer. If the shoe is still tight in your toes, you can repeat the procedure again.
• Instead of a bottle and a bag, inflatable balloons are used in the same way.
• You can also stretch suede shoes with rubbing alcohol. You need to moisten the shoe with alcohol or vodka in a ratio of 1: 2 to water from the inside, put on a sock and walk around the apartment for several hours. If there is strong pain, you can walk in shoes for 10-15 minutes with long breaks. When you are satisfied with the result, the shoes should be well dried and ventilated. Of course, this method cannot be called very fast, but it can be used if you do not need to stretch your shoes in a short period of time. In no case should you allow vodka or alcohol to get on the outer side of the suede, because stains may appear from them that are very difficult to remove. In addition, this method is not suitable for stretching pointed corners in shoes and boots.

• A fairly well-known and old method is using damp paper. To do this, you need to slightly wet the paper, squeeze it well and insert it tightly into the shoes. The main thing is to make sure that there is not a lot of moisture. Because of it, suede boots can lose their presentability, and the sole, in general, can come unstuck. Do not dry your shoes near a hot radiator or in the sun, as the surface may deteriorate. The damp paper will stretch your boots a little.
• The method of stretching shoes with the help of cereals cannot be called the most successful, but it exists, so it is worth talking about it. Pour finely ground cereals (egg, oatmeal or wheat) into a boot or boot and add a little water. The groats absorb moisture, swell and stretch the shoes. After stretching for several hours, carefully remove the rump and leave the shoes to dry in the open air.

• Soap, paraffin wax, or glycerin are also used to stretch suede shoes. You need to rub the inside of the boots with soap, glycerin or a piece of candle and wear. The essence of the method lies in the fact that the shoes become "slippery", they are easier to put on, and they rub less. After the shoes are stretched, you need to remove the remnants of the substance with a napkin. When using this method, you need to be prepared for the fact that tights or socks will get dirty while wearing shoes.
• You can also stretch your shoes with steam.This method is suitable for shoes of all seasons. To do this, you need to keep the shoes over the steam until they get hot and slightly moist. After that, you need to walk around in them in thick socks for several hours. Do not allow shoes to get wet.
• You can use vinegar to stretch the shaft. For this, a weak vinegar solution is applied to the inside of the bootleg. The material will become more pliable, and you can stretch it with your hands or just walk around the apartment in boots for several hours.

• If you do not want to use overly complicated methods, and your suede shoes are tight, you can simply put on a damp cotton sock and walk around the apartment in tight sneakers, shoes or boots for several hours. The suede will stretch from moisture, and after several procedures, in general, it can increase by one size.
• Another sock technique involves stretching the suede with heat. To do this, you need to heat a thick sock with a hairdryer or iron it out, put it on and shoes that squeeze, and walk in the apartment for several hours.
• The method using special pads is the most radical. Of course, almost every shoemaker has such a machine. But you can buy a simplified version of the pads and stretch the shoes yourself, especially since they are reusable. The point is that a special mechanism gradually and neatly stretches the material. However, this method should only be used if you are absolutely confident in your capabilities so as not to ruin your new shoes.

In order for suede shoes to serve for a long time and not lose their appearance, they need to be constantly looked after.

• Suede does not like wet weather and high temperatures (above 30 degrees), so you cannot put on such boots or sneakers in rainy or hot weather. Stains may appear or the suede may crack.
• It is recommended to clean suede shoes immediately after coming from the street. To do this, use special brushes (metal and silicone), soft sponges or lint-free napkins. Do not dry such shoes near a radiator or in the sun. It must be left to dry in the fresh air. After drying, the shoes are treated with a special cream or spray for this material.

• If your suede shoes are frayed or have lost their original color, they can be restored. You can use spray paint to match the color of the shoe, or use a colorless paint that will mask scratches and scuffs and give the shoe a fresher look. If there are no special tools at hand, you can use the handy. For example, to dye suede brown, coffee is suitable, white - talcum powder. It is worth remembering that this method is not very durable, and natural dyes will not last all the time.
• Suede shoes should be kept clean and dry in a cardboard box. It is not recommended to store it in a plastic bag, because the suede must breathe, especially since it will be in it for several months until the next season.

Naturally, shoe stores and workshops provide services and products for the care, repair and stretching of suede shoes. But if suddenly you do not have time for the services of masters, you can always use a convenient option for you, which can be done at home.

For information on how to stretch suede shoes at home and not ruin them, see the next video.