Several years ago, I bought a pair of fun leopard print ankle boots online to wear to an upcoming work conference. It was a pretty bold choice for me at the time, but even though they were a bit outside of what I would normally wear, I was really looking forward to receiving my sassy new booties in the mail! When they arrived, however, I was disappointed to discover that they were just a little bit too snug on my feet. :-(
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At first I considered just sending them back, but I didn’t want to give up without a fight! I decided to find out if there was a way to stretch out my too-tight shoes so that they fit more comfortably. (If it all went wrong, I decided I would simply have to wear them anyway, and suffer in the name of fashion for a few hours.) ;-)
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I found a few different shoe-stretching methods online, and tried the first one I read about – the freezer method. It worked perfectly, and I was able to wear my fab leopard print booties in total comfort! In the years since that occasion, I’ve successfully used two other methods to stretch out shoes – the rubbing alcohol method and the hairdryer method. So today I thought I’d share all 3 of those methods with you, just in time to get your favorite shoes ready for all those holiday parties. :-)
3 Ways To Stretch Out Too-Tight Shoes
Method #1 – Freezer
You’ll need:
- Two large ziplock bags
- Water
Unzip both bags and place one inside the other. (You could use just one bag, but I like to use a second one as an added safety measure since there is water involved.)
Place the bottom of the ziplock bags into the bottom of your shoe. Use your hand to press the bags into all the nooks and crannies inside your shoe as best you can.
Once the bags are in place, carefully fill the interior ziplock bag with water until it fills up the inside of the shoe. Carefully seal the bag, then seal the outer bag too if you’re using one.
Carefully place the shoes into your freezer, and leave them there until the water inside the bag is frozen solid. As the water freezes it will expand (by approximately 9%!) and stretch out your shoes.
Remove the shoes from your freezer to allow the ice to thaw slightly. (You just need it to thaw enough that you can wiggle the bagged ice block out of the shoe!)
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Once you get the ice out, your shoes should be nicely stretched and ready to wear!
Method #2 – Rubbing Alcohol
You’ll need:
- Rubbing alcohol
- Small spray bottle
Pour a small amount of rubbing alcohol into an empty spray bottle. Spray the inside of your too-tight shoes until they are slightly damp. Put the shoes on, then walk around until the alcohol dries. Repeat as necessary if your shoes are still a bit snug.
A variation on this method is to take a pair of cotton socks, soak them in rubbing alcohol and squeeze out the excess. Then put on the socks and wear with the shoes until the alcohol dries. Repeat several times if necessary.
Method #3 – Hairdryer & Socks
You’ll need:
- Hairdryer
- A pair of thick socks
Put on a thick pair of socks (or as thick as will fit!) and slip on your shoes. Aim a hairdryer on the tight section for a few seconds, while wiggling your toes and and bending your feet inside the shoe. Keep the shoes on while they cool down. If you need more room, repeat the process again.
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A great way to clean the microwave is with a coffee cup filled with water. Heat the water for 1 to 2 minutes and then let it sit in the microwave for 3 to 5 minutes. Take a washcloth or a dry paper towel and wipe out the inside of the microwave. Fast and easy.
My brilliant dad told me this useful trick: use a coffee filter to cover a plate or bowl when you put in the microwave. Works wonderfully to help keep the microwave clean! Plus you can get a large package of filters for cheap and it can last for quite a while. Also works for a spoon rest while cooking although I tend to fold it once or twice.
If your shoes are smelly, put them in a plastic bag and in the freezer overnight. It works!
Hey Jillee, Always enjoy your “Why didn’t I think of that” columns! Here are two I like: I use paper plates (the cheap kind) as a cover for my food in the microwave. Prevents spattering and keeps moisture in the food. I also use them as a spoon rest and as a quick cutting board. Such a versatile kitchen tool! Another: I use red pepper flakes a lot when cooking, also on pizza. I put my flakes in a pepper mill so the flakes are broken down to crumbs. I hate getting a pepper flake caught between my teeth! I… Read more »
Great ideas Patricia!
I should have said I used a soldering iron to seal ribbon.
I cut and heat seal ribbon and other synthetic fibers with a soldering gun. I place the ribbon, rope, or synthetic fabric on a piece of glass or mirror. Heat the soldering gun. Draw the hot tip across the item. Use a metal ruler to make straight lines, or use other unmeltable items as a template.
When I made a princess costume for my granddaughter, I cut and sealed the hem with my soldering gun. Easier than a rolled edge.
What a clever idea!
When you have a shoestring that is beginning to fray, you can use a flame to reseal the plastic and keep from having to buy new shoestrings.
Keeping food warm-if your microwave is over the range like mine, turn on the surface light. Mine is part of the microwave and thus generates heat IN the microwave. It’s great when I bring home a hot rotisserie chicken or other warm prepared food. I’ve used it making bread as well. It’s a great draft-free warm spot.
Great tips ,Thank you. I never thought of vacuuming my window screens from inside! A little hint from me, if you don’t want to use a flame for the ribbon hack. I just put a dab of craft glue on my finger, then pull the cut end of the ribbon thru the glue. If you get too much on there it’s easy to gently rub it off before it dries.
Very clever!
Warming up plates: Just a lazy tip from someone who does not want to have a microwave (as I sincerely think it is handy but does alter your food): . I just put some cold plates on top of my bread toaster! (even if i do not toast anything). Quick fix!
My mom would fill the sink with hot water place the plates in there to heat up. Then just before serving, dry off and use. Plus you have hot water for cleaning dishes afterwards!