Shoes Too Tight? Try These 8 Stretching Techniques!

We share some tips on how to stretch your shoes if they are too tight: gentl.mn/how-to-stretch-shoes
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00:00 Stretching Shoes Introduction
Have you ever felt your shoes nipping your toes or pinching your heels? Well, there are ways you can deal with this discomfort by stretching your shoes.
00:14 Are Your Shoes Too Tight?
Even a high-quality pair of leather shoes has the possibility to feel too tight, especially at first. Don’t forget, humans are asymmetric, but shoes are made to be mirror images of each other unless you go bespoke!
01:26 A Quick Disclaimer
Bear in mind, approach any attempt to stretch shoes with caution! There are other methods we’re aware of that include water, steam, rubbing alcohol solutions, and even freezing your shoes!
Leather shoes are not designed to be subjected to large amounts of moisture, let alone potentially stripping the natural properties and colored dye with alcohol solutions.
01:28 Tips to Stretch Your Shoes: 1. Understanding Your Leather
03:44 2. Use A Quality Conditioner
05:08 3. Wear Your Shoes At Night
06:18 4. Wear Thick Socks
07:04 5. Get Creative with Shoe Trees
08:52 5a. Use a Shoe Stretcher
09:57 6. Apply Heat
11:34 7. Know Your Limits
13:13 8. Go To a Professional
We hope you’ve gained some confidence to stretch that pair of shoes that’s been giving you grief! Utilizing one or several of today’s methods, you should be able to enjoy a more comfortable experience in your shoes.
14:57 Outfit Rundown
#shoes #mensshoes #menswear #mensfashion
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[@kevin-jg5nq]

I followed my podiatrist’s advice and started wearing thinner socks and not tying my shoes as tightly. It’s definitely made a difference.

[@benjaminschell2062]

I have this problem right now. Excellent video.

[@fthcm101]

Thanks for the great information!

[@josephthorpe8138]

I have used a shoe stretch spray product that worked incredibly well. I found out about it because my local cobbler uses it

[@davestevens4193]

Drill a hole in the shoe stretcher where you you need to stretch, then apply accessory.

[@gradientO]

I think wearing tight shoes as a kid may be the primary cause of my ingrown toenails

[@silverjohn6037]

Another common problem is trimming the toe nail too close on the sides. Toe nails need to have to be trimmed more "square" than fingernails or the skin can grow can start creeping up.

[@kittytrail]

check CorrectToes and let your feet spread their toes a bit more comfortably in wider shoes. 😉

[@dannythorne9761]

Same my ingrown toe nail is permanent I think I've had it for 2 years and just live with it

[@applejuice9468]

@@kittytrail this is the key 👌

[@nilsbachellery6939]

I used to stretch the heel with a pair of plyers, previously wrapped in a cloth towel. Don't worry that pair of finsbury's is doing just fine and it solved my problem

[@940351579]

Haven't watched the channel in a bit, and dang I'm liking Preston's beard!

[@hoozat007]

Great tips, thanks. I have a pair of good-quality chukka boots I bought a few months ago online. I probably should have gone a half-size larger… they are snug but basically comfortable other than pinching in on the sides of my baby toes a bit. Yesterday I wore them for about 12 hours, the longest period yet, and my feet were getting pretty sore in that area by the end of the day. I will try a couple of your techniques.

[@darksabzero]

The beards fits really well Preston, especially the moustache!

[@TheoTheTimeTravelingMagician]

Wow! Preston with a beard?! Lookin good! Love it!

[@madhattersc4051]

I’ve used isopropyl diluted with water sprayed *inside* the shoe to a point where it is saturated, but not dripping wet. Then use normal shoe stretchers, I’ve used both instep and widening stretchers. It works, but I found it won’t move much more than maybe a half size at best. The best method is the hardest but truest… just wear them and have some bandaids and blister covers at the ready.

[@user-vx5vo3gs2w]

Maybe, the best method is to bye shoes of proper size and width? I do not see any reason to suffer like that (if u r not a masochist)😁

[@616imhotep]

@madhattersc4051 Speaking of bandaids, when breaking in new shoes, once you notice any hot spots (But before any blisters form) cover said spots with bandaids and hold in place with socks while you wear shoes for a few hours of stretching. Illuminating those blisters in the first place makes for a much easier and pleasant shoe-breaking-in process. Good luck.

[@albertvalenzuela9700]

Another thing that doesn't get talked about to much for the protection and longevity of your leather shoes or boots is socks The best socks are made of merino wool It absorbs the moisture from your feet instead of the leather There are many brand you can choose Darn tough, farm to feet, camel city mill , bombas, and many more

[@williamnettleton3413]

Darn tough. First to do life time warranty, highest stitch count per inch, best use of nylon with merino by far.

[@SpamMouse]

Have multiple shoes and rotate them, don't wear the same shoes two days in a row.

[@albertvalenzuela9700]

@@SpamMouse yes that is very true I wold say the minimum of leather footwear should be at least 2 but I thought that was common knowledge for people who buy leather footwear If not thank you for adding more information for people who are beginning that is another important tip

[@albertvalenzuela9700]

@@williamnettleton3413 did not know about the stitch count that is impressive thank you for that information

[@williambarabanitz3858]

Great episode - good humor. I have very wide feet and some structural issues. Any gentlemen have personal experience with you bespoke cobblers in the southwestern Pennsylvania area?

[@peterhess2610]

When I was a kid baseball gloves were made of high grade leathers. They were very stiff when brand new. The Rawlings company were, and still are, the premiere gloves. It was suggested to rub the glove pocket with neatsfoot oil when breaking the glove in. Of course, using the glove as often as possible with the oil was the best way to get the glove soft. I still have my glove I purchased almost fifty years ago. The process of rubbing conditioner in conjunction with stretchers worked well for me. I managed a half size that made a big difference.

[@joanneschoen5389]

You look fantastic It’s wonderful to see that you put so much thought and care into your outfit like I do Now I don’t feel like a freak Thanks for validating my wardrobe habits You are fantastic!

[@CharlesjNWH]

Thanks for the informative video. Preston, the beard looks good on you! Cheers!

[@wanderingstranger8944]

Hey. Random question. How do you guys suggest Nick's as a boot company. I'm already invested in 1 pair from them for work but if I have myself sized to there chart and am happy with the brand. I'm not sure if it be too casual for classic dress if I was to invest in another pair

[@dubinmarks1]

I have spent the last 18 months slowly stretching a size 7.5 john lobb... they are about at a 9... tight but almost wearable for me.

[@ryanorionwotanson4568]

NOT ON THE BBQ! 😂🤣 This is hilarious, and useful. Thanks.

[@gregory2611]

The beard suits you, mate!

[@Camrographer]

I have a pair of Allen Edmonds croc loafers which are narrow in the toe. Do you think croc can stretch? Ps, good choice on the facial hair definitely balances your face out makes you look more distinguished.

[@borisb6423]

Bought a pair of ysl sneakers a few months back and those things are narrow! Made a mistake of wearing them out once had to literally come back home barefoot. Somehow wearing them home does not hurt. Haven’t tried them out since, thinking of making them my indoor shoes though

[@Dallen9]

Preston: The beard works, you'll need to keep trimming the peach fuzz areas but you look sharp with that low trimmed beard. I can see you having a cup of coffee or tea in your finest wears and still look like a proper well groomed Gentleman.

[@iMac9991]

Preston, looking really good with the beard! My tassel loafers from Meermin give me blisters in the heels, hopefully something in this video will help

[@becomingunhuman2106]

The beard looks awesome man! I wear a beard myself, fairly long compared to most and I wear a suit most of the time in my line of work and people often compliment the combination. Thank you for the video! -Jesse

[@butternutsquishy6960]

What about genuine patent leather? Does the heavy finish make them almost like faux leather in the stretchability and conditionability department? Maybe one can wet or condition the leather from the inside/underside and stretch while it dries?

[@PeggyFralinger]

I love this man’s voice

[@MrBurtonshaw]

This is an excellent video. I would say that one should make sure you have broken the shoes in over a good period of wear before doing anything though.... real shoes and calf/good leather does conform eventually.

[@SpamMouse]

Had a great pair of light brown shoes with a highly polished finish, but the heels were too narrow and made wearing them impossible. Left in a half-bucket of water for three days to allow the leather to completely soften then packed out with newspaper and a can of beans in the heel. Left to dry during the summer with packing in place, there was NO staining of the leather or water mark whatsoever. Removed the packing to allow to fully dry inside and out, no marks on the leather and a perfect fit. Don't be scared about taking drastic action.

[@Pommezul]

We need to bring Weston to the show!

[@silverjohn6037]

The best way to break in any pair of leather boots or shoes is to wear them. Leather has a good "memory" as it will crease and stretch and hold those changes better than synthetics. As for soaking in water to stretch them I can speak to doing this with leather (not synthetic) military boots. If they have removable insoles take those out then fill them from the inside with water but only let them sit for a few minutes at most! Once you empty out the water put in some crumpled up paper towels or newspaper pages for fifteen minutes or so to soak up the extra moisture. Remove the paper, return the insoles then you have to use them while the leather is still wet (a half hour or hour walk should do it). Wearing a good pair of wool work socks while doing this would be a good idea as they should protect you from the worst effects of any lingering water.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

My New balances and nikes and vegan dress shoes all have good memory and do stretch... But yes I agree if you are wearing them daily they will break in in a much better way they forcing it to. How ever if it will cause perment injury like what the old jungle boots did to Grand thumb I would strech out the boots first with the means in the video.

[@52Royston]

I have a pair of Loaks black oxfords which are too tight all round, it seems. I have invested in shoe stretchers but I am too scared of overdoing things and tearing the leather. My attempts left the shoes still very tight. I’m going to speak to our one cobbler in town later on today and see what he can do. Strange that I did not think of that myself. Thanks for the tip. BTW the beard looks great. It gives you an extra air of authority.

[@richyclubsport5155]

A lot of Loake leather now comes from India, unlike the UK sourced leather they used to use, I've noted how much harder and less flexible they are now, I bought a pair of Loake Loxley from the factory shop in November, ended up taking to my cobbler to stretch after trying other methods like Saphir conditioners and wearing with thick socks, they just wouldn't give, my cobbler opinion of modern Loake wasn't exactly flattering.

[@Rocky_Anunnaki]

🔥Keep on Rocking and Rolling🔥

[@westfieldartworks8188]

" Edward Green, "....ahhh, thank you. I was trying to remember the name of that shoe and that company. Thanks for the video.

[@MrAllenm94]

I use shoe trees because I hate creases in my shoes, as well as keeping the shape of the shoes

[@BrianLannoye]

The beard is looking good Preston!

[@mjperfume1523]

I have 2 different size feet , left foot is larger so my toe hits the end of my shoe and it it’s painful for my big toe!

[@zevgoldman6769]

Please don't use the term genuine leather when describing leather products. It only means lowest level of leather quality. Full grain is what we seek in quality leather products.

[@ShutUpBubi]

Perfect timing as I humbly try to break in my Iron Rangers

[@idcook]

I've used shoe tree style stretchers for 24 hours to good effect for a half size increase.

[@jobmclaren4150]

Love the snippets from the Belvedere Bash featured!!

[@liangeloball3647]

The beard looks great Preston! very dapper!

[@Slaweniskadela]

The beard is great! :)

[@DenisZaharenko]

If Preston keeps growing that beard there's not gonna be any women left for us! 🔥

[@Klingsohr]

Do you have tips for the opposite case? So, for when the shoes are a little bit too wide? This can be particularly annoying for me that love wearing loafers and have very narrow feet

[@williamnettleton3413]

Very easy to do. "Fitting inserts" come in sets of 7 inserts and stack together to fill up volume. Tongue pads, heel grips, forefoot pads and more can be used. I can very easily make a shoe smaller, I cannot make it bigger. I am against saying a shoe will break in, that is just cover for bad fit imo. Get the correct size and pass on shoes that do not fit right. Slip ons will never fit right, you cannot make it snug without it feeling tight in one spot. It leads to sore achy feet because it is snug and tight.

[@markanstrom2981]

I'm in the same boat. I take a 10 A. I can only imagine what it's like to have a pair of shoes pinch. I routinely wear insoles with cowboy boots. But with dress shoes, I find they raise my heel up too much and now the heel feels loose and awkward. The only solution I've found is to build my wardrobe around the few pairs of shoes that *do* come in my size, which means huge swaths of casual menswear are simply off-limits for me.

[@dubinmarks1]

So you "CAN" shrink shoes.... this difficulty is on the list of risky things to do to your poor shoes that he recommends not trying. I have done it with excessive steam, a old iron with a damp towel over the leather.... It is possible but difficult

[@combatarts192]

@@williamnettleton3413Hey could you elaborate on fitting inserts. I can’t find any with a set of 7 or anything of the sort.

[@Reverend_Salem]

​@@markanstrom2981 Also, heavy wool socks can help, especially if you can find them in black or navy. (if not, just wear them under dress socks.)

[@georgebalogh6409]

KUDOES to Gentleman's Gazette! An outstanding video for content, aesthetics and subtle, dry humour. You deserve recognition. How about entry to the Sundance Film Festival's short film festival!!!!!

[@gentlemansgazette]

Tell us more

[@AssyMcgeeKicksAce]

My dad always put my new baseball mitts in the oven lol, always seemed to work well

[@janerkenbrack3373]

I've used a professional to stretch some shoes, and I've done the double sock method as well. The walk around the house is really just a part of the break in of new shoes, and is typically done anyway. The freezing method you alluded to but did not cover sounds interesting. This is based on water expanding when it freezes. Put a good quality zip lock baggie into your shoes, tucked all the way into the toes. Fill with water to the instep, and put them in the freezer. What should happen is the water expands and stretches the leather. I've never tried this, because it sounds like a high risk adventure.

[@MedievalSolutions]

I think water expands too much, it could just rip the shoes.

[@janerkenbrack3373]

@@MedievalSolutions Like I said, a high risk adventure.

[@Reverend_Salem]

​@@MedievalSolutions it may depend on the shoe and how much space you leave for the ice to expand.

[@michaelmongillo1237]

Trying to find these. And forgot a pair for boots

[@austinsilbernagel3664]

That beard is awesome!!

[@ryanorionwotanson4568]

A goat would look way better

[@austinsilbernagel3664]

@@ryanorionwotanson4568 what do you mean by that? Are you saying a goat looks better than Preston?

[@ryanorionwotanson4568]

@@austinsilbernagel3664 lol, no. A goatee instead of the beard... 🤣

[@austinsilbernagel3664]

@@ryanorionwotanson4568 oh hahaha lollllll

[@ryanorionwotanson4568]

@@austinsilbernagel3664 yup. 💪🏻😂

[@dgale1023]

The beard is great, looks good on ya. Oh yeah shoes, just had to put in my .02

[@sptownsend999]

Well, since you asked, Preston, I think your beard hides your devilishly handsome jawline 😜 However, I *do* think you ought to keep the moustache, and wear it with wax as a handlebar! I have tall arches and a tall instep, and my left foot is half a size longer but a full size narrower than my right. My solution is to find the smallest size and width that tolerably fits, and then whittle down an oversize pair of shoe trees to apply a stretch wherever I need them to!

[@ryanorionwotanson4568]

A goatee would work well I think

[@narsilify]

Preston's beard is fantastic

[@elfurrohetero3518]

I prefer the beardn't Preston. I like love vintage look

[@stephenlim3779]

I think I will go to the professional for my pair of Allen Edmonds.

[@HARLOWETV]

Vegan leather or pvc stretch well with heat!

[@peterbalogh4733]

Love the beard, keep it growing! 😊

[@YouTubeHandlerz]

Preston, are you observing NoShaveber 😅

[@chocothemagnificent1019]

Trim the beard to a goatee and let the mustache get longer. It'll give you that Freudian sophistication :)

[@TheoTheTimeTravelingMagician]

Weston! 😂😂😂

[@mjperfume1523]

I tried the freezer suggestion , the shoe is not leather, but cheap material!!!

[@volkang.5745]

Solution -> Wide toebox business shoes 😉

[@dgale1023]

thats what I normally wear but I cant find them in many shoes. I can find eee for width but the toe box wont help for me unless its very wide

[@volkang.5745]

@@dgale1023 I know your dilema, I have a pair or Bär Shoes from Germany (Model Jaden -》 Chukka boots) what I wear as my office business shoes as a compromise. There is also okay looking Chukka boot from Vivobarefoot, what can be used as alternative. I think in mid-term alot of shoe manufacturers will jump on the hype train and offer nice looking solutions for our issues 🙂

[@PeterKudinov]

Don't forget about Saphir SHOE-EZE

[@elfurrohetero3518]

0:41 That Preston is more like Prestonotsrep

[@kiwiplum4081]

My toes hurt 😢

[@Erik_Swiger]

I just bought new socks, and embarassingly, the old ones are threadbare. What can I say, I'm a skinflint. But wearing new socks feels like magic; all my shoes are new again. I know better, that I should replace my socks more often. haha

[@jeffreysheldon7433]

Why is David Hyde Pierce doing show stretching videos?

[@amb7412]

Love the look and apparel. Thanks for the shoe tips.

[@ZoomZoom-ng6sn]

Fried or baked shoes. LOL

[@luismoreira792]

Yep....my left foot is bigger ...

[@franky3fingers337]

Honestly. If your shoes are too small move it along. Get new shoes. Don’t end up with planter fasciitis or an irreversible Haglund’s deformity because you tried to force a shoe to fit. My two cents.

[@eyeheartsushi2212]

Concur.

[@janethill4365]

I just adore a real gentleman. Seems a vanishing species, unfortunately.

[@tiredoftrolls2629]

Snazzy dressed as always.

[@jimc4731]

Grow the beard a little longer! JIM❤

[@MarcelGomesPan]

I think the beard suits you. 👍

[@BrokenBones1982]

Weston, keep the beard.

[@Sharperthanu1]

Also not all shoes are made of leather

[@Ludwig1954]

Thick natural wool socks are a hood starting point. But just wearing them at night etc. will take ages. step 1: put on very thin ladies socks (the pantyhose type) step 2: put on thick, natural wool hiking socks (the type grandma used to knit or you had in the army). step 3: prepare a bucket of warm water, 30 - 35 C will do. step 4: Let your feet and socks soak in the water until the water feels the same temp. as your feet. step 5: press excess water from the socks - yes, while still wearing them - until they do not dribble water off anymore. Step 5: put on your shoes, stroll around until your feet are dry. If necessary, repeat. Your shoes will slowly disperse all moisture in the process, the moisture just softening the leather enough for it to adapt to your foot.

[@guldenaydin9918]

⚘️

[@mikehoare6093]

everybody who served the army knows, you have to urinate into your shoes !

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

3:27 That's very odd to say given all shoes have break in periods like my wisbang nikes which are 100% synthetic which took 100k steps or so to break in... Which why are you buying shoes that don't fit then forcing them to break in to fit anyway?

[@edennis8578]

There are several reasons why. Maybe the person has feet that are slightly different widths. Maybe they felt fine in the store but felt a little snug afterward. Maybe the person has wide feet and can't find shoes in that width. This problem is a lot more common than you might think. My father-in-law had size 8EEEE. My son has the same size. My husband has size 10EEE and usually has to settle for a size 13 to get the width, and very few shoes will work even then. Maybe the person's feet swell more than usual during the day and they decide they want their shoes to fit when their feet are the biggest - can't blame them.

[@edennis8578]

PS You asked why anyone would buy shoes that need breaking in, but you did. Btw, synthetic shoes should fit right out of the box, because they don't usually "break in." That's why yours took so long to break in. I'm kind of surprised they did.

[@SoulSloth147]

I just use barefoot/minimalist shoes, the only thing in my wardrobe that's not 'smart'.

[@MisterKnightly]

Keep the beard!

[@sweetnsourify]

Bump that. I get barefoot shoes.

[@Jesus420.69]

This guy needs to get real drip. Take him for a pair of AF1’s and get him a skin fade

[@ExposingGnosticism]

Shave the beard man. Don’t know what these guys are saying

[@mackeyboy5442]

Please get to the point! 2 minutes of rambling is too much!