Stretching shoes

tonylumpkin · Aug 14, 2007

I've been told that a competent cobbler can stretch a pair of shoes that are to small.
Is this true? Have any of you ever had this done with any success? And, if so, how much of a difference can they achieve? Half size? Whole size? What about width?

DocHolliday · Aug 14, 2007

Most shoes can be stretched a width without problem. It's pretty easy to do at home, too. Length, though, can't really be changed.

lifersfc · Aug 14, 2007

Can shoes also be dyed? I have a pair of unworn brown Tramezza wholecuts that I am thinking would be very sleek if dyed black...

Roger · Aug 14, 2007

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Most shoes can be stretched a width without problem. It's pretty easy to do at home, too. Length, though, can't really be changed.
I'd have to disagree with this, Doc. Cobblers have told me that they can lengthen a shoe by .5 size (e.g., from 9 to 9.5) via stretching. Correspondingly, the width can be increased by one letter (e.g., D to E), with no damage to the shoes.

DocHolliday · Aug 14, 2007

Originally Posted by lifersfc

Can shoes also be dyed? I have a pair of unworn brown Tramezza wholecuts that I am thinking would be very sleek if dyed black...

Some threads on the topic:

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread.php?p=16065

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread...=acetone+strip

http://www.styleforum.net/showthread...=acetone+strip

xchen · Aug 14, 2007

Can they be shrunk?

DocHolliday · Aug 14, 2007

Originally Posted by Roger

I'd have to disagree with this, Doc. Cobblers have told me that they can lengthen a shoe by .5 size (e.g., from 9 to 9.5) via stretching. Correspondingly, the width can be increased by one letter (e.g., D to E), with no damage to the shoes.

Interesting, Roger. My guy claims it can't be done. But then, he's not had a lot of success stretching my shoes' width, either. Maybe I need a new guy.

xchen · Aug 14, 2007

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

Interesting, Roger. My guy claims it can't be done. But then, he's not had a lot of success stretching my shoes' width, either. Maybe I need a new guy.

For some reason I picture a guy telling you "yeah, I think I can stretch these out a bit," and then, when everything doesn't go according to plan and your expensive shoes (bought at some sort of discount since you bought them a size too small) are ruined, he just says "I don't know what happened? Normally I can stretch any shoes but these just don't wanna stretch." This is why I tend to be pickier when purchasing and don't mind waiting months if necessary to find the perfect bargain.

DocHolliday · Aug 14, 2007

Originally Posted by xchen

For some reason I picture a guy telling you "yeah, I think I can stretch these out a bit," and then, when everything doesn't go according to plan and your expensive shoes (bought at some sort of discount since you bought them a size too small) are ruined, he just says "I don't know what happened? Normally I can stretch any shoes but these just don't wanna stretch." This is why I tend to be pickier when purchasing and don't mind waiting months if necessary to find the perfect bargain.

I've never heard of stretching ruining shoes. If anything, the problem is that they don't stretch. And if you bought them at a good enough discount, you can then sell them on eBay for a profit.

xchen · Aug 14, 2007

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

I've never heard of stretching ruining shoes. If anything, the problem is that they don't stretch. And if you bought them at a good enough discount, you can then sell them on eBay for a profit.

Heh, to be honest, I know nothing about stretching them, but I just figured you could damage them by overstretching. And from now on I shall be more careful when shopping for shoes on eBay.

DocHolliday · Aug 15, 2007

You know, Roger, now that I've thought about it, I have to wonder about the length issue. Stretching a width just involves forcing the leather to give a bit. But wouldn't length require stretching the footbed? How would that be done?

TheHoff · Aug 15, 2007

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

You know, Roger, now that I've thought about it, I have to wonder about the length issue. Stretching a width just involves forcing the leather to give a bit. But wouldn't length require stretching the footbed? How would that be done?

Probably means making the toe-box wider so that the foot can go further down in the shoe and then some extra give in the heel. I think you're right that they can't actually stretch the footbed or sole attachment points.

drizzt3117 · Aug 15, 2007

I've had pretty good luck with stretching shoes just by using Epic trees.

jml90 · Aug 15, 2007

Originally Posted by DocHolliday

You know, Roger, now that I've thought about it, I have to wonder about the length issue. Stretching a width just involves forcing the leather to give a bit. But wouldn't length require stretching the footbed? How would that be done?

I would imagine it would also make the shoe narrower.

daneero · Aug 15, 2007

I just recently had my shoes stretched but would recommend against it unless they're too small to wear otherwse. Mine came out looking very "bloated" and lost its original sleek design.

Stretching shoes

Distinguished Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Senior Member

Distinguished Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Distinguished Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Distinguished Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Distinguished Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Distinguished Member

Stylish Dinosaur

Distinguished Member

Member

Classic Menswear Featured products

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Similar threads

Featured Sponsor

Definitely full canvas only

Half canvas is fine

Really don't care

Depends on fabric

Depends on price

Forum Sponsors

Forum statistics

FOLLOW STYLEFORUM ON: