Stretching shoes in the freezer using ice

[MrsMS]

Has anyone tried this?
I've got a pair of lovely suede boots that I've never worn because they pinch just a bit too much around the toes (the next size up was baggy and loose) Have tried the stretching spray but it didn't do much.

I've never heard of this method. I've heard heating the tight area and stretch it back and forth but I guess it may work on some rather thinner leathers only.

I think warming would work better to be honest. I had a pair of suede ones and I bought a stretching device on amazon (I only needed to stretch one as I have a big left foot). The device worked best when I kept it in for a week in the airing cupboard.

Yes, I did this once! I swabbed the inside with alcohol/water (50/50) first (that helps them stretch) but if they are suede (esp a light colour) you could skip that bit. Make sure the bag with the water in is dry and very robust and maybe double-bag it. Partially fill with water, leaving space in the bag and removing the air. I may have wrapped the bag in a cone of newspaper, just to take care of drips.

I tucked the corner of the bag (full of water) down into the toe of the shoe and pointed the toe down in the freezer. I was sceptical but in the morning sure enough the ice was wedged very firmly into the shoe and they felt a bit bigger. I had been considering returning the shoes as they were so snug but they're comfy and I wear them with no problems now.

It may not work if the toe is reinforced inside but if it is just leather you might see an improvement.

Good luck!

Oh brilliant thread.. I was just putting divine pair of burgundy patent block heeled loafers into recycling as they pinch at outside toe joints.. Base of little toes..

Will try this first

I usually blast the tight bit with a hairdryer and then wear the shoes with thick socks and walk about. It really helps soften and stretch the leather. I don’t see how freezing would help, doesn’t it cause the material to contract?

Ooh thanks trainedopossum, great advice! They are indeed a light-colored suede so I'll save the alcohol for myself! Will give it a try tonight! X

I’ve recently done this to some lightweight Gabor trainers which hadn’t responded to Timpsons’ stretchers. I used small plastic water bottles filled to the top with water and crammed into the shoes - the bottles were the right length, and lifted the widest part of the shoes the right amount to give extra width. I left them about 8 hours in the freezer. I don’t know why it worked but it did, beautifully.

Freezing causes water to expand so it is supposed to stretch the shoes that way.
I’d buy a set of shoe stretchers personally and use those. I’ve got a set which have knobbly bits you can stick on to stretch them in particular places. Much more controllable!

I have done this but with Leather Court Shoes

Freezer bags stuffed in the front
Frozen overnight
Also then blasted. With hairdryer and straight after manipulated the inside at the toe end with a wooden sooon handle to kind of " ease out" the leather whilst warm

Then straight after rammed my feet into them whilst wearing thick slipper socks

All combined these things definitely worked

I agree with previous pps suggesting heat. I've successfully stretched shoes by putting them on with really thick fluffy socks then blasting with a hairdryer until really hot, then walking around the house in the shoes until they cool down.