
I first learned how to stretch out shoes a few years ago after buying some fun leopard print ankle boots online for an upcoming work conference. I was really looking forward to wearing my sassy new boots, but when they arrived and I pulled them on, I realized that they were slightly too snug for me to wear comfortably.
I thought about returning them at first, but I didn’t want to give up the chance to wear my cute new boots without at least trying to figure out a solution. I decided there must be a fix out there somewhere, and that’s when I started seeking out guidance on how to stretch tight shoes to make them fit more comfortably.
The first method I came across — the freezer method — worked perfectly, and I was able to stretch my new shoes and wear them to that conference in total comfort! Since then, I’ve had success with two other methods to stretch out shoes – one that involves rubbing alcohol, and another that uses a hairdryer. I’ll be sharing all 3 of those methods with you in this post, because it’s never a bad thing to have options!
I’ve also got a few extra shoe stretching tips and tricks, should you ever discover as I did that your new shoes are too tight. With more of us buying shoes online these days, it just makes good sense to know a few ways to stretch new shoes, whether they’re ankle boots, high heels, or leather loafers!
How To Stretch Shoes For A More Comfortable Fit

Method #1 – Use Your Freezer
This method takes advantage of the expansion that occurs when water freezes into ice in order to expand and stretch out tight shoes. As water freezes inside a shoe, the ice will press outward in all directions and stretch the shoes uniformly on all sides. (Depending on where the tight areas are, this may be a benefit or a drawback, but it worked like a charm on my ankle boots!)
Looking for a method that’s suitable for leather shoes? Look under “More Ways To Stretch New Shoes” below!
You’ll need:
- Large ziplock bags
- Water
- Freezer
Directions:
Unzip two large ziplock bags and place one inside the other. (The outer bag is mainly a safety measure, since this method does involve putting water inside your shoes.)
Insert the bags into one of your shoes so that the bottom of plastic bags rests along the bottom of your shoe. Use your hand to shape the bag against the inside your shoe as best you can.

Next, carefully fill the interior ziplock bag with enough water to fill the shoe. Carefully seal the inner bag and the outer bag, then repeat the process with the second shoe.
When both shoes are full of bags of water, place the shoes in the freezer overnight, or until the water is frozen solid. As the water freezes, it will expand in size (by approximately 9 percent, in fact!) and stretch out your shoes.

The next morning, remove the shoes from your freezer and let them sit out on your countertop for a while to thaw. You won’t need to wait very long — just long enough that you can wiggle the ice blocks out! After removing the ice, your footwear will fit properly and be ready to wear!

Method #2 – Use Rubbing Alcohol
You’ll need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Small spray bottle (or thick socks)
Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol into a small spray bottle, then use it to spray the inside of the tight shoes until they’re slightly damp. Put the shoes on and walk around until the alcohol dries. If your shoes are still a bit snug afterward, repeat the process.
Instead of using a spray bottle, another option is to soak a thick pair of socks in rubbing alcohol, put them on, then put on the shoes and wear them around until the alcohol dries. You can even use this method in tandem with the hairdryer method (see below!)

Method #3 – Use A Hairdryer
You’ll need:
- Hairdryer
- Pair of thick socks
Start by putting on a thick pair of socks, or any pair of socks you can manage to fit inside your tight shoes. Grab your hairdryer, turn it on to low or medium heat, and aim it at the tight areas for a few seconds. As you do this, wiggle your toes around and flex your feet to help stretch out the shoes. Don’t take the shoes off until they’ve cooled down.
If you need more room, repeat the process again — perhaps with a thicker pair of socks, this time!
Note: Avoid using this method on suede shoes, as heat can dry out the material.
More Ways To Stretch New Shoes

1. Wear Them Around The House
Have a pair of shoes that is just a bit snug in the heel or needs a tiny bit more width? One of the easiest ways to make shoes comfortable enough to wear is wearing them around the house for a while with a thick pair of socks. A shoe stretching spray can help speed up the process — just apply it according to the directions on the package. (Oh, and make sure to get a spray that’s compatible with the type of shoe you plan to use it on!)

2. Use A Shoe Stretcher
If you need to stretch leather shoes, a shoe stretcher may be a worthwhile investment! Shoe stretchers can be especially useful for people with foot problems or uniquely shaped feet who have a hard time finding shoes that fit properly, and they can even widen shoes, too!
If you’re in a hurry to stretch out ill-fitting shoes so they fit better, a shoe stretcher probably isn’t for you, as it takes about 6-8 hours to stretch a shoe with one of these devices. Plus, they aren’t normally sold in pairs, so we’re talking closer to a full day!

3. Try Water Or Vaseline For Leather Shoes
Need to stretch a pair of leather shoes? There are a couple of options you can try, the first of which is a simple soak in soapy water. Just fill a dish tub or sink with warm water and a drop or two of Dawn dish soap, then soak the shoes for 10 minutes (15 minutes if using cold water). Wipe the shoes dry, then wear them around for a while to soften the shoe and stretch the stiff leather. Once they’re dry, apply a bit of leather conditioner to moisturize and protect the leather.
Another option for stretching leather shoes is a variation of the hair dryer method I mentioned previously. Spread a thin layer of Vaseline over the leather, put the shoes on, then aim a warm blow dryer at them while flexing your feet to help the shoes stretch and relax.

BONUS: When In Doubt, Call A Pro!
If you want to make a very expensive pair of shoes, fit a bit more comfortably, consider taking them to a cobbler or shoe repair shop and asking if they can help. If you’re hoping to expand the length and width, this is probably your best bet. Unfortunately, shoe repair shops aren’t as easy to find as they once were, but it’s worth looking around online to see if you can find one in your area.
Have you ever wished you could stretch out new shoes?
I have some rubber (I think) slides that are too tight on the outside of my foot. Is there a way to make the freezer method work? Maybe I should heat the up instead.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for the brilliant idea; on how to stretch your shoes that are too small! Recently I bought a pair of HyperSoft Sneakers on line and according to my size in line to my shoe size/ When they arrived they were too small; Since I ordered two pair I took the first pair to the shoe store and have them stretch them; then your brilliant idea came in my inbox.. So I decided to give it a try and low and behold it worked!
Thinks for the brilliant idea!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Putting in freezer worked great. Will do this in the future. Thank you, I love your site. Always nice to save money.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.are the 3 methods listed above temporary solutions or do they expand the shoes permanently ?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.In most cases, it is permanent. Depending on the material of the shoes, if they get wet or you wash them, they may shrink a bit.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I got a pair of synthetic shoes on wish, and they’re a bit tight on the toes, if I use the blow dryer method won’t it melt the glue in my shoes?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It is okay of i use the hair dryer and ice methods on my flat glitter shoes?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I don’t see why not! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Will it stay stretched or u have to repeat it again next time.. and out of 3 of them, which one do you think works the best?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It will stay stretched! I like the ice method best if the shoes are REALLY tight, and I like the hair dryer method best if they’re just a little too tight :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi I have some high heels will they methods work on my heels
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi I have some mid calf boots but they’re leather! Will the alcohol ruin them in any way or make them smell funky? Thanks so much!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Test it on an inconspicuous spot first, but it should work wonderfully!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Do you think I could Combine the alcohol method with the blow dryer method?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I don’t see why not! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Hi! Will these methods work on patent Louboutin pumps?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I don’t see why not! :-)
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Wow am definitely going to try this out on my timberland. I hope it works. Thanks for the tips
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Will these methods work on suede booties?
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yes!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Does the freezer method work with slip-ons (say some cute red flats that I can’t bear to part with :D )? I wondered if the water would just follow the path of least resistance and expand out the top of the shoe instead of stretching it.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.It may not work quite as well, but it’s definitely worth a try!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.maybe put the shoes in vertically?
Thanks for these awesome tips. This is a must read post for everyone!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.These are awesome ideas, thank you for sharing! I’ve only tried the freezer method, and it didn’t work out too well, I was afraid not to pour too much water, and I poured too less I guess. I will definitely test the other 2 methods, they seem to take more time, but they are also safer options from what I can see.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tips! Once the shoes are stretched out, will they stay stretched or do you need to repeat each time you want to wear them??
Please log in or create a free account to comment.They will stay stretched!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use WD-40 (spray outside on grass or gravel so you don’t make your floor slick). Wear until they feel stretched. Waterproofs, shines and stretches!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I use something called shoe stretch. It comes in a 4 oz squeeze bottle and is very effective. I think It’s probably distilled water which can be bought for a few bucks for a gallon bottle. Use the same way as for the alcohol method. Alcohol may dry out the leather and shorten the life of the shoe.
Love your emails, Jillee!!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I have a bunion on one foot that creates problems. Maybe this is the solution.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I’ve used the alcohol method for years and it works instantly. I usually just pour some into the shoe and then immediately put the shoe on. It’s magic how it works. Hope it helps with your bunion. Good Luck!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I can see how these ideas work on real leather but what about man made materials?
It still works on synthetic materials – especially the freezer method :-)
I just tried this and I really feel a difference
Howdy! I tried the thick socks/blowdryer method about a month ago after reading it online and it works! Yay! Thanks for sharing.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Holidays!
I may have to try this. I have a pair of dress shoes that are starting to get a lttle on the tight side. Plus I’ve had to be very frugal these past few years. I would love to not have to buy a new pair of heels.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks for the tips. I have one foot larger than the other, by a lot, so this is great. Adorable shoes, where did you get them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Happy Holidays,
Donna
The link to the shoes is at the very beginning of the post – just click on the underlined words “leopard print ankle boots.” :-)
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