How to stretch suede shoes?

Shoes made of natural suede always look elegant, feminine and spectacular. Usually, suede is stretched on its own in the process of wearing, as this material is soft and pliable. Often during the fitting in the store we do not feel any discomfort, however, when it comes to everyday wear, it turns out that the shoes are tight or rubs. This situation can be easily corrected using the methods discussed below. The main thing is that suede should be natural.

In order to stretch shoes from suede, there are special sprays and foam-stretchers that can be used at home. They can be purchased at any shoe store. The technology of use may differ, depending on the manufacturer, but the main steps themselves are very simple and understandable.

1. Apply the required amount of product to a cotton swab and treat the place that is rubbed on the outside. The option of applying inside the shoe is possible.
2. Put on socks and shoes for 30-40 minutes or stuff them tightly with paper. Newsprint is not recommended to be taken, because it will color the shoes inside.

If you need to stretch the bootleg, stretcher foam is also suitable:

• the shaft should be deployed;
• treat with a tool;
• cover from the inside with a cloth and iron.

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

To do this, you will need to distribute the beer on the inside of the boot or boot (be sure to keep the liquid out of the outside, in this case the coating may deteriorate) and wear for several days until the odor evaporates and the smell disappears.

Another slightly extreme method of stretching suede shoes involves putting it in a very cold place, for example, in a freezer.

The processing process is as follows.

1. Put the bag in the boot and pour water into it. It is necessary that the water is distributed throughout the entire volume of shoes.
2. Leave the shoes in the freezer for 8-9 hours, you can at night. Suede will stretch due to the fact that in the process of freezing 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 shoes on the inside will be damaged.
4. Leave the shoes to dry completely.
5. If the effect is insufficient, you can repeat the freeze again.

Today, you can use hundreds of different ways with which you can stretch shoes along the length, width, or even make 1 size larger. We offer you a list of the most convenient and effective methods.

• Similar to the previous option with a bag and water is a method with a bottle. The essence of the method is that instead of an unreliable package, a half-liter bottle of water is used. It also needs to be placed in a boot and left overnight (7-8 hours) in the freezer. If the shoes still presses in your fingers, then 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 alcohol. You need to moisten the shoe with alcohol or vodka in the ratio of water 1: 2 from the inside, put on a toe and walk for several hours around the apartment. If there is severe pain, you can walk in shoes for 10-15 minutes with long breaks. When the result suits you, the shoes need to 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 the shoes in a short period of time. In no case should vodka or alcohol be allowed to get on the outside of the suede, because spots can appear from them that are very difficult to remove. Moreover, this method is not suitable for stretching the pointed corners in shoes and boots.

• A well-known and old method - using wet paper. To do this, lightly wet the paper, squeeze it well and firmly insert it into the shoes. The main thing is to ensure that there is not much moisture. Because of it, suede shoes can lose their presentability, and the sole, in general, can come loose. Do not dry your shoes near a hot battery or in the sun, because the surface may deteriorate. Wet paper will stretch your shoes a little in volume.
• The method of stretching shoes with the help of cereals cannot be called the most successful, but it exists, so it’s worth telling about it. Pour groats of finely ground (a bag, oatmeal or wheat) into a boot or boot and pour a little water. Krupa absorbs moisture, swells and stretches shoes. After several hours of stretching, carefully remove the cereal and leave the shoes to dry in the open.

• Soap, paraffin or glycerin is also used to stretch suede shoes. You need to rub the boots from the inside with soap, glycerin or a piece of candle and wear it. The essence of the method is 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 remaining substance with a napkin. When using this method, you need to be prepared for the fact that tights or socks while wearing shoes will get dirty.
• You can stretch your shoes with the help of steam.This method is suitable for shoes of any season. To do this, keep the shoes above the steam until they are warm and slightly moistened. After that, you need to walk in them in thick socks for several hours. Strong wet shoes should not be allowed.
• In order to stretch the top, you can use vinegar. To do this, a weak vinegar solution is applied to the inside of the shaft. The material will become more pliable, and it can be stretched out by hands or just walk around the apartment in boots for several hours.

• If you don’t want to use too complicated methods, and your suede shoes are tight, you can just put on a damp cotton sock and walk around the apartment in tight sneakers, shoes or boots for several hours. Suede will stretch from moisture, and after several procedures, in general, it can increase by one size.
• Another toe method involves stretching suede with heat. To do this, you need to heat a thick sock with a hairdryer or iron, put on it and shoes that are tight, and walk in the apartment for several hours.
• The method using special pads is the most radical. Of course, almost every shoe master has such a machine. But you can purchase 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 accurately stretches the material. However, this method should be addressed only if you are absolutely confident in your capabilities so as not to spoil the new shoes.

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

• Suede does not like wet weather and high temperature (above 30 degrees), so you can’t shoe these boots or sneakers in rainy or hot weather. Stains may appear or chamois will crack.
• Suede shoes are recommended to be cleaned immediately after arriving 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 battery 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 shoe is rubbed or has lost its original color, then it can be restored. You can use spray paint to match the color of the shoe or take a colorless one that will mask scratches and scuffs and give the shoe a more fresh look. If there are no special tools at hand, you can use the helpers. For example, to paint suede in brown, coffee is suitable, in white - talc. It is worth remembering that this method is not very durable, and natural dyes will not be kept constantly.
• Suede shoes should be kept clean and dry in a cardboard box. It is not recommended to store in a plastic bag, because 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 the option that is convenient for you, which can be done at home.

See how to stretch suede shoes at home and not ruin them in the next video.