What is the general opinion of shoe stretchers?

[w.o.e.is.me.]

I recently purchased a pair of BB plaintoe wingtips that are a little more snug than I would like. Someone suggested I used a shoe stretcher to widen them a bit at home.

It kind of sounds like a train wreck waiting to happen. Is this something people do often?

 

[Ataturk]

I think you can maybe stretch the upper a little, but if the sole (the base) isn't big enough for your foot you're SOL. But I don't have much experience with shoe stretching.

 

[w.o.e.is.me.]

Originally Posted by Ataturk

I think you can maybe stretch the upper a little, but if the sole (the base) isn't big enough for your foot you're SOL. But I don't have much experience with shoe stretching.

yeah the base is fine. I'm more concerned with tightness about the toes.
It is also possible that I just haven't given them enough time to break in yet.

 

[Ataturk]

Which toe? Is the shoe too short or is it just not wide enough for your pinky toe?

 

[w.o.e.is.me.]

Originally Posted by Ataturk

Which toe? Is the shoe too short or is it just not wide enough for your pinky toe?
the latter. pinky toe cries whee whee all the way home. but the shoes look so damned good!

 

[Ataturk]

I've done it and been happy with the results. I got a $10 shoe stretcher with those little addon nubs, put it where the toe is and wet the shoe a little with a water/alcohol mix. Then put the stretcher in and let it dry.

But those shoes were just a little uncomfortable, so your results may vary.

 

[w.o.e.is.me.]

Originally Posted by Ataturk

I've done it and been happy with the results. I got a $10 shoe stretcher with those little addon nubs, put it where the toe is and wet the shoe a little with a water/alcohol mix.

But those shoes were just a little uncomfortable, so your results may vary.

Fair enough.
I think i'll give it a shot (or perhaps have a cobbler do it?)
They are by no means unbearable. Just not ideal.
Thanks.

 

[thinman]

Originally Posted by Ataturk

I've done it and been happy with the results. I got a $10 shoe stretcher with those little addon nubs, put it where the toe is and wet the shoe a little with a water/alcohol mix. Then put the stretcher in and let it dry.

But those shoes were just a little uncomfortable, so your results may vary.

I've done the same, with success. Just proceed with caution (don't get impatient).

 

[Dewey]

Stretching has never really worked for me.

Once you start listening to your toes, they will all start talking at once. This "whee whee whee" business may just be the start of a whole new shoe rotation in larger sizes.

 

[w.o.e.is.me.]

Originally Posted by Dewey

Stretching has never really worked for me.

Once you start listening to your toes, they will all start talking at once. This "whee whee whee" business may just be the start of a whole new shoe rotation in larger sizes.

that would be a tragedy!
i just started building my arsenal in 9.5D.