Shoes too tight? How to break or tear apart leather shoes

Buying a new pair of shoes sometimes has unpleasant consequences in the form of pressure on the foot. This situation occurs especially in the case of leather shoes, both those made of natural and ecological leather. Measuring shoes in the store is usually limited to a few minutes' activity. On the other hand, when buying shoes in online stores, we cannot try them on before finalizing the transaction, because the entire purchasing procedure is based on determining the correct size of the insole. When trying the shoes at home, it turns out that while the size is good, the shape of the shoe does not fully correspond to the foot structure, and as a result we feel discomfort when wearing it.

Fortunately, we know effective ways to gently break shoes so that they get the right size and shape, as a result of which they will become comfortable and you will eliminate unpleasant and painful skin abrasions. Check, how to smash or split leather shoes!

How to break shoes - home remedies

Among the effective methods for dealing with too tight shoes, you will find both professional and home methods that have been successfully used for many generations. Known by our parents, they have survived to this day and are a basic lifeline in the case of uncomfortable or too small shoes.

• A reliable hammer. The first thought in similar situations is to break the shoes with a hammer. This method is good as long as you do it gently, because tapping leather shoes with a hammer inappropriately or too intensely may result in quite a disaster. A hammer will only be useful for breaking and softening the edges of the shoe that are too sharp or poorly arranged. Under no circumstances should you try to use this method on other parts of the shoe!

• A warm stream of air from the dryer. Warm air will soften the skin, making it more plastic and easier to adapt to the shape of the foot. After the shoe warms up, put it on your foot and try to walk it in until it cools down. You can repeat the action if necessary. It should be emphasized that the hot stream should be directed only to the inside of the shoe, never directly to the outer parts of the leather.

• Shoes from the freezer. Yes, this is also an effective way to break out too tight shoes! Just pour water into the bags and place them inside your shoes. Then you need to put the shoes in the freezer and leave them for about 24 hours. Freezing water will increase its volume and, therefore, the size of your shoes.

• Shoes falling apart. One of the most popular and at the same time most frequently used methods is the traditional opening of shoes that are too small. Gently wet your thick socks, put them on your feet, then put your feet in your shoes and walk around the house while doing your daily chores. The action should be repeated until successful, but it is worth noting that the effects should appear quite quickly.

How to break leather shoes – professional methods

In addition to the home methods for breaking shoes listed above, we also know more professional methods. They will work well for people who are afraid of struggling with too tight shoes on their own and prefer to use the knowledge of specialists.

• Preparations for breaking shoes. You can find them in shoe stores or at a shoemaker. They usually come in the form of an aerosol that you just need to spray on the inside of the shoe. The agent has a softening effect, which makes it easier to break in uncomfortable shoes later. 

• Tree trees. They are useful not only as a gadget that facilitates the storage of leather shoes, but also for enlarging models that are too tight. Depending on the shoe tree used, you can widen or lengthen the shoes, but remember to do it carefully. Improper installation of the shoe tree may result in damage to the shoe. 

• Shoemaker's help. The last of the methods we mention, but not the least important. The decision to take too tight shoes to a shoemaker is sometimes the only right decision. So if you don't want to risk damaging your shoes, especially expensive ones, seek the help of a professional. The shoemaker will use tools to effectively break down too tight shoes, making them more comfortable and comfortable to wear. Importantly, the cost of the service is usually low, which is an additional advantage for the specialist.

Any of the above-mentioned methods will help with tight shoes. Remember, however, that if you decide to break in leather shoes yourself, you must do it very carefully and gently to avoid damage. If you are afraid that the effect may be disproportionate to the amount of work or that you may accidentally destroy your shoes, a much better decision will be to take your shoes to a shoemaker who knows well how to break shoes.