Shoe stretching is a common service offered by many shoe repair shops. It is a process used to make shoes that are too tight more comfortable to wear. There are several methods that shoe repair shops use to stretch shoes, and each method is tailored to the specific type of shoe and the area of the shoe that needs to be stretched.
This is a shoe stretching machine, its used to widen and lengthen the upper of a shoe to make it larger
One of the most common methods used for stretching shoes is the use of shoe stretching machines. These machines are designed to stretch the shoe in a specific area, such as the toe box or the heel. The shoe is placed into the machine and then the machine is adjusted to apply the correct amount of pressure to the area that needs to be stretched. The machine will then stretch the shoe over a period of time, until it reaches the desired level of comfort.
Check out this quick video on Youtube about shoe stretching.
Source: The Shoe Service Institute
Another method used for stretching shoes is the use of heat. This method is particularly effective for leather shoes, as the heat causes the leather to soften and become more pliable. The shoe is placed into a heated stretching machine, or a professional may use a heat gun to apply heat directly to the area that needs to be stretched. The heat causes the leather to expand, allowing the shoe to be stretched to the desired size.
Another method of shoe stretching is using chemical solutions. This method is particularly effective for shoes made of synthetic materials. The chemical solutions are applied to the area of the shoe that needs to be stretched, and then the shoe is placed into a stretching machine. The chemical solution causes the synthetic material to soften and stretch.
A final method to stretch shoes is manual stretching. This method is usually done by hand using stretching tools such as shoe trees, wooden or plastic shoe stretchers, or even by using your own hands. This method is less effective than the others, but it can be used for smaller adjustments.
In conclusion, shoe stretching is a common service offered by many shoe repair shops. The method used will depend on the specific type of shoe and the area of the shoe that needs to be stretched. The most common methods are the use of shoe stretching machines, heat, chemical solutions, and manual stretching. If you have a favorite pair of shoes that are too tight, consider visiting a shoe repair shop to have them stretched for a more comfortable fit.
