How To Stretch Suede Shoes Without A Shoe Stretcher?

Suede shoes are fantastic for style and comfort. However, when you buy suede shoes, the fit may seem off first. Most suede shoes need to be stretched to fit and feel comfortable on your feet. But what if you don’t own a shoe stretcher or if it doesn’t work? Here’s how to stretch suede shoes without a shoe stretcher.

How To Stretch Suede Shoes Without Stretchers? (4 Methods)

Do you want to make your suede shoe stretch but don’t want to use a stretcher? In this article, I’ll be showing four methods that are, in my experience, very effective and least expensive.

1. The Freezer Method

1. Fill 2 resealable plastic bags with water.
2. Remove the laces from your shoes and slip a bag into each shoe, pressing it down so that the bag covers the entire area you want to stretch.
3. Place your shoes in a freezer, making sure to place them side by side to freeze in the shape you want them to be stretched to.
4. Wait for at least 24 hours before removing the shoes from the freezer.
5. Remove your shoes from the freezer and remove the bags of ice from inside them.
6. Put on some thick socks and wear your shoes around your house until they dry completely (about 30 minutes).

2. Baking Soda Method

1. Fill up a plastic bag with water as hot as you can stand it.
2. Dip the shoe in the warm water bag for 2-3 minutes or until the suede is thoroughly saturated.
3. Rub baking soda into the damp suede to dry it out.
4. Allow the shoes to sit overnight with the baking soda.
5. Brush off excess baking soda from the shoes before wearing them again.

3. Stretch Them With A Shoe Horn

1. First, you will need a shoehorn (duh). We recommend this one, which is made of 100% plastic and comes in various colors. It’s also highly affordable, so you can buy it, use it, and move on with your life knowing that you stretched your shoes the right way.
2. Next, lace up your shoes up to the very top. You want to make sure you’re getting a snug fit when you do this, so pull tight on the laces as you’re closing them up. The more snugly they fit, the better chance you can maximize the stretch.
3. Now, place the shoehorn inside your shoes and slide it in until it hits your heel. This is where things get tricky: while holding onto the shoehorn with one hand, start pushing against the shoehorn with your foot while putting gentle pressure on the toe box with your other hand. It will take some time to get used to this maneuver—and that’s okay! Just keep trying until it feels right.
4. Once you feel like enough pressure has been applied for a good stretch (or if you get tired), stop pushing and take out the shoehorn.

4. Wet Them With A Spray Bottle

1. Get a spray bottle and fill it with water.
2. Spray the inside of your shoes. Aim for the toe box and get the sides and any other areas that feel tight.
3. Let the water soak in for about 10 minutes. The suede will be damp but not soaking wet.
4. Put on socks and your shoes, then wear them around your house for at least an hour. Your feet will stretch out the suede as you walk around.

How To Stretch Tennis Shoes Without A Shoe Stretcher?

1. Fill the sink with hot, soapy water.
2. Place the tennis shoes in warm water, careful not to submerge them.
3. Allow the tennis shoes to soak for at least 30 minutes up to 3 hours, depending on how much they need to be stretched and how much time you have available.
4. Remove the tennis shoes from the water and let them air dry. As they dry, they will naturally stretch out a bit more.
5. If necessary, repeat this process until you have achieved your desired size.

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Concluding About How To Stretch Suede Shoes Without A Shoe Stretcher

If you follow the instructions above, your suede shoes will be more comfortable and stand out reasonably well from the crowd. If you are interested but have never attempted this, don’t hesitate. Just do it.