One shoe trend that’s been making a comeback recently is canvas shoes, and many people are finding them more comfortable than sneakers. But after wearing canvas shoes for a while, the material can break down from wear and tear, especially around the toes.
A few weeks ago, I foolishly bought a new pair of crisp white canvas shoes without considering that my feet would soon make the once-roomy shoes feel snug. Within just a few wearings, they had become uncomfortably tight across the toes. Just when I was ready to surrender my new kicks to the back of the closet, I finally found a simple, low-effort approach using only my feet and time. It made my life so much easier.
Today, I’ll be sharing my first-hand experience of how stretching canvas shoes saved me money (and potentially your sanity), along with some tips on how you can do it at home without needing any extra equipment or materials!
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Stretch Your Canvas Shoes?
Here’s a step-by-step guide based on my experience and what I’ve learned about adequately stretching canvas shoes.
Step 1- Gather Your Materials:
First, gather the necessary materials. You’ll need a shoe stretcher (or alternatives like rolled-up socks or newspaper), a stretching spray or rubbing alcohol, and a soft cloth or brush for cleaning. I didn’t have a shoe stretcher initially, so I used socks, which worked decently.
Step 2- Clean Your Shoes:
Start by cleaning your shoes. Remove any surface dirt or debris with the cloth or brush. This step is crucial because stretching dirty shoes can push the dirt further into the fabric, which is something I learned the hard way.
Step 3- Loosen the Laces:
Loosen the laces to open up the shoe as much as possible. This makes it easier to insert the shoe stretcher or alternative materials. I remember how loosening the laces significantly helped in easing the stretch process.
Step 4- Insert the Shoe Stretcher:
Insert the shoe stretcher into your shoe. If you don’t have one, use your alternative material. Roll up socks or newspaper and stuff them tightly into the toe area and along the length of the shoe. I used rolled-up socks, which helped stretch the shoes, although it took longer than a professional stretcher.
Step 5- Apply Stretching Spray:
If you have a shoe stretching spray, apply it as directed. If not, a homemade solution of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol works, too. I used the homemade solution, spraying it lightly on the tight areas of the shoes. Be careful not to over-wet the canvas.
Step 6- Let the Shoes Stretch:
Leave the shoes with the stretcher or materials inside for at least 24 hours. I left mine for about 48 hours, checking periodically to see if the fit had improved.
Step 7- Test the Fit:
After stretching, remove the stretcher or materials and try on the shoes. They should feel more comfortable. The shoes fit much better, though getting them right took a couple of tries.
Step 8- Repeat if Necessary:
If the shoes are still tight, repeat the process. Sometimes, it takes a few stretching sessions to achieve the desired fit, especially with canvas.
Remember, patience is vital when stretching shoes. It’s better to try them gradually than to risk damaging the shoes by rushing the process. This method worked well for me, and I hope it helps you, too.
Dos and Don’ts- Important Tips When Stretching Canvas Shoes:
Here are some dos and don’ts based on my experience and expertise, including a personal story that taught me a valuable lesson.
Dos:
- The best way to stretch canvas shoes is by using a shoe stretcher. This tool is designed to mimic the shape of your foot and can be adjusted to apply gentle pressure where needed.
- Sometimes, wearing thick socks and putting on the shoes can help stretch them out. I remember spending an evening this way with a new pair of canvas sneakers, which made a noticeable difference.
- Apply warm air from a hairdryer to the tight areas while wearing the shoes. The heat helps to loosen the fabric. Just be sure to keep the dryer moving to avoid overheating any spot.
- If you need more confidence doing it yourself, take your shoes to a professional. They have the tools and experience to do it without damaging the shoes.
Don’ts:
- Unlike leather, soaking canvas shoes in water can ruin their shape and even cause them to shrink upon drying. I learned this the hard way when I tried washing my favorite canvas shoes, only to find them tighter after drying.
- Be patient and stretch gradually. Overstretching can damage the shoes, making them uncomfortable or even unwearable.
- While using a hairdryer can help, avoid placing the shoes directly in front of a heater or direct sunlight, as this can damage the material.
- Remember, they are too small; consider exchanging them. Continuous pressure from tight shoes can lead to foot problems.
Aftercare- Maintaining the Perfect Fit of Your Stretched Canvas Shoes:
I’d like to share to help others maintain the perfect fit of their stretched canvas shoes.
Regular Wear is Key:
After stretching your canvas shoes, it’s essential to wear them regularly. This helps the shoes mold to your feet and retain the new shape. I learned this the hard way when I left a pair of stretched canvas shoes unworn for weeks, only to find they had shrunk back slightly.
Proper Storage:
Store your canvas shoes in a cool, dry place. Avoid damp areas, as moisture can cause the canvas to tighten again. I once stored a pair of newly stretched canvas shoes near a window, and the humidity caused them to contract.
Use of Shoe Trees:
Inserting shoe trees helps maintain the shape and size of your canvas shoes. I started using cedar shoe trees, which help absorb moisture and keep the shoes fresh.
Avoid Excessive Heat:
Never use direct heat (like a hairdryer) to dry or stretch canvas shoes. I made this mistake once, and it caused the canvas to warp and the color to fade.
Cleaning with Care:
Clean your shoes with a gentle, damp cloth. Harsh cleaning methods can cause the canvas to shrink or distort. I prefer using a mixture of mild soap and water for spot cleaning.
Rotating Shoes:
Alternate between different shoes to avoid over-stretching or wearing out a single pair. This gives your stretched canvas shoes time to air out and maintain shape.
Re-stretch if Necessary:
A gentle re-stretch might be necessary if your shoes feel tight again. I use a shoe stretcher spray and a mechanical shoe stretcher, so I am careful not to overdo it.
Conclusion:
Overall, stretching canvas shoes is a delicate balancing act between creating the perfect fit and not damaging the material. With the right tools and techniques, you can stretch your favorite pair of shoes to make it comfortable for you to wear. I have personally experienced the issue of tight-wearing canvas shoes, and with my experiments and research, I came up with great solutions. Now it is time to find out what tricks work best for you so that your new sneakers will provide comfortable support and lasting durability!
