Shoe width modification

[Jingo Mastapone]

Is it possible to have shoes widened by putting the uppers on new, wider soles?

 

[Nick D]

I think that if the shoes don't fit after being on the stretcher, it may be better to get a new pair of shoes.

 

[Jingo Mastapone]

Yes, but old spectators are a bit of a bitch to find. Tell me more about this stretcher, will you?

 

[Mike in Seattle]

I would imagine that putting shoe uppers that were originally on a narrower sole would make the shoes flatter & therefore tighter than the original. Why not contact Allen Edmonds and see what they say. They refurbish their shoes and would be the best authority to listen to.

 

[Nick D]

Yes, but old spectators are a bit of a bitch to find. Tell me more about this stretcher, will you?

It's like a shoe last that expands both in width and length. A shoe repairman should be able to do it for you, and advise on how far they can be stretched. That's what I did with a pair of shoes that was a bit too narrow, since I don't own a stretcher myself.

 

[Tomasso]

Why not contact Allen Edmonds and see what they say. They refurbish their shoes and would be the best authority to listen to.

I vaguely recall either AE or Alden saying that the width could be taken in during refurbishment but not let out.

 

[Qirrel]

Any cobbler should be able to stretch your shoes for a small fee. I often do it with vintage shoes, and have had good results.

 

[Miss Scarlet]

A little trick I did with my other half's shoes, which were one size too small, is I put some water in a sandwich bag type thing, tied it up, put it in the shoes and put the shoes in the freezer. It stretched it out a full size and the shoes now fit his feet perfectly. It's cheaper than going to the cobblers and didn't ruin his shoes a bit.

 

[swinggal]

I tell you what I do, a wet a pair of thin socks and wear the shoes ar ound the house until the socks are dry. Stretches the leather a full size or more depending on the thickness of the socks. The added advantage is that the leather also moulds to the shape of your foot

Give that a try. My shoes were so tight they were unbearable, now I wear them heaps. You have to but up with some pain while you are in the bstrtching process ;0

 

[Jingo Mastapone]

Well swinggal, you're the ming, gal. I tried your method on my boat shoes with a thick pair of socks and it seems to have worked like a charm! The width is perfectly comfortable now. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Bruce Wayne]

http://www.fiebing.com/Boot_Care.aspx

12th item down. I use it on leather sweatbands on hats when they need a slight adjustment.