Patent leather shoes, shoes, boots and ankle boots look very impressive and attractive. However, patent leather is a very capricious material that requires special care and use. So, varnish products are not recommended to be worn every day.
To care for such shoes, you can use sprays, polishes and creams that are suitable for this material. These can be products based on lanolin, petroleum jelly, glycerin and various oils. Under no circumstances should you take acetone, gasoline, or various solvents!
To clean patent leather shoes or boots, use a soap solution or milk and a soft cloth or napkin. Do not use brushes or rough sponges! In addition, patent leather should not be dried near radiators, heating devices or in an electric shoe dryer. Drying is carried out in a well-ventilated area at room temperature.
Cracks, scratches, and abrasions often form on varnished surfaces. However, such problems arise after wearing the products. And the main problem that you may encounter after purchasing new shoes is that they are too tight.
In this case, stretching methods can be used. Let's find out if patent leather can be stretched and find out how to do it.
Varnish (varnish) shoes
Patent leather shoes are quite finicky, since the hard walls of the product can put pressure on the foot, contributing to the development of calluses and wounds. That is why this type of shoe should be purchased very carefully so that the product fits exactly in size to your feet.
However, if a mistake is made, and the shoes are tight in length or narrow in width, many people think about the possibility of stretching the pumps at home.
So, let's look at whether this can be done and how.
Of course, shoes made of varnish can be stretched, but not all of them.
It is very important that they are made of genuine, thin leather so that the material is elastic and soft.
Important! You can only stretch patent leather shoes in width, since it is simply impossible to lengthen shoes. But even when stretching a piece of clothing, it is important to be very careful so that the shoes do not lose their shape. Many people prefer to take everything into their own hands and make their shoes more comfortable using the means at hand. For such cases, we present several methods that can help, but remember that the result is not one hundred percent:
- You can quickly stretch patent leather shoes with the help of a friend whose feet are one size larger than yours. Let him walk around in them for a while, after which you will be able to wear your shoes again without any problems;
- Fat cream and hair dryer. This method is very risky, because prolonged exposure to hot air has a detrimental effect on the varnish coating;
- Alcohol, cologne or vinegar. The use of these products can also cause damage to the varnish coating. The idea is to apply one of the indicated products to the inside of the shoe, after which you should put a thick, cotton sock on your foot and walk around in the shoes for a while. Wait until the material is completely dry. Please ensure that there are no wounds or damage on the feet;
- Boiling water or steam. This method should also be used only on the inside of the product. The point of the method is to pour boiling water inside the shoes, or hold it over hot steam for some time. After this, you need to put on your shoes, after putting on warm, thick socks. You should stay in your shoes until all the moisture has completely evaporated;
- Ice. Of course, low temperatures have a very adverse effect on the varnish coating, but at the same time, thanks to ice cubes, you can quickly stretch shoes that are too small for you. You just need to pour cold water into plastic bags, place them in the shoes, and then move the entire structure into the freezer. Through basic physics, your shoes will become slightly larger because water tends to expand when it freezes;
- Terry towel. This method involves placing the problem shoe along with a damp towel in a plastic bag, which must be left closed overnight. In the morning, take it out of the bag, put it on and walk around until the moisture disappears;
- Specially designed stretchers. In addition to other “folk remedies”, you can also use professional cosmetics for shoes. It is less dangerous for the material, including varnish, but you must strictly follow the instructions.
Information. In order not to risk the life and appearance of the purchased pair, you can use the services of shoe workshops.
There is special equipment, thanks to which you can very quickly adjust shoes to the desired size.
What methods and means can be used
Patent leather is also leather, and it is only coated with varnish on the outside. And inside it remains soft and porous, which means you can influence it with the same means as for stretching ordinary shoes.
- Wet sock. If the shoes are just too tight and not two sizes too small, then this method will help quickly solve the problem. You just need to soak woolen socks in warm water, put them on, then put on your shoes and walk around for a couple of hours. The skin will be moisturized and stretched. But there is a risk that after drying it will become again. Therefore, you should request such a procedure immediately before going to a formal event.
- Wet steam. Simply heat a saucepan of water or boil a kettle, remove the lid and hold the ill-fated shoes over the steam for several minutes. It is impossible to expose the varnish to hot, damp steam, so the shoes are held with the sole down and the varnish side up. Then you need to immediately put them on your feet and wear them until they are completely dry.
- Boiling water. The method is risky and extreme, but effective. First you need to find a tight bag without holes and boil the kettle. Then the bag is tucked inside the shoe that needs to be stretched and carefully filled with boiling water. When the skin is well warmed up, the water is drained, the bag is removed, and the shoes are put on the sock and worn for at least two hours.
- Alcohol solution. Vodka, medical alcohol, your boyfriend's or brother's favorite aftershave - any product with a high alcohol content will do. A large cotton swab is thoroughly soaked in it and the inner surface of the shoes is treated. Then everything is as usual - a thick sock and two hours of continuous wear. You need to be very careful when treating shoes with alcohol. If this substance gets on the varnish surface, it may dull, swell, or crack.
- Terry towel, moisture and plastic bag. This is perhaps the most gentle, reliable and effective method of stretching patent leather shoes at home. First you need to soak a towel in hot water and wring it out well - it should be slightly damp. Then wrap the shoes in it, put it in a thick plastic bag and close it well. The shoes remain in this state until the morning. In the morning they are taken out, put on and worn without taking them off until completely dry.
It should be repeated once again: all these methods are quite risky; they may either not increase the size of the shoes or ruin them. And if you need to stretch children's patent leather shoes, then they are generally not applicable - try making your daughter sit for two hours in thick socks and tight shoes that smell of daddy's cologne, and even more so, walk in them.
Therefore, if you need to break in children's shoes, you can do it easier: ask your older sister or a close friend of your daughter, whose feet are 1-2 sizes larger, to do it. Walking around in shoes for one day is enough for the leather to stretch.
Is it possible to quickly expand the width of new
Of course, it is absolutely impossible to stretch shoes that are too tight in a matter of minutes. However, according to real reviews of existing folk remedies, several of the fastest-acting ones can be identified:
- Hot water in combination with thick socks will allow you to wear out genuine leather shoes in no time;
- Special stretch foam is also a great option. It should be selected specifically for the type of shoe that needs to be stretched;
- Vaseline, castor oil, and fatty cream will quickly increase the size of shoes made of genuine leather, as well as those coated with varnish;
- Alcohol products are also suitable for leather, suede, patent leather shoes;
- By freezing it is best to stretch shoes made of artificial leather, as well as fabric;
- Using paraffin or soap you can quickly soften the heel of new shoes that chafe.
Attention! Under no circumstances should you use greasy cream, Vaseline or oil to stretch suede products, as permanent stains may remain.
Common mistakes when stretching patent leather shoes
As mentioned, patent leather does not react well to temperatures that are too cold or too hot. Among the many tips on how to stretch boots or pumps that do not fit, freezing and pouring boiling water are considered the most effective .
Attention! Placing shoes in the freezer and bathing them in boiling water will not solve the problem. With such actions you can get rid of the problem as a whole, but after them there will be nothing left to wear, since the shoes may be completely damaged.
The second most popular bad advice is to hit the rubbing areas with a hammer. Most often they can be found in old magazines, or heard from the older generation. Perhaps in the past, such operations gave positive results, today they will only lead to the fact that shoes can be thrown away.
Another mistake when stretching patent leather shoes is hoping that harsh chemicals applied to the leather on top will soften and stretch it. It is important to remember: the varnish cannot be treated with gasoline, alcohol-containing liquids and silicone. Special stretching agents sold in shoe stores are allowed to be applied to the inner surface of shoes, but not to the outer surface.
Quickly stretch at home with a hairdryer
Using a hair dryer to stretch shoes is best reserved for synthetic materials. The point of this method is to put thick socks on your feet, then shoes that need to be stretched.
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Next, the shoes need to be thoroughly heated with a hairdryer. The material becomes soft and pliable. After turning off the device, you should leave your shoes on for a while so that they take the shape of your feet.
To enhance the effect, you can wet your socks and apply a special cosmetic foam to the inside of the product to stretch the shoes.
Hairdryer stretching
In addition to a hair dryer, to enlarge tight shoes you will need a tube of rich cream without any fragrances or dyes. They work like this:
- A stream of hot air is directed inside the shoe, trying not to heat the skin itself.
- After warming up the shoes, they are coated with a thick cream from the inside. You don't need to apply too much cream - just a thin layer is enough.
- Then they put on thick socks, and boots on top, and walk in them for two hours (or more).
After this procedure, remove the remaining cream from the surface with a soft cloth. Instead of cream, regular Vaseline is often used. They lubricate the material on the inside of the shoe in the same way. But when using a hair dryer you need to be very careful: hot air can harm the varnished material.
Tension pads
It often happens that when buying shoes online, the size may not match yours. As a result, the boots are tight and cause discomfort. Special ski or snowboard boots cause particular pain.
Attention! They are made from particularly durable materials, so you won’t be able to stretch your snowboarding or skiing boots using standard methods with alcohol, hot water or ice.
In this situation, “heavy artillery” comes to the rescue - wooden stretching blocks. They are sliding heads based on spring ties and allow you to increase your ski boots by one size. You shouldn't count on it right away.
The entire boot processing process will take about a week.
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To do this, you need to insert stretch pads inside and spread the heads as far as the shoes will allow.
Boots should always be kept with pads inside in a warm place, preferably near radiators.
Additionally, several times a day you need to unwind the spring tie a few millimeters and warm up the shoes with a hairdryer.
How to stretch textile shoes?
In practice, it will only be possible to increase the size of tight or tight shoes if they are only slightly tight. It is unlikely that it will be possible to stretch such products by a whole size or even more, especially if the problem is an uncomfortable last.
It is worth noting that the best way to stretch genuine leather products is at home. Artificial materials do not lend themselves very well to such an operation, in particular, textile shoes (sneakers and similar products) are not very easy to handle, but it is still possible.
To do this, it should be wetted and then stuffed with dry newsprint. However, this method has one very significant drawback - it can come unglued, so you will also have to look for methods for gluing shoes.
In order to stretch textile shoes without the appearance of such defects, you just need to hold them over a container of boiling water. After this, textile shoes are stuffed with damp newspapers, and this is done as evenly as possible.
Dry textile shoes away from heating devices. Otherwise, deformation or unsticking may occur.
It is worth noting that this technique is also suitable for products made of natural or artificial leather.
How to break in a new one
In most cases, even shoes of the ideal size cause discomfort and they have to be worn in before “going out” until calluses appear. The fact is that new shoes should adapt to the anatomical features of your foot. To make this task easier and avoid calluses, you can use the following tips:
- Apply shoe softener according to the type of material before wearing them for the first time.
- Apply thick cream or Vaseline to your feet to reduce friction
- Put your shoes on a damp sock and walk around the apartment like this for several hours, or better yet, a day or two
- You can use the “freezing” method, especially if it concerns children’s shoes and you must not injure children’s feet again!
- Use special shoe stretchers, which should be applied before putting on your shoes for the first time.
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