Why Use Shoe Stretchers
There are several reasons one might find a need for shoe stretchers - shoes can shrink; feet can swell; we can land between two sizes; and bunions, corns or other foot imperfections can make our shoes hurt. And when our shoes hurt, life can be pretty miserable.
Luckily, there are shoe stretchers, and they can help alleviate several of these problems and deliver a more comfortable shoe.
Shoe stretchers can expand the width and the length of shoes. For both benefits, in one device, you'll want to be sure to purchase a "two-way" shoe stretcher.
Several shoe stretchers also come with little holes built into them. Plugs inserted into the holes can stretch the shoes in problem spots, like where a corn or a bunion is, or where pinching occurs.
Shoe Stretchers Are Best For ...
Shoe stretchers will work best for suede, leather, and other natural materials. Shoe stretchers don't work as well on vinyl, because the material does not have as much give.
Shoe stretchers are also best suited to breaking in shoes that are barely too tight, or expanding shoes that are close to the right size. If you're looking to stretch a size 7 to a size 9, you want a new shoe, not a shoe stretcher.