I am about to try this, but thought I'd share it meanwhile. From what I've read here, I think I'll try dipping a laundry softener sheet into 1/3 rubbing alcohol and 2/3 water mixture.
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How do I make shoe stretcher spray?
By joe from NY
I worked in the shoe business for over 30 years. You can make shoe stretch by combining equal parts rubbing alcohol and water, BUT the most important thing is the stretcher itself. You have to soak the leather until thoroughly wet then use a form inside of the wet leather to stretch where needed. We used an old wooden shoe form that would spread apart as we turned a screw.
Use body lotion. I have had good luck using body lotion or hand lotion to rub into the inside of the shoe where it needs to be stretched, then wearing it. Wearing thicker socks also helps. I have a two way shoe stretcher which works well for length and width but if the shoe is tight in the vamp/instep, the shoe stretcher doesn't work there.
@ Tizzette,
You might want to position the stretcher at 90 degrees from the normal position, in the instep, and try opening the stretcher.
We used to use this method on boots purchased by customers who had a high insteps. We also would use a stretching solution, when doing this. Allow the boots to sit overnight, at least. If need be, do multiple times.
Also, make sure your leather has dried, before removing the stretcher, or the leather will want to shrink back to its original shape, and size!
in the shoe shop did you still use the 50/50 liquid or did you use the stretcher with heat? if you suggest heat with a mens casual leather shoe about what temp and how long at temp? Thank you!!
The best way to stretch your leather boots is to mix 1/3 cup of rubbing alcohol with 2/3 cup hottest tolerable water a cap or two of fabric softener mix it all well then put 3/4 of the mixture into a spay bottle, sorry the mixture inside of your boot in the area/s you want to stretch, then with the 1/4 that is left over pour it onto your socks in the areas that you need the extra room put the boots on and wear them for the day. Top Tip.. DONT GO OVERBOARD WITH THE SPRAY. You can do it over a couple of days to get the best fit. I just stretched my new Doctor Martins using this exact method 2 days and they feel like they were custom made for my foot. OHH DONT SPREY THE OUT SIDE OF THE BOOTS. Good luck guys n girls. Seize 11/8/2017
I put plastic bags in the shoe, fill with water, seal tightly, and freeze. That will stretch the shoe.
Thanks! I am a dancer and baton twirler and have started using shoe stretch liquid with an old rubber-soled shoe (with an old sock in bunion areas to get more space there) covered in a sock to stretch out leather jazz shoes to make them more comfortable. ( haven't invested in a wooden shoe stretcher yet)
I have sprayed shoe stretcher on my cowboy boots while wearing them and it damn sure worked for me , no problem at all
I have sprayed shoe stretcher on my cowboy boots while wearing them and it damn sure worked for me , no problem at all
Body lotion worked! I read on here to try all these things and I didnt have the alcohol and didnt want to run and but it as I had plans. So I tried the body lotion with thicker socks... I mean I used a very very generous amount in my Doc Martins which doesnt come in half sizes and the 8 would be too big.
How do I make shoe stretching spray?
By gadson
This may sound a little bizarre! Soak and then wring out, a pair of socks, with rubbing alcohol. Put these socks on your feet. Then put on the too tight shoes, and wear the shoes for at least an hour. This should stretch your shoes!
1/3 rubbing alcohol to 2 parts water. Put into a spray bottle. Spray then wear shoes as they dry.
This is what is in the expensive sprays.
Thank you! Thank you and Thank you - I just tried your measure after 1 hour wearing my boots last night. With 15 mins - my boots are feeling good
Do these homemade solutions work on non-leather shoes? I bought a pair for a wedding that have a satin finish on the outside and man-made material inside.
By Rita A.
70% rubbing alcohol 1/4 cup
glycerine 1 tbsp
liquid softener 1cap full
water 2 cups warm
* mix all ingredients in a spray bottle while waters still warm stay problem areas on shoe while wearing or stuff shoe with a white sock and spray. let dry, repeat as needed til you achieve comfort.
FYI: a lot of "man-made" materials typically won't stretch very much, i.e.: plastic or "poly-type" materials.
And if you try stretching shoes made of man-made materials you may end up separating the shoe portion (the top portion of the shoe) from the sole - and have NO shoe!
How do I make homemade liquid shoe stretch?
By Carrie D.
Dampen a bar of soap with water, rub it on the inside of the shoe, then put the shoe on your foot. Repeat as necessary until the shoe has stretched enough.
What can be used to stretch out fabric/non-leather tennis shoes without staining them?
By KB from Indianapolis, IN
Fabric won't stretch, you'll end up thinning the fibers and getting holes. A synthetic leather shoe or a leather shoe can be stretched with a broom handle and elbow grease
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What kind of alcohol do you use to stretch leather shoes?