However, sometimes, it can be difficult to know. A shoe may feel okay when you initially put it on, but become uncomfortable hours later. Marshall says this is because our feet are constantly in motion: “Your feet have 33 joints that need a little room to flex and move naturally,” he says. “Depending on the activity you’re doing or the weather, your feet may swell.” All the more reason, then, to have some extra space.
Can you stretch any shoe?
If you find yourself in a too-small shoe situation and can’t imagine giving up the shoes, you might be able to stretch them slightly. As for styles, boots, flats, pumps, and some sneakers are usually stretch-able, while super-structured shoes like Wellington boots probably won’t budge. “Lace-up shoes or boots are ideal because the laces allow for adjustments, ensuring a better fit,” notes Marshall. “Slip-on shoes, while more convenient, need to fit perfectly from the start to avoid long-term issues.”
However, it’s important to note that if the shoe is too short from the get-go, you are probably out of luck. You may be able to eek out a teeny-tiny bit of extra length, but most of the time, it is much easier to stretch the width and the toe box depth. “This is why it’s important to ensure that the length fits properly initially,” Marshall says.
Which materials can be stretched?
“Most shoes can be coaxed into a better fit, but materials matter,” Vargas says. As for which materials work best, experts agree that leather has the most potential thanks to its natural suppleness. “Leather is the best material for pliability,” says Marshall. “It’s durable, breathable, and molds to the foot over time.”
In that vein, suede is also stretchable. “Suede, like leather, can also be stretched,” agrees Acton. However, she notes that it should be tended to with care: “It requires more delicate handling due to its soft and sensitive texture,” she says.
One exception to the leather rule? Patent leather, which usually gets its signature shine from a polyurethane or acrylic coating. “This coating seals the leather’s natural flexibility, making it very resistant to stretching,” Acton says.
Woven fabrics, like canvas, may offer some stretchability, but it really depends on the shoe style. “The results can vary based on the weave and stitching of the material,” Acton notes. “Textile uppers are breathable but often lack stretch,” Marshall adds.
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