It was a gorgeous summer day, and I couldn’t wait to show off my new leather heels. Walking around town, I noticed an uncomfortable tightness in my feet. The tightness increased with each step – eventually, I had to halt and remove my shoes.
Heels made from various leather types are a classic fashion choice; from simple pumps to sky-high stilettos, leather shoes are ideal for expressing yourself and your style. However, tight leather heels are uncomfortable, causing more than just aching feet and painful blisters.
Thus, knowing how to stretch leather heels would help break in your new shoes and make tight footwear fit better. I’ll walk you through every step from start to finish ensuring your leather heels fit perfectly. So let’s get this party started!
4 Simple Ways of Stretching Leather Heels
As stated earlier, leather heels are unique fashion pieces; pairing a classy cone heel with leather pants would give a classy appearance. But, you must ensure that your leather footwear fits snugly to avoid discomfort. If your leather shoe fits tight, you can loosen it up and get it stretched without damaging it.
Stretching leather heels can be challenging, especially if you need help knowing where to begin. So, here’s how to stretch shoes overnight without damaging them.
Method 1: Use Heat
Using heat to stretch leather items is quite adequate, as it helps loosen the material’s fibers and makes it easier to fit better. If you are wondering how to stretch shoes wider at home, use this method.
- First, put on several socks and wear the tight-fitting leather heel.
- Then, hold a hair dryer on the lowest setting 3 to 4 inches away from the heel of the shoe.
- Move the hair dryer in a circular motion up and down the length of the heel.
- As the hair dryer begins to heat up, move it around the heel of the shoe.
- Remove the shoe, gently stretch the heated area with your hands, and allow it to cool completely.
- If need be, you should get this process repeated to achieve the desired result.
Method 2: Stretching with Ice
Another effective technique for fixing tight leather heels is using ice. This method has been effective for stretching leather sandals and works exceptionally well for fake and suede leather heels.
- Fill two resealable plastic bags or sandwich bags halfway with water.
- Then, stuff these bags inside the footwear; ensure the water bags are evenly distributed inside the toes of the leather heels.
- Put the shoe in a bigger bag and place it in the freezer overnight.
- In the morning, take the leather heels out of the freezer and let them get thawed for a few minutes.
- Dry the shoe with a soft, dry cloth.
- Put on the heels, and walk around for a few minutes to see how they fit.
- Repeat the process as necessary until the desired fit is achieved.
Method 3: Get a Shoe Stretcher
Using a shoe stretcher is a way out if you want to stretch out heels fast. I have found shoe stretchers to be an outstanding investment, as they help stretch the lengths and widths of my leather boots, flats, and heels.
This stretching tool comes in various sizes and designs, but you can find specialized options that work perfectly for your heels. For a better result, you should also get a shoe stretch spray and follow the steps below:
- Begin by removing the shoe laces and any other removable accessories on the footwear.
- Spray the leather that needs to be stretched with the shoe stretch spray. The spray will aid in softening and stretching the leather.
- Insert the shoe stretcher and adjust it to the desired size.
- Allow the shoe stretcher to remain in the shoe overnight.
- In the morning, remove the shoe stretcher and check to see if the shoe has been stretched to the desired size. If you still need it, repeat these steps until you reach the desired size.
- Reattach the shoe laces and other removable items, and enjoy your comfy, stretched leather shoes!
Method 4: Using Damp Newspaper
A damp newspaper can help loosen your tight leather heels in no time. You should know that when leather gets wet, the material absorbs moisture, making it easy to stretch this fashion piece. So, here’s how to stretch leather heels using damp newspaper.
- Wrap a few damp sheets of newspaper and stuff the toe area of the footwear with them.
- Allow the damp paper to sit for several hours to ensure the leather soaks up the moisture from the newspaper.
- Remove the newspaper after it dries and put on the high heel about your home to flex it.
Note: Avoid getting ink on the leather when stretching light-colored shoes with damp leather. If such a stain occurs, you should learn how to remove ink stains on leather.
Get Professional Help
If all of these abovementioned techniques fail, you should seek professional assistance. These experts are knowledgeable and know how to stretch shoes wider without damaging them.
Impressively, expert leather shoe stretching services are usually inexpensive. These jobs often range from around $13 to $30. So, take your footwear to a cobbler close to you, and show the expert the tight areas of your heels that need to be stretched.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Q: How do you stretch tight heels?
Wearing tight heels around the residence for a minute or two with thick socks is one way to stretch them. This enables the leather to stretch and mold to the contour of your foot. Another option is to fill two resealable plastic bags with water and place them in the heels. Place the footwear in a larger bag and freeze it to stretch tight heels overnight.
Remove the shoe, and the leather will stretch as it thaws. Alternatively, you can take your uncomfortable heels to a professional shoe repair shop. These experts might employ some special stretching and reshaping tools to make your heels fit more comfortably.
Q: How do you loosen leather heels?
Heat, ice, or a shoe stretcher can all be used to loosen leather heels. If your leather heel feels tight, here’s how to stretch shoes for wide feet without ruining them.
- Wear some socks before putting on your leather shoe. Then, use a dryer set on low heat to warm up the leather heel, focusing more on the tight areas. Finally, move about in the shoe to flex the leather.
- Ice can also be used to aid in the loosening of the leather. Place a sandwich bag half-filled with water inside the heel and freeze it overnight. Please remove the footwear from the freezer, let it thaw to stretch, and dry it later.
- Another option is using a shoe stretcher to flex the leather and improve the comfort of the heel. Place the stretcher over the heel and adjust it to fit. Allow it to sit for some hours before removing it. The heel should be more comfortable and straightforward to wear.
Q: How do you break in leather heels quickly?
Breaking in leather heels is difficult, but you can get it done using the proper techniques. Begin by wearing your leather heels for short periods, such as around the house or for a quick walk around the block.
This softens the leather and makes your shoes more comfortable. Additionally, use a leather cream to condition and soften the leather. You can also stretch the shoe by hand or with a stretcher. Finally, wear thick socks with the shoes to add cushioning and make them comfier.
Q: How long does it take to stretch leather heels?
Depending on the material of the heel and the tightness level of the fit, stretching leather heels can take an average of 6 to 8 hours. To stretch your leather heels, use a shoe stretcher and stretching sprays explicitly designed for leather heels. To avoid causing damage to the leather, take your time and be gentle when stretching it.
Q: What is the fastest way to stretch a heel?
A shoe stretcher is the quickest way to stretch a heel. This tool is designed to stretch the length and width of the heel most effectively and efficiently as possible. It is also imperative to ensure that the shoe stretcher is the right size for the heel and that the shoe is adequately lubricated with a stretching spray that works well for the leather material.
However, you shouldn’t expect an instant result in most cases. So, when stretching a heel, it is also essential to be patient and consistent, as it can take several days or longer to achieve the desired stretch.
Q: Can you stretch leather high heels?
Leather is a durable material that is often pliable and can be stretched to some extent. If you are looking for how to stretch shoes a half size, you can apply some heat using a dryer (set on low). This technique loosens the materials’ fibers and makes your heel stretch better.
Alternatively, you can use some stretching sprays suitable for leather and use a shoe tree or stretcher to get the job done. If none of these methods work, you should use professional shoe stretching services to stretch leather high heels.
Q: How much do leather heels stretch?
When worn frequently, leather heels can stretch up to half a size. The amount of stretch may vary depending on the quality of the leather. You must know that the leather will not stretch as much if it is thick and stiff. Since you now know that leather heels can stretch for only a specific limit, be sure to choose a comfortable size.
How to Stretch Your High Heels At Home (YouTube)
Final Words
Stretching your leather heels will not only make them more comfortable, but it will also help you extend their lifespan and make them long-lasting. You can easily stretch leather shoes and make them more comfortable with the right supplies and techniques.
If you find your leather heel tight or want to break in this piece quickly, look through the techniques I have explained in this guide on “how to stretch leather heels.” From using various adequate home supplies to employing leather stretching tools and sprays, you can make your footwear feel comfier with no pain.