Q: I have a closet full of beautiful shoes but they hurt my feet! One pair in particular are Proenza Schouler that are really tight. Is there anything that can be done to save my shoes?
A: Wow, I really hate when that happens! And I think we all have been there at one time or another. But, buck up little trooper, this is a very solvable situation. The trick that has worked for me, and has yet to fail me, is to wet your feet and wear them with your feet wet. The thing about leather is that is a stretchable material and it stretches with water. When you wet your feet, you not only stretch the leather but you’re molding the shoe to your actual foot. So, its like getting a custom fit shoe. I do this when I'm going to be around the house because its kind of weird to out and about with your toes squishing. :) I was also advised that if you heat the shoes, like with a hair dryer, and then put your wet tootsies in speeds up the process. (Thanks for the tip @RPMindy) If this concept seems to weird for your taste, you could try using shoe forms to do the stretching for you. I have yet to go that route since I personally have no qualms about the squishy noise of wet toes in my shoes. ;)
Thanks to @TheSwelleLife for today’s Shoemergency. I hope this helps!
FYI- The shoes pictured here are the 'OI9600' by Proenza Schouler
6 comments:
i also had the same issue. i ended up giving away the shoe to my sister. one tip though to prevent further accumulation of tight shoes is to buy the shoes in your width. good fit is the key. as for me, even though i really really like the design but it doesn't feel good on the first fitting encounter, i don't buy the shoe.
Thanks! That's a good point and suggestion. :)
I've been given the suggestion that you can also buy a Shoe Stretcher - http://www.mileskimball.com/MilesKimball/Shopping/ProductDetail.aspx?TID=_MilesKimball&CID=MKHealthandBeauty&SCID=MKFootCare&CollectionID=DC0000388&SourceCode=10509000001&mr:trackingCode=A61375E3-DD81-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA
Some people may be squeamish about wetting their feet, so try this idea… When you bring home new leather shoes put on socks and wear them around the house. Try this for a couple of days and they should stretch out nicely for you!
There is a tool you can use to put inside your shoe and it will stretch it out for you. They are usually available in the shoe department of high end department stores or at shoe repair shops. I know I've given mine to a Macy's worker before and they used the stretcher on it, worked perfectly fine. I had purchased the shoes from them though so that might have something to do with why they provided the service. Here's and article on shoe stretchers thats very informative http://bit.ly/dtrueD
Thanks so much for the very helpful tips! We just travelled across the Atlantic to Canada so I didn't have time to try, but I most certainly will when I get back - I am determined to be able to wear those shoes! ♥
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