Have you stretched shoes successfully?

[IDugUpADiamond]

I have new leather shoes that are a tiny tiny bit tight around the toe area. A bigger size would simply be way too big and they don't do half sizes. These shoes are otherwise perfect if I could just get the toe area to be a bit loser. Like I said, they are leather and the lining is also leather. I'd love to hear from your tried and tested methods please. Thanks!

Google boot softening broom handle method. Tberes a vid done by a fireman which shows how to loosen the tight bits. It worked wonders on my tight over the top dr martens.

Yes I have! I invested in a pair of wooden shoe stretchers and they've been really useful. They're not expensive - I think I got them on Amazon.

Found the website, cant do links but its called firehouseboots.com.

Put on some wet socks. Put on shoes. Walk around house (do not recommend going outside in cold weather unless you want your shoes to freeze to your feet!). They should stretch to your foot shape.

I've done: boot stretcher spray plus hard object that fits tightly into the bit that needs stretching.

Ugh, I've clocked up a few I need to do. I'm a straight up 4 1/2 and you can't get them anymore which is really annoying. I also have a prominent bone on the top of my foot that means I can get some boots on, but can't get them off again. That's a bit inconvenient.

Yes, I have with those wooden shoe stretcher things you can get out of the little mags that come in the weekend papers. Don't bother with Clarks stretchers they are no better & much more £££.
Sometimes it helps to moisten them a bit if the leather is thick. You should have no problem if the shoe & lining are leather.

I'm a 4 1/2 too. You can still get some styles from K & Clarks & M&S plus a few others.

A variant on Gremlin and lookatmybutt's suggestions:

Get shoe stretching spray, douse the inside of the shoes/boots in it. Punch make a good one. Put on sports socks. Wear the shoes around the house all evening. Never fails.

I agree with wearing thick socks in them and wearing around the house.

Heating with a hair dyer, whilst wearing said thick socks also helps them to stretch

Yes my right foot is 1/2 size bigger than left, so do this a lot.

Good shoe stretcher, leave in airing cupboard for a few days.

Thank you all so much. I'll try wet socks and wearing them around the house followed by airing cupboard.

Also - good wooden shoe stretchers also have little plastic nobbles that you can stick on where needed. I put it where my big toe is, so it stretches the leather upwards.

Twinkle, doesn't the shoe end up looking deformed?

No it's nothing you can see from the outside. It just gives the same effect as a bit of wear really.