Stretching shoes with ice

[athingthateveryoneneeds]

I bought a pair of suede/leather slip ons from Aldi of all places (not dissimilar in shape to a £50 pair in Schuh) but they are a bit tight so I've popped them in the freezer with a baggie of water inside them.

I've never tried this before. Anyone here been successful? They are only a bit snug.

I've not done this but I've heard stuffing the toe with a large potato and leaving for a few days helps to stretch

I'll try the potato next!

I hadn't thought of ice. I was told to scrunch up ripped newspaper, wet it and shove it into the shoe so that it was tightly packed, but I've not tried it.

I’ve managed to slightly stretch an only just too tight pair of heels by wearing them around the house with a thick pair of socks on (eg slipper socks) . Haven’t tried the ice but interesting idea!

I stretched a pair of pointy-toed booties in the freezer. I double-bagged the water and wrapped it in kitchen towel in case it sprang a leak. (One bag did leak a bit and got frozen to the inside of the shoe but never mind.) If you point the shoe down it keeps the water in the toe so it's not just sloshing around anywhere. Worked perfectly.

You can also lightly moisten the inside of the shoe (if there's no chance it will soak through and show on the other side) with an equal mix of water and isopropyl alcohol to make it easier to stretch.

Two pairs of socks, put the shoes on and use a hairdryer to warm up the shoe (not too hot or too close so you don’t damage them). Walk around in the shoe and don’t remove until they’re cool. If they’re particularly stubborn and/or patent leather you might need to repeat. Voila shoes molded to your feet!

Joining thread for tips - I am cursed with wide feet and a new pair of shoes usually involves a lengthy and painful battle between my toes and the shoe before they're comfortable.