Shoe Stretchers: An Easy Way to Make Shoes More Comfortable

Are those cute new shoes you just got a little too tight? Is your closet filled with shoes you love but hardly ever wear because they are uncomfortable? Or do you suffer from corns or bunions and can't wear the shoes that you want because they are too painful?

If any of these situations sound familiar a shoe stretcher may be the answer you have been looking for to stretch out new shoes, make an old pair of shoes more comfortable or accommodate a corn or bunion.

There are a number of reasons why your shoes might be too tight. They can shrink, your feet can swell, you might be between shoes sizes or you could have corns or bunions. No matter what the reason shoes that don't fit right can make your day downright miserable.

Enter the shoe stretcher. These unique devices are designed to stretch shoes either in length, width or both directions depending upon your needs.

A typical shoe stretcher is constructed from two pieces of wood with a steel bar running down the center. The two wooden halves are shaped like a foot and can be adjusted by turning a handle on the steel rod which moves them apart and stretches the shoe.

Some shoe stretchers also come with holes in them that you can put plugs in to create extra room for corns or bunions. These plugs, sometimes known as Orthoplugs, protrude out from the shoe stretcher so you can get extra stretch right where you need it.

There are several different styles of shoe stretchers available. Some stretch width, others length and some stretch both width and length. If you need to stretch your shoes in both directions you will want to look for a two-way shoe stretcher.

One shoe stretcher can work in both the left and right shoe so to stretch a pair you really only need one device. You may find it helpful to buy them in a set, though, so you can stretch both of your shoes at the same time.

There are also specialty shoe stretchers designed to work specifically with women's high heels or with boots. If the tops of your boots are too tight you can also find calf expanders that will help to stretch out the top of the boot to accommodate your calf more comfortably.

Keep in mind that a shoe stretcher will work best on shoes made from natural materials such as leather or suede. Most vinyl or synthetic shoes don't have enough give in the fabric to allow them to stretch well. Also, remember that shoe stretchers won't work miracles. They are best used if your shoes are just a little too tight - not to increase shoe sizes dramatically.

Easy to use and relatively inexpensive, a shoe stretcher might be the perfect answer for you when it comes to having shoes that are comfortable and easy to wear.