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There are millions of pairs of shoes out there. But you only have two feet, and they're unique to you. Take the time to be sure the shoes you buy are right for your feet.
Here are ways to change the shoes you already have if they're too tight, plus tips on how to avoid narrow shoes and the problems they can give your feet.
If your shoes are just a little uncomfortable, try wearing them around the house. Sometimes, a few nights of doing this can soften them up to the point they feel good.
Let your feet rest before trying this method, especially if it's hot outside or you've walked a lot that day.
New shoes? Try to walk only on rugs or carpeted surfaces, so you can still return the shoes looking new, if needed.
If the first method doesn't work, this one will add a little extra stretch and help the shoes conform to your feet.
It's a good idea to apply a leather conditioner or moisturizer to the shoes after you've used this method.
This method works best on nonleather shoes.
The water will turn into ice and expand, giving you a custom stretch for your shoes.
Peel a potato and mold it into the shape of your shoe's toe box (front of the shoe). Wipe the potato dry with a paper towel, and stuff it inside your shoe overnight. This method can provide a modest amount of stretch.
Once a specialty item at shoe repair shops, four-way adjustable shoe trees are now available for home use for under $25. Versions are available for both men's and women's shoes.
For a little more money, deluxe versions in cedar or other types of wood and stainless steel can be found.
These devices can help you expand the length and width of a shoe. Specially designed plugs (bunion plugs) can also target problem areas in the top of the toe box.
Turn the adjustment handle of the shoe tree every 8 to 12 hours to keep stretching until you get the desired length and width.
This method can be combined with shoe stretching spray and liquids. It's best for leather shoes and sneakers.
A variety of liquids and sprays to stretch leather, fabric, and even vinyl are available. Spray them on the tight areas and then walk in your shoes.
These products also can be used together with adjustable shoe stretchers to help give your shoes a custom stretch.
Most professional shoe repair shops or cobblers provide stretching services. They have machines and training to alter shoes. Not only can a cobbler stretch your shoes, they can repair and refresh the ones you have to make them last longer overall.
But these shops are becoming harder to find in most areas from lack of interest.
Studies have shown that two-thirds of people wear shoes that are too narrow for their feet.
Tightness can come from a variety of fit problems, including:
If you have any doubt about the comfort and fit of your shoes, it's always best to pass on them. An ill-fitting pair of shoes can end up harming your feet and joints over time. You can always find a better-fitting pair somewhere else.
If your toes don't face straight ahead, seem crammed together, or are overlapping each other, it's likely your shoes are too tight. When shoes fit properly, there's space between each toe, and the toes face straight forward, not turned toward either side.
If your toes are bunched together in your shoes, the shoes are too tight. In addition to stretching your footwear, you need to help your toes to get back to their natural state of separation. Here are some things you can do:
Here are 19 stretches and moves to try to help your feet feel good.
Try to limit the time and distance you wear high heels. While you may think they look great on you, your feet will pay for it in the long term. So be kind to yourself and limit their use.
Your shoes can be too loose or too tight. If they're too loose, you may get blisters where the shoes rub against your skin.
Tight shoes can cause even more problems. They can:
Properly fitting shoes are important for your health and well-being. Never rush a shoe purchase. Always take the time to make sure the shoes you buy are a good fit for you.
If you end up with shoes that are slightly too snug, there are things you can do at home or with the help of a shoemaker to adjust the shoes so they fit you well.