How To Stretch Plastic Shoes? Best Methods

Stretching plastic shoes is an important process that can provide numerous benefits. Whether your plastic shoes feel too tight or you want to make them more comfortable, stretching them can help improve the fit and prevent discomfort. In this blogpost, we will explore different methods to stretch plastic shoes effectively and safely. By following these techniques, you can achieve a better fit and enjoy your plastic shoes with ease.

Preparing for Stretching

Before you begin stretching your plastic shoes, it’s important to make some preparations. By gathering the necessary materials and ensuring your shoes are clean, you can set yourself up for a successful stretching process. Here are the steps to prepare for stretching your plastic shoes:

Gather necessary materials

Collect the items you’ll need for stretching, such as plastic bags, water, thick socks, a hairdryer, and a shoe stretcher (if you have one).

Clean the shoes

Make sure your plastic shoes are clean and free from any dirt or debris. Wipe them down with a damp cloth or use a mild soap solution to remove any stains. Allow them to dry completely before proceeding with the stretching methods.

By taking these preparatory steps, you’ll be ready to move on to the stretching techniques and achieve the best results for your plastic shoes.

How To Stretch Plastic Shoes

To stretch plastic shoes, start by gathering materials like plastic bags, water, thick socks, a hairdryer, and a shoe stretcher. Clean the shoes thoroughly. Then, try one of these methods: freezing the shoes with water-filled bags, using heat and moisture with a hairdryer, or using a shoe stretcher.

How To Stretch Plastic Shoes [4 Must-Try Methods]

The 4 quickest method to stretch plastic shoes are following here:

Use A Hair Dryer

Using a hair dryer can be an effective method to stretch plastic shoes. Here’s how you can do it:

Put on a pair of thick socks or multiple pairs of regular socks to protect your feet from excessive heat.
Wear the plastic shoes you want to stretch.
Set your hair dryer to a medium heat setting.
Start by directing the warm air towards the tight areas of the shoes, such as the toe box or sides.
Move the hair dryer around the tight areas in a back-and-forth motion for about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overheat the shoes, as it may cause damage.
While the shoes are still warm, flex your feet and toes inside the shoes to help stretch them.
Repeat the process of heating and flexing until you achieve the desired level of stretch.
Once you’re satisfied with the stretching, remove the shoes and let them cool down completely.
Try on the shoes without socks to check if they fit comfortably. If they’re still too tight, you can repeat the process.

Freeze Bags Of Water

If you’re looking to stretch plastic shoes, one method you can try is the “freeze bags of water” technique. Here’s how you can do it:

Fill two resealable plastic bags with water. Make sure to leave some room for expansion when the water freezes.
Place one bag of water inside each shoe, ensuring that the bags are evenly distributed and cover the areas you want to stretch.
Carefully put the shoes with the water-filled bags into the freezer. Make sure the bags are positioned in a way that they won’t leak or spill.
Leave the shoes in the freezer overnight or for several hours until the water inside the bags freezes completely.
Once the water is frozen, remove the shoes from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to allow the ice to slightly thaw.
Take out the bags of ice from the shoes and try on the shoes. The freezing process should have expanded the plastic, making the shoes slightly larger and more comfortable to wear.

Fill With Wet Newspaper

To stretch plastic shoes using wet newspaper, follow these steps:

Start by dampening several sheets of newspaper with water. Make sure the newspaper is wet but not dripping.
Crumple the wet newspaper into tight balls. You’ll need enough newspaper balls to fill the shoes completely.
Stuff the wet newspaper balls into the plastic shoes, ensuring that they fill all the areas that need stretching. Pay extra attention to tight spots or areas where the shoes feel snug.
Leave the shoes with the newspaper inside overnight or for at least 24 hours. This will allow the wet newspaper to expand and stretch the plastic material.
After the designated time has passed, remove the wet newspaper balls from the shoes.
Try on the shoes to see if they have stretched to your desired size. If they still feel tight, repeat the process with fresh wet newspaper balls and leave them in for another 24 hours.

Shoe Stretcher

If you’re looking for a shoe stretcher specifically designed for stretching plastic shoes, there are a few options available. One popular choice is a plastic shoe stretcher that can be adjusted to fit the shape and size of your shoes. These stretchers typically have knobs or dials that allow you to gradually expand the width and length of the shoe.

When using a shoe stretcher, it’s important to follow the instructions provided with the product to avoid damaging your shoes. It’s also a good idea to start with a lower level of stretching and gradually increase it over time to prevent overstretching.

Related To: Do Tennis Shoes Stretch

Are Plastic Shoes Bad For Your Feet?

Plastic shoes can have both positive and negative effects on your feet. On the positive side, plastic shoes are often lightweight and waterproof, making them suitable for certain activities like beach outings or rainy days. However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Plastic shoes typically lack breathability, which can lead to excessive sweating and moisture buildup, potentially causing discomfort and increasing the risk of fungal infections.

Additionally, plastic shoes often lack proper arch support and cushioning, which can result in foot pain and discomfort, especially if worn for extended periods or during activities that require more support. It’s important to strike a balance between convenience and foot health by opting for shoes that provide adequate ventilation, support, and cushioning, and by not wearing plastic shoes for prolonged periods.

Conclusion

Plastic shoes can be stretched to some extent, but the level of stretchability depends on the type and quality of the plastic material used. It is important to note that stretching plastic shoes may not be as effective or long-lasting as stretching shoes made from more flexible materials like leather or fabric. Additionally, stretching plastic shoes too much or too quickly can lead to damage or deformation of the material. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a professional shoe repair specialist or consider alternative options if you need a significant amount of stretch in your shoes.

Frequently Asked Question

To stretch plastic shoes overnight, you can try filling plastic bags with water and placing them inside the shoes. Leave them overnight in the freezer. As the water freezes, it will expand and stretch the shoes.

To stretch synthetic shoes, you can try using a shoe stretcher or stuffing them with damp socks or newspaper. Another method is to wear thick socks and use a hairdryer to heat the tight areas while flexing your feet.

The quickest way to stretch shoes is to use a shoe stretcher or a shoe stretching spray. Insert the stretcher into the shoe and adjust it to the desired width. Alternatively, spray the stretching spray on the tight areas and wear the shoes until they stretch.

To stretch plastic heels for wide feet, you can try using a hairdryer to heat the plastic and then wear thick socks while wearing the heels. This can help the plastic mold to the shape of your feet over time.

To make plastic shoes smaller, try wearing thick socks or using insoles to fill up extra space. You can also use heel grips or adhesive pads to prevent your feet from sliding forward. If these methods don’t work, consider consulting a professional cobbler for further assistance.

Author

Hi, I’m Mr. Tiger! CEO of specialshoes.net and have 30 years of experience in the Sports Shoe industry. This scientific and vast experience equipped me with the knowledge and understanding to assist you in finding the perfect pair of shoes for your specific sports and individual needs. I always stay, up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in sports footwear technology, ensuring that my recommendations are always relevant and reliable. Thanks for visiting my site. I hope you enjoy the resources.

How To Stretch Plastic Shoes? Best Methods