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How Do I Choose the Best Shoe Stretcher?

Cindy Quarters
Cindy Quarters

A shoe stretcher is a device that fits into your shoes and pushes against them to create more room inside the shoe. While it works well if the shoe is just a little bit too tight, trying to stretch a shoe too much can result in damage to the shoe. To choose the best device for your needs, look for one that is designed for the type of shoes you wear, is adjustable, and that has the extra features that allow you to accommodate any foot irregularities you might have.

Most often a shoe stretcher will be designed for either men’s or women’s shoes. The overall shape of shoes is typically related to whether they are designed for men or women, so if you wish to adjust women’s shoes buy the shoe stretcher for women, and the same for men’s shoes. This provides the best adjustment for each type, especially through the toe area.

Some shoe stretchers are made specifically to protect bunions.
Some shoe stretchers are made specifically to protect bunions.

Deciding whether to buy a plastic or a wooden shoe stretcher involves personal taste to some extent; wooden inserts may be of higher quality than their plastic counterparts, though this may not always be true. Look closely at the quality of the materials used and how the parts are held together. Since the pieces will be under a lot of strain when they are in use, you are better off choosing those devices made of sturdy materials that will be able to withstand repeated use.

Stretching a shoe too much can cause damage to the shoe.
Stretching a shoe too much can cause damage to the shoe.

While it is possible to buy a single shoe stretcher, it is best to buy them in pairs so you can stretch both of your shoes at the same time, which helps to keep them looking and feeling even. In most cases you should also look for stretchers that have a wide heel piece to avoid putting undue strain on a small area of the heel. A very small fitting may push overly hard on the heel seam, causing the stitching to loosen or even to come apart, or it may make uneven dents in the heel of the shoe.

A shoe stretcher can be used to help break in new shoes.
A shoe stretcher can be used to help break in new shoes.

An adjustable shoe stretcher allows you to control the length and width of the device, which lets you determine just how much change you will make. While most times you can set the length, not all shoe stretchers allow for much variation in the width. One that lets you make adjustments in both directions is usually a better choice than one that is very limited in scope.

For shoes that rub or irritate the toes, a stretcher that allows adjustments to both width and length should be used.
For shoes that rub or irritate the toes, a stretcher that allows adjustments to both width and length should be used.

Another important consideration for many people is accessories that allow the shoe stretcher to make room for problems such as bunions and corns. These conditions can be very painful, and the constant rubbing and pressure caused by shoes can make walking a chore and cause even more pain, broken or irritated skin, or other types of discomfort. The best shoe stretcher will have holes in many places on the surface, and will come with wooden or plastic bunion bumps that fit into these holes. These bumps push the shoe out in a specific area, creating a much more comfortable fit for people with foot irregularities.

Discussion Comments

mobilian33

When you buy a new pair of shoes wear them for short periods until your feet have a chance to adjust to them and break them in. The natural pressure from your feet will do a lot of the stretching. If after a few weeks they are still not stretched the way you need them, that's when you should get the shoe stretcher. This way you don' risk over stretching and ruining the shoes

Animandel

People are always telling me that I should buy the right size shoes, so I don't need a shoe stretcher. However, anyone with small wide feet know that this is often not possible to do. My foot is small and wide, so when I get the right length I have little chance of getting a wide enough shoe.

I have found some shoe stretchers that have done a good job, but I usually lose the attachments or they simply break after a while. If you are a novice with shoe stretchers then I suggest who find one that comes with its own storage bag, so you can keep up with the attachments. They have a way of getting misplaced, or maybe that's just my problem.

Feryll

Have you noticed that most tennis shoes are not designed for the average foot. Most of them narrow at the toes so that the toes are squeezed. Most people's feet need more toe room in the shoes. This is why so many tennis players and athletes who are constantly moving have issues with their feet.

If you have this problem then go to a sporting goods store that has a wide selection of shoes and ask the salesperson about shoes you can buy with wider ends, so that your toes will have more room. You will be surprised how much of a difference this can make. You can still use a shoe stretcher if you need to, but I think you should be able to buy shoes that fit.

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    • Some shoe stretchers are made specifically to protect bunions.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Some shoe stretchers are made specifically to protect bunions.
    • Stretching a shoe too much can cause damage to the shoe.
      By: Sergiy Serdyuk
      Stretching a shoe too much can cause damage to the shoe.
    • A shoe stretcher can be used to help break in new shoes.
      By: Sandor Kacso
      A shoe stretcher can be used to help break in new shoes.
    • For shoes that rub or irritate the toes, a stretcher that allows adjustments to both width and length should be used.
      By: NorGal
      For shoes that rub or irritate the toes, a stretcher that allows adjustments to both width and length should be used.
    • Some shoe stretchers are made specifically for children's shoes.
      By: Monkey Business
      Some shoe stretchers are made specifically for children's shoes.