What if your shoes are too small

If your shoes are just a little uncomfortable, try wearing them around the house. Sometimes, a few nights of doing this can soften them up to the point they feel good. New shoes? Try to walk only on rugs or carpeted surfaces, so you can still return the shoes looking new, if needed.

Wipe the potato dry with a paper towel, and stuff it inside your shoe overnight. This method can provide a modest amount of stretch. For a little more money, deluxe versions in cedar or other types of wood and stainless steel can be found. These devices can help you expand the length and width of a shoe. Specially designed plugs bunion plugs can also target problem areas in the top of the toe box.

Turn the adjustment handle of the shoe tree every 8 to 12 hours to keep stretching until you get the desired length and width. This method can be combined with shoe stretching spray and liquids. A variety of liquids and sprays to stretch leather, fabric, and even vinyl are available. Spray them on the tight areas and then walk in your shoes. These products also can be used together with adjustable shoe stretchers to help give your shoes a custom stretch.

Most professional shoe repair shops or cobblers provide stretching services. They have machines and training to alter shoes. Not only can a cobbler stretch your shoes, they can repair and refresh the ones you have to make them last longer overall. Studies have shown that two-thirds of people wear shoes that are too narrow for their feet.

An ill-fitting pair of shoes can end up harming your feet and joints over time. You can always find a better-fitting pair somewhere else. If your toes are bunched together in your shoes, the shoes are too tight. In addition to stretching your footwear, you need to help your toes to get back to their natural state of separation. Another tip when you first put dress shoes on is to try a finger test.

If you can fit more than one finger behind your heel with your toes touching the top of the shoe, the shoes are too long for you. When it comes to heels, you should have less room to spare. If your heels are popping out of the back, they are too long for you.

Next comes the walking portion of the process. If your feet slide back and forth while you walk, the shoes are too big in length and you may consider going down a half or full size. However, if your feet are sliding side to side, the shoes are too wide for you. When it comes to heels that are only slightly too big, adding heel grips to the back of your favorite stilettos will add just enough extra cushion to both avoid chaffing and add stability by providing a snugger fit.

Likewise, insoles offer a similar effect for sneakers and dress shoes. If straps are the problem instead and your heels fit but their backing seems to keep slipping down, adding gel adhesive slings will keep your straps in place. This allows you to avoid trading your coveted pair for a tighter size that will cut your skin and leave marks.

Shoes that are too tight in length are pretty obvious because they painfully smash your toes in the toe box area of your shoe or rub uncomfortably against your heels. On the other hand, some shoes may be true to your typical size but appear smaller in the store because of their material or style. Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community.

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