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Shell and Stretch

post #1 of 10
5/18/10 at 5:19pm
Thread Starter 
I found a great pair of shell cordovan wingtips on sale in a size 8.5 B. The length is correct however the width is a little snug. Depending on the manufacturer, my correct width could be a "B" or "C". It's like I'm between sizes. Of course the seller does not have a "C" and I can't find a similiar shoe to try a "C". My question is:

Can shell be professionally stretched and if so, can I expect the width to expand as much as from a "B" to a "C"?
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post #2 of 10
5/18/10 at 5:50pm
It really depends on how much stretch you're looking for. I just stretched a pair of shell shoes. I had a 7C and a 7.5C version of the same shoe. One was too long with too much volume, the other was too short and narrow in the toe box. I've successfully stretched the smaller shoe somewhat in length and width. It's not perfect but if I can do it at home with larger shoe trees and thick socks, I'm sure a competent cobbler could stretch them even more.

Be careful though. Shell can develop a cress when you stretch it.
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post #3 of 10
5/18/10 at 8:39pm
I've had this done on an old pair of shells. The cobbler stretched them slowly over the span of a week and used a spray on them. The shoes look fine now, but when I got them back the first thing I did was use conditioner b/c the cordovan had an odd surface to them. Then I used a neutral cream.
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post #4 of 10
5/19/10 at 9:56am
Thread Starter 
Anyone else have any good guidance for me? Thanks for what has been provided sofar.
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post #5 of 10
5/19/10 at 11:43am
Quote:
Originally Posted by conal View Post
Anyone else have any good guidance for me? Thanks for what has been provided sofar.
I prefer to buy shoes that fit correctly from day one, even if I have to pass on a sale price. Far too many times I've tried shoes that were a bit too small or large and ended up suffering when wearing them or not wearing them at all.
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post #6 of 10
5/19/10 at 11:59am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JayJay View Post
I prefer to buy shoes that fit correctly from day one, even if I have to pass on a sale price. Far too many times I've tried shoes that were a bit too small or large and ended up suffering when wearing them or not wearing them at all.

Buy shoes that fit. If price is an issue, then save for shoes that fit. You can stretch shell but it takes a great deal longer than stretching calf and stretching a full width is a lot to ask.
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post #7 of 10
5/20/10 at 1:43am
This should work well - stretching shell is definitely possible. I'm well acquainted with this issue thanks to my high instep. Yes, take your time, use the right stretcher, and use LOTS of stretching fluid. Oh, and TAKE YOUR TIME. Don't push it to the max on the stretcher all at once - dial it up gently with LOTS of fluid. BTW, you should never put cream on shell - use a damp (not wet) cloth, wipe down, brush the heck out of them, and if desired buff with a smooth cloth. Use paste wax once every 15-18 wearings, if you're desperate. Old shell does need conditioner - don't neglect it! Especially if it's NOS or been sitting around uncared for for ages - avoid the cracks! Saphir Renovateur is what B. Nelson's used on mine, and they look great. Anyway, yeah, bottom line: if you're patient and firm with it, shell will bend to your wishes just fine. Just don't expect miracles - but one width is no big deal. Good luck!
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post #8 of 10
2/3/12 at 2:16pm
I would like to bump this. What might the effects of stretching my wingtips be?
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post #9 of 10
2/3/12 at 4:07pm
What do you think? The strength of the shell could be compromised.

I would never do it.
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post #10 of 10
2/4/12 at 2:55pm
I had some AE Macneil Cordovans stretched in width as the left shoe felt too tight. It required two "stretching sessions", but it worked. In my experience if you do not wear them semi-regularly, they seem to shrink back a bit. Overall, the effect was that the shoe went from uncomfortable to comfortable. There are two side effects, one positive and one negative (in my opinion). The left shoe (the one I had stretched) does not seem to have quite the natural shine that my right shoe does (admittedly it isn't noticeable unless you are looking for it, but there is a difference). I assume this is a side effect of the stretching solution they use. The other side effect is that the shell on the left shoe does not "wrinkle" as much in the toe-box area as is characteristic of shell. There is still some creasing there, but it is not as prominent as the other shoe. I assume this is due to the fact that the shell has been stretched and has less material to "wrinkle up".
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