How to Make Big Shoes Fit Smaller: 8 Effective Solutions

Introduction

Wearing the wrong size shoes can be uncomfortable and even painful. If you find yourself in this situation, you may be wondering what to do when you have shoes that are too big. Fortunately, there are several ways to make big shoes fit smaller. Read on to discover eight helpful tips for making your shoes fit better.

Wear Thick Socks

One of the simplest solutions for fitting into bigger shoes is to wear thicker socks. The extra cushioning will help fill the gap between your feet and the shoes. Plus, wearing thicker socks can provide additional warmth and comfort.

When selecting thick socks, make sure to choose ones that are made from breathable materials like cotton or wool. Also, look for socks that have some stretch to them so they won’t be too tight around your feet.

Use Shoe Stretchers or Inserts

Shoe stretchers and inserts can also be used to make big shoes fit smaller. Shoe stretchers are tools that are inserted into the shoe and then expanded to stretch out the material. This can help the shoe fit more snugly around your foot. Shoe inserts are soft foam pads that are placed inside the shoe to take up extra space. They come in different sizes and shapes so they can be customized to fit your foot perfectly.

Both shoe stretchers and inserts can be purchased online or at most shoe stores. They may require some trial and error to get the right fit, but they can be worth the effort.

Invest in Professional Shoe Stretching

If you want a more permanent solution, consider investing in professional shoe stretching. This involves having a cobbler or shoe repair specialist stretch the shoe using specialized tools. It can be expensive, but it can also ensure that the shoe fits perfectly.

According to a study conducted by the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society, professionally stretched shoes can improve comfort and reduce foot pain. So if you’re looking for a long-term solution, professional shoe stretching might be worth considering.

Try Heating the Shoes with a Hairdryer

Another way to make big shoes fit smaller is to heat them up with a hair dryer. Heat helps to soften the material of the shoe, allowing it to stretch and conform to your foot. This method works best with leather or suede shoes.

When using a hairdryer, make sure to keep it at least six inches away from the shoe. Also, be sure to move the hairdryer all around the shoe, not just one spot. This will help ensure an even distribution of heat and prevent the material from becoming damaged.

Stuff the Toes with Tissue Paper

If you don’t have access to a hairdryer or shoe stretcher, you can still make your shoes fit better by stuffing the toes with tissue paper. This will help fill up any extra space in the toe box and make your shoes feel more snug.

When selecting tissue paper, make sure to choose a type that won’t tear easily. You may also want to try using multiple layers of tissue paper to create more padding. And be sure to remove the tissue paper once you take off your shoes to prevent it from becoming damp or smelly.

Lace Up Your Shoes Differently

Another easy way to make big shoes fit smaller is to lace them differently. Try crisscrossing the laces or using a ladder lacing technique. These methods can help pull the sides of the shoe closer together, creating a tighter fit.

Additionally, you can try using elastic laces instead of regular laces. Elastic laces are designed to provide a snug fit, which can help make your shoes fit better.

Conclusion

Making big shoes fit smaller doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right materials and techniques, you can easily make your shoes fit more comfortably. Try wearing thick socks, using shoe stretchers or inserts, investing in professional shoe stretching, heating the shoes with a hairdryer, stuffing the toes with tissue paper, or lacing them up differently.

With these eight solutions, you should have no problem finding a way to make your shoes fit better.