5 Easy-to-Follow Tips to Resolve Uncomfortably Fitting Shoes

Struggling to wear shoes that are either too loose or too tight? Worry no more! Give your shoes the perfect fit with these 5 easy and quick tips. Keep reading to find out what you can do!

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1 Tips for Fixing Wide Shoes

Choose Thick Socks

If your shoes are too wide for your feet and you can’t make them smaller, an effective solution is to wear multiple thick socks. This will help to fill up the extra space and provide a tighter fit.

  • Suitable for: Sports shoes, boots.
  • Note: Not recommended in hot weather or if you have sweaty feet.

Wear thick socks or lots of socks

Stuff the Toe with Material

If you want a temporary fix for shoes that are too wide, you can use materials like tissue or toilet paper to fill up the toe area. This will prevent your feet from sliding back and forth while walking, but it’s recommended for short distances only.

  • Suitable for: High heels, boots, doll shoes.
  • Note: Not recommended for long distances as it can cause discomfort.

Stuff something like newspaper in the toe of your shoe

Use Shoe Insoles

Shoe insoles are thin cushioning layers made of foam or flexible material. They can be inserted into your shoes to provide extra support and a tighter fit.

  • Suitable for: All shoes, including open-toed shoes and heels.
  • Note: Try on the insole before purchasing to ensure the right fit. Popular brands like Nike and Adidas also offer their own insoles.

Use insoles to help narrow your shoes

Try Ankle Pads

Ankle pads are thin pads that can be attached to your ankles to provide extra support and tighten oversized shoes.

  • Suitable for: Almost all shoes, especially high heels with tight collars.
  • Note: Test the pads and make sure they’re comfortable before using them, as some people may experience swelling or discomfort.

Use ankle pads

Use Elastic to Shrink Shoes

If you have basic sewing skills, you can use a needle, thread, and elastic band to shrink your shoes.

  • Sew one end of the elastic to the back of the shoe, inside the ankle.
  • Attach an elastic band to the shoe using a stapler to keep it in place.
  • Stretch the elastic and sew the other end to the shoe, creating a tighter fit.

Shrink your shoes by sewing an elastic band on the collar

2 Tips for Fixing Tight Shoes

Expand Shoes with Water

You can use water to expand tight shoes by following these steps.

Step 1: Fill two zip bags with water and seal them tightly.

Fill the zip bag with water and seal it

Step 2: Insert the water-filled bags into the shoes, positioning them where you want to expand (toe or body).

Tuck zip bags into your shoes

Step 3: Place the shoes in the refrigerator for 1 day, then let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to allow the ice to melt. Remove the water bags afterwards. The frozen water will act as a mold to help stretch the shoes.

Use Potatoes to Loosen Shoes

If your shoes are too tight, you can use potatoes to stretch them.

Step 1: Peel the potatoes.

Step 2: Place a piece of potato in the area where you want to expand the shoes.

Step 3: Leave the potatoes in the shoes overnight to give them time to stretch.

Use potatoes to loosen shoes

Stretch Shoes with Socks and a Dryer

If you accidentally buy tight shoes, you can use socks and a dryer to stretch them.

Step 1: Put on a pair of thick socks or layer several pairs of socks together, then wear your shoes.

Step 2: Turn on the dryer at a moderate level and direct the heat towards your shoes. Move your feet inside the shoes to help stretch them quickly.

Use a dryer and thick socks to loosen your shoes

Use a Specialized Solution

A specialized solution can help expand your shoes quickly, but be cautious as it may cause discoloration if used incorrectly. Read and follow the instructions carefully.

After applying the solution to your shoes, wear them and walk as usual to speed up the stretching process.

Use an expander for shoes

Use Shoe Molds

Shoe molds are adjustable and safe to use for stretching your shoes.

Simply insert the mold into the tight spot and adjust it until you feel the desired level of comfort. Leave the mold in for 1 day to achieve the best results.

Use shoe molds to stretch shoes easily

3 Notes on Choosing the Right Shoes

  • Choose shoes with laces so that you can adjust them to your preferred tightness.
  • When selecting shoe size, use the shoe size conversion tables provided below:

Men’s Shoe Size Conversion Table

Men's shoe size conversion table

Women’s Shoe Size Conversion Table

Women's shoe size conversion table

Follow these tips and guidelines to fix wide and tight shoes. Good luck!

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