Tips to enlarge or widen your shoes easily

Don't panic! There are simple tricks you can use to stretch your shoes and give them the perfect fit.

How do I know if my shoes are too small?

To find out if your shoes are too small, here are a few tips:

1. Check the space in the toe area: there should be about the width of a finger between your longest toe and the end of the shoe.

2. Insert a finger in the back of the shoe: There should be just enough space for your finger to fit comfortably between your heel and the heel of the shoe.

3. Walk around in the shoes a little: If you feel excessive pressure on your toes or have difficulty moving comfortably, the shoes are probably too small.

Enlarge leather shoes

Wearing shoes in the evening

The skin naturally relaxes with the heat and activities of the day. Taking advantage of this natural characteristic by wearing your leather shoes in the evening can help them gradually adapt to the shape of your feet.

Thick socks and a hairdryer

One effective method is to wear thick socks and then heat the tight areas with a hairdryer. The heat will make the leather more malleable, allowing the shoe to relax and expand.

Use of sprays and treatments to soften leather

There are products specifically designed to soften leather and make shoes easier to enlarge. These products often contain substances that moisturise and relax the leather. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and test the product on a small, inconspicuous area to avoid staining or damaging your shoes. Natural oils such as jojoba, coconut or avocado oil are also excellent for softening leather. Apply several coats of oil to leather shoes and leave them to dry between each coat.

Use of adjustable shoe trees

Shoe trees are tools designed to maintain the shape of your shoes and can also be used to make them slightly larger. By choosing an adjustable shoe tree, you can stretch your leather shoes with precision.

Professional adjustment

To enlarge shoes, a shoemaker can use a number of techniques, such as :

1. Mechanical stretching: this is a specialised stretching device used to gently stretch shoes in certain areas where they are too tight. This device is often used to widen the width or length of shoes.

2. Use of softening products : Professionals use special softening products to make leather more supple.

Enlarging fabric shoes

Resealable bag with frozen water

A clever method for enlarging canvas or fabric shoes is to fill a resealable bag with water, place it inside the shoe and then freeze it. The water will expand as it freezes, stretching the shoe.

Use of logs

Moistening newspapers and packing them into shoes can also help to stretch them. As they dry, the newspapers will swell and push the sides of the shoe outwards.

Rubbing alcohol

Applying rubbing alcohol to tight areas of the shoe can relax them. However, this method requires a certain amount of care to avoid staining or damaging the fabric.

How do I know my shoe size?

To choose the shoe size that's right for you, start by getting a tape measure and a flat wall.

Measure the length of your feet by following these steps:

1. Place the tape measure flat on the floor, with the zero against the wall.

2. Press your heel against the wall with your toes pointing forward, without pressing too hard.

3. Measure the distance from the wall to the end of your longest toe.

Repeat this step for both feet and record the measurements.

Next, measure the width of your feet by following these steps:

1. Place the tape measure horizontally in front of you on the floor.

2. Place the foot on the tape measure, with the widest part of the foot in front.

3. Measure the distance from one side of the foot to the other.

Once you have your length and width measurements, refer to the shoe size charts to determine the size that suits you best. Bear in mind that the difference between men's and women's shoe sizes is usually 1.5 sizes.

What type of shoe is right for my feet?

The diversity of foot shapes and sizes

By understanding your foot shape, you can choose shoes that offer better support and comfort, while avoiding problems such as bunions, hammertoes and back pain.

The length, shape and alignment of your toes largely dictate the type of foot you have. Studies suggest that there are at least 9 different types of foot. Among the most common are Egyptian, Roman and peasant feet.

Egyptian feet

These types of feet often have a longer big toe and smaller toes that slope downwards at a 45-degree angle. Most shoes are suitable for this foot shape because of the careful angle of the toes, although people with this foot type are often prone to bunions.

Greek feet

Greek feet are characterised by a second toe that is larger than the others, which may require adapted footwear to prevent the toe from bending or taking on a hammer shape.

Roman feet

Roman feet, on the other hand, often have similar-sized toes, with the three largest toes the same height and the two smallest downhill. They are prone to painful hammertoes.

Peasant feet

Peasant feet are similar to Roman feet but often belong to people with smaller, flatter feet overall, which can lead to poor posture and back pain.

Other foot types, such as German, Celtic, square, stretched and simian feet, also have unique characteristics that influence the choice of footwear.

Tips for choosing the right footwear

Buying shoes at the end of the day

Feet tend to swell as the day goes on, so it's best to try on shoes at the end of the day to ensure a comfortable fit.

Focus on fit, not just size

Shoe sizes can vary between brands and styles, so fit is more important than size. Shoes should fit comfortably, but not too tightly.

Choosing the right shape

Pointed shoes can compress the toes, so opt for a square or round last, which offers more space and prevents compression of the toes.

Avoid excessively high heels

Heels that are too high can put excessive pressure on the front of the foot, causing discomfort.

Ensure there is enough space in front of the foot

There should be about 1cm of space between your longest toe and the end of the shoe to avoid problems such as hammertoes.