Theres an easy cure for a tight spot or a pinched toe.

Poorly fitting shoes not onlyhurt your feetbut can also impact yourpostureand the rest of your body.

Shoes that don’t fit properly can also contribute to pain, blisters, and the following ailments.

shoes with stretcher

Photo:Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali

Bunions are often the result of wearing ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or pointed-toed shoes.

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are also a common and excruciating result of wearing ill-fitting shoes.

This happens when your toenail grows into your flesh, and they are prone to infection.

materials for stretching shoes

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Plantar Fascitis

Plantar fasciitis is another condition you risk developing if your shoes are too snug.

In extreme cases, some people even require surgery.

Are your shoes too small?

shoe with hair dryer

Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali

Here’s a simple way to checkpress on the toe area of your shoe.

This is a quick and easy method to find out if yourshoes are the right size.

There should be enough space for your finger to fit without struggle.

shoes in freezer

Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali

Here are some ways you could stretch those shoes to make them more comfortable.

Apply a littleleather conditionerafter you stretch your shoes to help keep the leather in tip-top shape.

Partially fill a sandwich bag with water and place it in the area where the shoe is snug.

shoes with stretcher

Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali

Put the shoe in the freezer.

As the water freezes into ice, it’ll expand and help stretch the shoe out.

Put the stretcher into the shoe so that it’s tight against the toe box.

shoes

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Turn the handle until you see the shoe expand, and leave it for six to eight hours.

It may take a few days to get you to the size you need.

Also, putting them on and removing them helps loosen the material even more.

shoes

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If you typically wear socks with the shoes, try layering two or three pairs.

This approach can help speed up the stretching process while you wear them around the house.

Balled-up socks also work with this method.

shoes

Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali

They know exactly how to stretch your shoes so you get the perfect fit.

Leather

When stretching leather, be careful not to scratch or rip the material.

Using aleather conditionercan help the material stretch instead of ripping.

shoes with newspaper

Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali

Skip stretching with these materials.

The above-mentioned techniques will work well in breaking anycanvas or fabric shoes.

Suede or Nubuck

Forsuede shoes, it is essential that you avoid water.

shoes in bag

Brie Goldman, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali

Water can cause permanent damage to these materials and ruin your shoes.

Use the techniques outlined above that don’t involve any water-based solutions.

it’s possible for you to do this through various methods, including ones that apply cold or heat.

Some shoes can be stretched overnight.

However, most shoes take about 24-48 hours to stretch.

Yes, it’s possible for you to stretch shoes to make them wider.

Not sure if your shoes are wide enough?

There’s a simple way to check.

To help your shoe hold its stretch and maintain its new shape, be sure to wear them regularly.

Shoes that sit unworn for long periods are more likely to contract.

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2022.

Overview: Ingrown Toenail.

Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2021.

Restivo J.Plantar fasciitis: Symptoms, causes, and treatments.