Resizing shoes to be smaller?

brosnan6 · May 6, 2009

So I bought a pair of Ferragamo Chelseas from buying and selling a few weeks ago and they seem to be a little big on me. I knew I was taking a risk when I bought as I've never worn Ferragamos before and didn't really know how their sizes run, and I'm willing to accept the mistake.

But I'm just wondering if its possible (within a reasonable cost) to resize shoes to be smaller? These are a size 12 but fit looser than I thought...probably need to size down 1 size or so. My other dress shoes (Nordstrom & multiple AEs) are all 11.5M and fit me fine.

I tried stuffing some newspaper into the front and that helped a little, but they still feel loose in the back. Any suggestions or should I just cut my losses and eBay/resell them?

ysc · May 6, 2009

I don't know much about shoe making, but I seriously doubt you can down size a pair of shoes.
However a thichish insole can reduce a shoe by about a size, I had a pair of shoes I stole from my father that only really worked with a foam insole. Also you can get specific pads to stick in the heel if you want.

Cary Grant · May 6, 2009

You can put pads on the heels or tongues, or try an insole/insert. But no- you cannot physically make the shoe smaller.

instep · May 6, 2009

Originally Posted by Cary Grant

You can put pads on the heels or tongues, or try an insole/insert. But no- you cannot physically make the shoe smaller.
Theoretically you can remove the sole and adjust the upper to go up/down in (I think) half a size. IIRC, it is a part of the process in some MTO shoes.

But for this shoe - no, there is no way aside from inserts, which don't really make it 'smaller'.

onix · May 6, 2009

Wash in hot, dry in hot and it should shrin...... Oh, you're talking about shoes. Hmm, nah, I don't think you can shrink it like shrinking shirt. Padding in the front will make it hard to walk properly (the ball of your foot will not be in the optimal position), padding in the back will give visible gap between the shoes and your feet. I will just sell them back on eBay

kontai69 · May 6, 2009

Wear really thick socks.

But seriously, just sell them.

Tarmac · May 7, 2009

Shoes? no

glenjay · May 7, 2009

Tongue pads will work better than insoles for a better fit in this case. An additional thicker insole will push your heel out of the heel cup and make the back of the shoe feel even more loose.

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Resizing shoes to be smaller?

brosnan6

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