How to Stretch Elastic in Shoes

Second-guessing your choice of buying new shoes? Does the elastic feel tight? Is your newly bought pair of shoes lined with elastic giving you a hard time? If they are, then there is no need to worry or panic. In this article, I’ll tell you 4 Ways How to Stretch Elastic in Shoes that are simple and easy to do.

Elastic in shoes often takes plenty of time to stretch. And in the meantime, our feet get blisters and we have sore feet. All we need to do is to practice these simple techniques. And make our shoes comfortable for wearing from the start, with the help of simple things that we can find in our house.

Now you can choose any of the following four hacks to stretch the elastic in your shoes. And your shoes will fit you perfectly. Not only are these simple techniques, but they are also doable for all kinds of different shoes.

Step 1: Freezing your shoes

Water expands when it freezes. This simple physic can stretch the elastic to the size that fits your feet exactly how you want it to. And save your new shoes.

All you need to do is:

  1. Take two zip log bags.
  2. Fill them both half with water. You can always add a little more if you think the water doesn’t reach the area you need to stretch the elastic off.
  3. Cover both pairs of shoes in a plastic bag.
  4. Put them in the freezer.

This method requires at least 4 to 8 hours before you can take out the shoes from the freezer. So, you can easily leave it overnight. After taking the shoes out of the freezer, leave them for a minute or two, to get the ice a little melted, making it easier for you to take out the zip log bags. Take out the zip log bags filled with ice blocks and wear your shoes to see if the elastic stretched is enough. If you want the elastic to stretch more, you can try this method again.

Step 2: Cutting the Elastic

This is a very effective method for shoes that have elastic backs. Now, shoes that have elastic backs and do not fit you properly can give you cuts at the back. Making it very difficult to walk properly and get through the day. This technique can stretch and loosen them enough to make you comfortable all the while not ruining the style of your shoe.

What you need to do:

  1. Find all these supplies! These things are easily available from any store. I use the Seam ripper to rip stitches; it’s very sharp, so you need to be careful about not getting cut. You can use any adhesive as long as it’s strong because you need it to glue the shoe back. Craft clamps are much better compared to clothespin but you can use either.
  2. Carefully find the seam of the shoe and rip a few stitches (an inch will be fine) enough to cut the elastic. These stitches are present between the inner and outer parts of the shoe. If there is a seam in the back, then it’s much better to use the side seams of the shoe.
  3. When you’re able to see the elastic, use the seam ripper to cut the elastic in two. Repeat the same procedure on the other side of the show.

You don’t have to worry that by cutting the elastic, you’re ruining the shape of the shoe. It won’t because you haven’t cut all the stitches. The elastic will maintain the shape. Doing this will only loosen up the elastic of the shoe.

  1. Now that you’ve cut the elastic, you need a strong craft adhesive (Gorilla Glue or E-6000 also works) to glue both the outer and inner layers of the shoe. To do this, you need to use that strong shoe adhesive. Squeeze enough glue in the slit to stick them together.
  2. After putting the glue, spread it evenly. Join both layers with craft clamps or clothespin and leave them to dry off.

Step 3: Using a Hairdryer

Just like how freezing helps in expanding, heating also helps to expand elastic in shoes. But it’s important to give the right amount of heat to the elastic otherwise it will overstretch.

What you need to do:

  1. Take one piece of cloth and stuff it in the shoe to stretch the elastic as far as it can go.
  2. Cover the elastic part of the show with a damp cloth.
  3. Turn on the hairdryer to maximum heat.
  4. Turn off the hairdryer after 20 seconds and remove the cloth put inside the shoe to check how much the elastic has stretched.

If the elastic hasn’t stretched as much as needed, then you can repeat this method until you achieve a satisfactory size.

Step 4: Using Thick Socks

Are you afraid of damping your shoes, freezing, or gluing them wrong? If you are, then you can do this simple technique that requires nothing but a pair or two of the thick sock and a hairdryer.

What you’ll need to do:

  1. Wear your thick socks and if you’ve got two, then wear two. The more the merrier.
  2. Wear your shoes.
  3. Walk around a little.
  4. Turn on your hairdryer and put the dryer on medium heat.
  5. Aim for the elastic part of the shoes
  6. Do this for 20 seconds. Your feet might feel hot so you can walk around a little.

After doing this you can take off your socks, wear your shoes and Voila! Now you know 4 very different ways on how to stretch elastic in shoes. You can try any of these four hacks that seem best suitable for your shoe and next time when you buy a shoe whether it is online or at a store you won’t have a thing to worry about.

 

If you found this article helpful, give us your feedback below in the comment box.

Good Luck?

Team – ShoesImpact

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