How To Make Shoes Wider?

Written ByKevin K. Shaw Last Updated on: Shoes
How To Make Shoes Wider?

There are a few ways to make shoes wider:

  • Use a shoe stretcher. A shoe stretcher is a device that inserts into your shoe and expands it to make it wider. Shoe stretchers can be purchased at most shoe stores or online.
  • Freeze your shoes. Freezing your shoes can help to stretch the leather and make them wider. To do this, fill two plastic bags with water and seal them tightly. Place the bags of water inside your shoes and put them in the freezer for overnight. Once the water has frozen, remove the shoes from the freezer and let them thaw completely.
  • Wear your shoes with thick socks. Wearing thick socks with your shoes can help to stretch them over time.
  • Take your shoes to a cobbler. A cobbler can professionally stretch your shoes to make them wider.

What are some common signs that indicate your shoes are too narrow?

Here are some common signs that indicate your shoes are too narrow:

  • Your toes are cramped or overlapping. If your toes don’t have enough room to spread out, it’s a sign that your shoes are too narrow.
  • You have blisters or corns on your toes. Blisters and corns can be caused by friction from your toes rubbing against the inside of your shoes.
  • Your feet are numb or painful. If your feet feel numb or painful after wearing your shoes, it’s a sign that they’re too narrow and restricting your circulation.
  • You have to loosen the laces all the way to get your shoes on and off. If you have to loosen the laces all the way just to get your shoes on and off, it’s a sign that they’re too narrow.
  • You can’t wiggle your toes freely. If you can’t wiggle your toes freely in your shoes, it’s a sign that they’re too narrow and restricting your movement.
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Are there any specific types of shoes that tend to run narrower than others?

There are a few specific types of shoes that tend to run narrower than others. These include:

  • Dress shoes: Dress shoes, both for men and women, are often designed to have a narrow, sleek fit. This can make them uncomfortable for people with wide feet.
  • High heels: High heels often have a narrow fit to provide support for the ankle. This can make them uncomfortable for people with wide feet.
  • Pointed-toe shoes: Pointed-toe shoes are designed to have a narrow, tapered toe. This can make them uncomfortable for people with wide feet.
  • Running shoes: Running shoes are often designed to have a snug fit to provide support and stability. This can make them uncomfortable for people with wide feet.
  • Hiking boots: Hiking boots are often designed to have a snug fit to provide support and protection on uneven terrain. This can make them uncomfortable for people with wide feet.

What materials can be stretched to make shoes wider?

The following materials can be stretched to make shoes wider:

  • Leather: Leather is a natural material that is relatively easy to stretch. It can be stretched by applying heat and moisture.
  • Suede: Suede is a type of leather that is made from the underside of the animal skin. It is more difficult to stretch than leather, but it can be done with care.
  • Canvas: Canvas is a woven fabric that is often used to make sneakers and other casual shoes. It can be stretched by applying heat and moisture.
  • Mesh: Mesh is a synthetic fabric that is often used to make athletic shoes. It is more difficult to stretch than canvas, but it can be done with care.
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Can you explain the process of using a shoe stretcher to widen shoes?

To use a shoe stretcher to widen shoes, follow these steps:

  1. Insert the shoe stretcher into the shoe. Make sure that the stretcher is centered in the shoe and that the toe box is expanded enough to accommodate your toes.
  2. Turn the handle of the shoe stretcher to expand it. Turn the handle until the shoe stretcher is snug and the shoe is stretched to the desired width.
  3. Leave the shoe stretcher in the shoe for at least 6 hours, or overnight. This will give the shoe time to stretch.
  4. Remove the shoe stretcher from the shoe. Try on the shoe to see if it is the desired width. If the shoe is still too narrow, you can repeat the process.

Are there any DIY methods for widening shoes at home without special tools?

There are a few DIY methods for widening shoes at home without special tools. Here are a few examples:

  • Freeze your shoes. Freezing your shoes can help to stretch the leather and make them wider. To do this, fill two plastic bags with water and seal them tightly. Place the bags of water inside your shoes and put them in the freezer for overnight. Once the water has frozen, remove the shoes from the freezer and let them thaw completely.
  • Wear your shoes with thick socks. Wearing thick socks with your shoes can help to stretch them over time. You can also try wearing two pairs of socks, one thick pair and one thin pair.
  • Stuff your shoes with newspapers. Stuffing your shoes with newspapers is another way to stretch them. Roll up the newspapers tightly and stuff them into the toe box and heel of the shoe. Leave the newspapers in the shoes for overnight.
  • Use a hair dryer. Applying heat to the leather of your shoes can help to make them more pliable and easier to stretch. To do this, use a hair dryer on the lowest setting and heat the leather for a few minutes. Once the leather is warm, try to stretch the shoe by hand.
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Are there professional services or shoemakers who can widen shoes for you?

There are professional services and shoemakers who can widen shoes for you. They will have the tools and expertise to widen your shoes without damaging them.

To find a professional service or shoemaker who can widen your shoes, you can search online or ask your friends and family for recommendations. Once you have found a few potential businesses, you can call them to ask about their rates and services.

Here are some tips for finding a professional service or shoemaker to widen your shoes:

  • Ask about their experience widening shoes. Make sure that they have experience widening the type of shoes that you need widened.
  • Ask about their rates. The cost of widening shoes can vary depending on the type of shoes and the extent of the widening.
  • Get a quote in writing before they start working on your shoes. This will help to avoid any surprises when you pick up your shoes.
  • Read online reviews of the business. This can help you to get an idea of the quality of their work and customer service.

What should you consider when choosing wider shoe styles to prevent discomfort in the future?

When choosing wider shoe styles to prevent discomfort in the future, there are a few things to consider:

  • The type of shoes. Some types of shoes, such as dress shoes and high heels, are typically narrower than others. If you have wide feet, it is important to choose shoes that are specifically designed for wide feet. There are a number of brands that offer wide-width shoes, including New Balance, Brooks, and ASICS.
  • The material of the shoes. Some materials, such as leather and suede, are more flexible than others. If you have wide feet, it is best to choose shoes that are made from flexible materials. This will allow the shoes to mold to your feet and provide a more comfortable fit.
  • The toe box. The toe box is the part of the shoe that contains your toes. It is important to choose shoes with a wide toe box so that your toes have enough room to spread out.
  • The closure. The closure of the shoe is the part that keeps it on your foot. There are a variety of closure types available, such as laces, buckles, and straps. If you have wide feet, it is best to choose shoes with a closure that is adjustable. This will allow you to get a more secure fit.
  • The arch support. Arch support is important for maintaining good foot health. If you have high arches or flat feet, you may need shoes with extra arch support.
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How often should you check the fit of your shoes to ensure they remain comfortable and wide enough?


It is a good idea to check the fit of your shoes every few months, or more often if you wear them frequently. This is because your feet can change size and shape over time. Additionally, shoes can stretch over time, so it is important to make sure that they are still fitting well.

Here are some signs that your shoes may not be fitting properly:

  • Your toes are cramped or overlapping.
  • You have blisters or corns on your toes.
  • Your feet are numb or painful.
  • You have to loosen the laces all the way to get your shoes on and off.
  • You can’t wiggle your toes freely.

Are there any specific brands or shoe models known for their wider sizing options?

There are a number of specific brands and shoe models known for their wider sizing options. Here are a few examples:

Brands:

  • New Balance
  • Brooks
  • ASICS
  • Clarks
  • Drew
  • Propet
  • Vionic
  • Alegria
  • Naot
  • Ecco
  • Merrell
  • Birkenstock

Shoe models:

  • New Balance 608
  • Brooks Ghost Wide
  • ASICS Gel-Nimbus Wide
  • Clarks Waveform Wide
  • Drew Shoe Company Madison
  • Propet Men’s Travel Walker Wide
  • Vionic Walker Wide
  • Alegria Keli Wide
  • Naot Kayla Wide
  • Ecco Soft 7 Runner Wide
  • Merrell Encore Flux 2 Wide
  • Birkenstock Arizona Wide

These are just a few examples, and there are many other brands and shoe models that offer wider sizing options. It is important to note that not all shoes within a particular brand or model are created equal. Some styles may run narrower than others. It is always best to try on shoes before you buy them to ensure a good fit.

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What are some tips for maintaining the widened shape of your shoes over time?

Here are some tips for maintaining the widened shape of your shoes over time:

  • Use shoe trees. Shoe trees are devices that are inserted into shoes to help them retain their shape. They are available in a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal. Shoe trees can be purchased at most shoe stores or online.
  • Stuff your shoes with newspapers. Stuffing your shoes with newspapers can help to keep them from shrinking. To do this, roll up the newspapers tightly and stuff them into the toe box and heel of the shoe. Leave the newspapers in the shoes for overnight.
  • Use a shoe stretcher. A shoe stretcher is a device that inserts into your shoe and expands it to make it wider. Shoe stretchers can be purchased at most shoe stores or online.
  • Condition your shoes regularly. Conditioning your shoes will help to keep the leather soft and supple. This will help to prevent the leather from cracking and shrinking.
  • Avoid getting your shoes wet. Water can cause the leather to shrink and lose its shape. If your shoes do get wet, be sure to dry them off as soon as possible.

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Kevin K. Shaw is a fashion blogger who loves all things related to style, beauty and culture. He has been blogging for years now and he takes pride in his work.