How to Stretch Suede Boots?

Suede boots are a classic staple for any wardrobe. They’re stylish and timeless, but unfortunately, they can be difficult to break in. If you find yourself with a pair of new suede boots that feel too tight or uncomfortable, don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to stretch them out! This guide will provide you with all the tips and tricks you need to make your suede boots fit perfectly.

Will Suede Stretch?

The short answer is yes! With some patience and the right techniques, you can successfully stretch out your suede boots. However, it’s important to note that there are limits to how much you can stretch them. If they’re already tight in the toe area, chances are they won’t become any wider or longer, no matter what you do.[3]

Why Does Suede Stretch?

Wearing boots that fit snugly on your feet and ankles can be quite uncomfortable. This is especially true if the material of your boot is stiff or thick like suede. Thankfully, due to its inherent flexibility, as well as other techniques you can use, it’s possible to stretch out suede boots to make them comfortable.[3]

Can You Stretch Suede Shoes?

Yes, you can stretch suede shoes! With the right tools and techniques, you can easily give your boots a bit of extra room.[2]

Try The Sock Method

The easiest way to stretch suede boots is the sock method. All you need to do is place a thin sock on each foot and put on your boots as normal. This will add pressure to the boot material and help it expand slightly over time. Be sure not to wear them for an extended period, as this could lead to discomfort. You can then repeat this process until you reach the desired fit.[1]

Use A Stretch Spray For Leather Shoes

If you’re looking for a quick, easy and effective way to stretch your suede boots, try using a leather shoe stretching spray. These sprays are designed specifically to expand the shape of shoes that have become too tight due to wear or age. The stretches will usually last longer than heat stretching methods, but it is still important to take proper care of your shoes by cleaning them regularly and properly storing them after wearing.

It is best to spray the stretching solution directly onto the inside of the shoe, focusing on areas that feel too tight or uncomfortable when you wear the boots.

Leave the boots overnight in a warm place with enough room for your feet and ankles to move around. You should notice a difference in the fit of your boots by morning.[1]

Make A Diy Shoe Stretcher Spray (With Rubbing Alcohol)

One of the best ways to stretch suede boots is to make a DIY shoe stretcher spray. All you need is rubbing alcohol and water, plus a few tools. Here’s what you do:

1. Combine 1 part rubbing alcohol with 2 parts warm water (distilled water is best) in a spray bottle.
2. Shake the bottle to combine the ingredients.
3. Make sure your boots are clean before spraying them; you don’t want dirt in the mix!
4. Spray lightly and evenly on both sides of each boot, allowing it to soak for about an hour or so before wearing your boots again. It’s best to do this overnight and wear your boots the following day.
5. Put on a pair of thick socks and slip your feet into the boots, wearing them for two hours or more as needed in order to make sure the material is stretched out evenly.
6. To help set the shape of your boots, place them near a warm (not hot) source of heat like a fan or radiator for about 10 minutes.[1]

Use A Shoe Stretcher

The best way to stretch suede boots is with a shoe stretcher. A shoe stretcher is specially designed to help you expand the size of your shoes so you can get the perfect fit. The heel and toe area of the boot should be stretched separately, then inserted into the stretchers for a more customized fit. Make sure to use a stretcher that is specifically designed for suede and leather boots.[1]

Make Your Own Shoe Stretcher

Making your own shoe stretcher can be a great way to get the perfect fit on any shoes, including suede boots. All you need is some wood and a few screws or nails.

You will need to cut the wood into two pieces that are the same size as your shoe, so make sure you measure accurately. To ensure a tight fit, you can use sandpaper to make the edges of the pieces smoother before you join them together.

Next, attach two small screws or nails at the top and bottom of each piece. This will help to keep the stretcher in place when it is used on your shoes. Finally, drill some holes into one side of the stretcher to create spaces for the laces or buckles.[1]

Walk in the Shoes Often

One of the best ways to stretch suede boots is to wear them. Every time you walk in your shoes, they will loosen up a bit and form to your feet better. This is not only the easiest solution but it also gives you an opportunity to adjust the fit as you go! The more often you wear them, the faster they will become comfortable.

Stretch Suede Shoes with Rubbing Alcohol

One of the best methods to stretch out your suede shoes is to use rubbing alcohol. It’s an effective way to loosen up the tightness and make them more comfortable. Here are the steps:

1. Start by taking off your shoes and socks, then fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol (70% or higher).
2. Spray the alcohol generously over the areas of your shoes that are too tight, such as across the top of the foot or near the toe box.
3. Then put on a pair of thick socks and put your shoes back on. They should fit comfortably now!
4. Finally, to lock in the stretch, take a blow dryer set to low or medium heat and apply it over the suede material. This will help the alcohol evaporate faster and help your shoes keep their shape.[3]

Heat the Shoes with a Hair Dryer

If your suede boots are still a bit tight, using a hair dryer to heat them up is an effective way to stretch them out. Start by wearing the shoes with thick wool socks and lace them up tightly. For the best result, use a blow dryer on its hottest setting and hold it about 8 inches away from the suede material. As the leather heats up, it will become more pliable and you can bend and stretch it with your hands. Make sure to move the blow dryer around so that all areas of the shoes are heated evenly to avoid any damage. Once you’re finished heating them up, wait for the boots to cool down before wearing them again so they can retain their new shape. With the right technique, heat stretching your suede boots is an excellent way to make them fit more comfortably around your feet.[3]

Buy Adjustable Shoe Trees

Shoe trees are one of the best ways to stretch suede boots and keep them looking great. They come in various sizes and shapes, so you can find something that fits your boots perfectly. To use, simply insert the shoe tree into each boot after wearing them and let them sit overnight. This helps to hold the shape of the boot while also allowing the leather to slowly stretch as needed.

For best results, you should buy adjustable shoe trees that conform to your feet. That way, they can help with both width and length stretching. You may need to buy several pairs of these during the break-in period until you find a pair that fits your boots perfectly.[3]

Use Newspaper To Stretch Suede Shoes

One of the quickest and easiest ways to stretch out your suede boots is by using newspaper. All you need to do is firmly stuff newspaper into each boot until it’s completely filled. Be sure to use enough newspaper so that there’s no room left for any air pockets inside the shoe. This will help ensure that they’re stretched out evenly.

Once the boots are stuffed with newspaper, you’ll then want to place them in a warm area for about 24 hours. The warmth helps the leather to expand and conform to your feet more quickly. After taking them out of the warm area, remove the newspaper from each boot, and voila – you should have a pair of boots that fit your feet perfectly.[2]

Keep Your Suede Shoes In The Freezer

Stretching your suede boots can be tricky, but don’t worry; we’ve got you covered!
An easy way to stretch out tight-fitting suede boots is to keep them in the freezer. Just put your boots in a bag and pop them into the freezer for about 24 hours – this will help to make them more malleable and easier to stretch.

Once the boots have been in the freezer for a day, take them out and wear them around the house (with socks!)for an hour or two. This will help to stretch them slowly and evenly. If you want to do more intensive stretching, use a shoe stretcher tool after taking your boots out of the freezer.[2]

Ask a Cobbler for Help

If you need to stretch your suede boots significantly and don’t want to try the DIY methods, it’s best to take them to a professional cobbler. Professional cobblers have years of experience with shoe repairs and stretching, so they will be able to do a good job. You can also ask them for advice on how to care for your boots and make them last longer.

Depending on the severity of the shoe’s tightness or the material, a cobbler might use one of many different stretching techniques, such as wetting down leather to soften it before using a stretcher. If you’re concerned about damage to your boots, discuss this with the cobbler before the stretching process begins.

Professional cobblers will also be able to provide protective treatments for your boots, such as waterproofing or waxing, which can help prevent future problems with tightness. If you’re lucky enough to find a cobbler that specializes in hip-length suede boots, they might even be able to help customize the boots to fit your foot perfectly.[3]

How Do You Stretch Suede Shoes With A Hair Dryer?

If your suede shoes are too tight, a great way to stretch them quickly is with a hair dryer! Here’s how you do it:

1. Put on the pair of suede shoes that you want to stretch and walk around in them for a few minutes until they feel snug on your feet. This will help to warm up the suede and make it more pliable.
2. Put on a pair of thick socks, or even two pairs if you need to! You want the socks to be tight enough that they won’t slip off your feet while you’re stretching your shoes.
3. Place the hairdryer at least six inches away from the suede and set it on the warmest setting. Direct the airflow at your toes for about 30 seconds and then move it up to the top of your foot. Focus on one area at a time, repeating until you’ve covered every section of your shoe.
4. Once you’re done, turn off the hairdryer and remove your shoes. Let them cool down for a few minutes before wearing them again.
5. Repeat this process if you need to stretch out your suede boots even further.[1]

Dos And Don’ts

When Stretching Suede Boots:

Do:

• Familiarize yourself with the leather’s properties – it’s important to understand the material you’re working with. Consult a professional or read up on suede and its characteristics so that you can apply the right stretching techniques without damaging your boots.
• Use a stretching spray – some leather sprays or oils specifically formulated for stretching leather can be used to help the process along.
• Use heat and moisture to stretch your boots – wear them with thick socks while running the hairdryer up and down the seams of the boot, being sure not to point it directly onto any one area. Heat and moisture will open up the leather so that it is more malleable.
• Stuff your boots – after applying heat and moisture, stuff a plastic bag or newspaper into the boots and leave them overnight to dry completely. This will help give the material a bit more room where needed without having to apply too much pressure directly onto the boots.

Don’t:

• Use direct heat sources – open flames and heating elements can actually cause the leather to shrink or change color, so be sure not to use any of these. Also avoid using boiling water as this could cause warping or other damage.
• Overstretch your boots – too much pressure or force can cause permanent damage to the material and make your boots uncomfortable.
• Use harsh chemicals – some leather cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that could strip away the protective layer of wax or oil, causing drying and cracking. Stick with a gentle cleaning solution specifically designed for leather boots instead.[2]

How to Treat Painful Blisters and Bunions?

If you’ve worn your suede boots too tightly and been rewarded with painful blisters or bunions, don’t worry! There are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the pain:

• Buy some cushioning insoles. They will help absorb shock and provide extra padding so your feet won’t rub against the leather.
• Apply a moisturizing lotion or balm to the affected area. This will keep your skin soft and supple, which is important for preventing further irritation.
• If you have bunions, try wearing a bunion splint or guard at night to help reduce pain and pressure.
• Try an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen if you’re in serious pain. But always check with your doctor before taking any medication![3]

FAQ

How long does it take to stretch suede shoes?

The amount of time it takes to properly stretch suede shoes will depend on the size of the shoe and the amount of stretching desired. If you’re looking for a quick fix, there are ways to do that, but if you want a long-term solution, expect to spend some time working up to your desired fit. It may take several days of stretching, wearing, and resting to obtain the perfect fit.

How can I stretch my suede shoes?

There are several ways you can stretch suede shoes: using a shoe stretcher, engaging in hot/cold water treatments, stuffing wet newspaper inside the shoe or by simply wearing them until they have stretched to size. Each of these techniques has its pros and cons, so it’s important to research the best option for you before beginning.

Can you stretch shoes to a full size?

Yes! While you may not be able to stretch a shoe to an exact size, it is possible to make your shoes larger by up to a full size. To achieve this, you’ll need to use one of the stretching techniques mentioned above and apply it consistently over time. It’s important to note that each pair of shoes will have different stretching capabilities, so experimenting with different techniques before committing to a long-term solution is recommended.

Useful Video: Stretching Suede Boots with a Hairdryer

Conclusion

We hope that this article has given you the information and tips you need to stretch your suede boots. Remember to be gentle with the leather and take your time to ensure it’s done correctly. There’s nothing worse than ruining a new pair of shoes! If all else fails, enlist the help of a professional cobbler who can do the job for you.

Whatever method you choose, your feet will thank you when your boots fit perfectly and are comfortable to wear! Good luck with stretching your suede boots!

References

1. https://essential.construction/news/how-to-stretch-suede-shoes-wider-5-helpful-methods/
2. https://rmkshoes.com/stretch-suede-shoes/
3. https://sewingiscool.com/can-you-stretch-suede-how-to/