Canvas shoes are not only fashionable and stylish, but also affordable and versatile. The only disadvantage is that these shoes are tight and uncomfortable in the toe area. We’ll show you how to stretch canvas shoes with a few simple techniques so that your feet can be as comfortable as they should be.
Canvas is a plain-woven hemp fabric that is commonly used in shoes due to its durability. The upper canvas material of the simple canvas shoe is usually combined with a rubber sole. While these shoes are inexpensive and widely available, they frequently require some break-in time to ensure maximum comfort.
Walking in tight shoes is excruciating. New shoes are typically broken in by simply walking around in them. Canvas shoes, on the other hand, cause sore toes and blisters during the process and necessitate additional stretching for a comfortable fit.
Why should I learn how to stretch canvas shoes?
We’ve all tried on shoes in the store that seemed to be a perfect fit, only to discover that they were too small when we got home.
You may simply need to break them in, which you can do by taking a short walk around your house.
However, if they are extremely tight and you are concerned that they will rub and hurt your feet, you should stretch your canvas shoes.
We’ve put together a guide to show you how to stretch canvas shoes safely and without damaging them. This will help stretch the canvas and ensure that your new shoes are comfortable and fit perfectly.
How to stretch canvas shoes
1. Applying Heat to Canvas Shoes
Using heat to loosen a pair of tight canvas shoes is one of the most effective methods. High temperatures can cause fabric fibers to expand, making your shoes wider. Canvas shoes can be stretched using a variety of heat sources. Here are step-by-step instructions for each:
Making use of steam
This method will require the use of some tools, including a large pot, water, and oven mitts.
To begin, use oven mitts to protect your hands from hot water.
Bring a pot of water to a boil. When the steam appears, place your shoes over the steam for 5 to 10 minutes. The steam’s high heat will effectively stretch your canvas shoes.
Put on your shoes and take a few steps. Repeat the process if you have not achieved the desired stretch.
Using the microwave
If you need to loosen your tight canvas shoes quickly, the microwave is the best option.
To begin, if you do not want the shoelaces to stretch, remove them before placing the shoes in the microwave.
Put your fabric shoes in the microwave and turn the temperature up to high. Then, after 30 seconds, remove them. It is best not to put your shoes in the microwave for too long because high heat can destroy the fabric.
Then, remove the shoes from the microwave and put them on. You don’t have to worry about your boots burning your feet at this point because they’re just warm. Then, walk around in your shoes to stretch them.
If your shoes are still a little tight, repeat the process above to achieve a perfect stretch.
Using the hair dryer
To use this method, you will need a pair of thick socks, a spray bottle, some water, and a hairdryer. Pour water into the spray bottle first. Warm water can be used to help the shoe stretch faster.
First and foremost, put on these thick socks and your canvas shoes. Spray water on the surface of the shoe until it is damp. Don’t spray too much water and get your shoes wet, as this will likely render the method ineffective.
Then, using a hairdryer, dry the surface of the shoes evenly for 30 seconds to 1 minute. It is important to note that the dryer should be set to the hot setting.
2. Stuffing Canvas Shoes
Another effective way to stretch your canvas shoes is to stuff them. To stuff your fabric shoes, you can use a variety of tools and ingredients. They are as follows:
Filling with ice water
Fill two plastic bags or zip-lock bags halfway with water. You then slip these bags into your canvas shoes. After that, place the shoes in the refrigerator and leave them there overnight. Your shoes will stretch as the water freezes.
Using newspapers to stuff
You can make more room in your fabric shoes by stuffing them with newspapers. Roll up the newspapers and tuck them tightly into the shoe’s toe. Allow them to sit overnight. Try on the shoes after you’ve taken out the newspapers. Repeat the process if they don’t really fit your feet.
You can substitute old socks for newspapers if you don’t have any on hand. The procedure is similar to that of using newspapers.
3. Loosen Canvas Shoes with Shoe Stretchers
On the market, there are two types of shoe stretchers: ball and ring stretchers and two-way stretchers. Continue reading to learn how to use these two tools.
Stretching with a ball and a ring
Because the ball and ring stretcher only works on a specific area of the canvas shoes, the first step is to determine which part requires more attention.
This tool has two sides: a ball side and a ring side. Now, insert one ball side into your canvas shoes and another on the outside of the shoes.
Could you see the arms of the stretcher? Pull the stretcher arms together until the ball stretches the fabric to the desired stretch. You can leave this ball and ring stretcher in your fabric shoes overnight for a more effective result.
If you have trouble visualizing this process, the video below will show you how to loosen your shoes using a ball and ring stretcher.
Employing a two-way stretcher
A two-way stretcher is the second tool you can use to make your shoes wider. Depending on your needs, you can loosen your canvas shoes widthwise or lengthwise. Here’s how to use a two-way stretcher to widen your fabric shoes in detail.
- To stretch the width:
To begin, prepare your canvas shoes with a shoe stretch spray. There is a wide variety of shoe stretch sprays available on the market. FootFitter spray is my personal favorite. It would be best if you concentrated on the most difficult areas.
Then, insert this two-way stretcher into your shoes, making sure it touches the end of the shoe. Finally, turn the stretcher handle clockwise to loosen the canvas shoes across the board.
This step must be repeated at least 2-3 times to see a difference. Then, for at least 6 hours, leave the two-way stretcher in your shoes.
Finally, remove the tools from your shoes by turning the stretcher handle counterclockwise.
- Stretching lengthwise:
The process of preparing and inserting the tool into your canvas shoes is similar to that of widthwise stretching.
Instead of turning the handle, rotate the lengthening wheel counterclockwise until the heel block fits snugly against the heel counter of your shoes. The heel block may require 5 to 8 turns to touch the end of the shoes.
The tool should then be left for 6-8 hours. It is the best time for the two-way stretcher to stretch the fibers. After you’ve removed the device, try on your shoes to see how they fit. You can repeat the process if you are not satisfied with the fit.
FAQs
How do you loosen canvas shoes that are too tight?
Stuffing is widely regarded as the most common and effective method of loosening canvas shoes. Simply stuff some newspaper into the bottoms of your shoes. Then, press them firmly against the shoe’s edge to ensure that the fabric can stretch. Remove the newspaper after leaving it overnight.
Can shoe stretchers be used on canvas shoes?
They do, indeed. Canvas shoes respond well to ball and ring stretchers as well as two-way stretchers. While ball and ring stretchers can be used to stretch specific areas of the shoe, two-way stretchers can be used to loosen the entire shoe.
Canvas stretches when wet?
The answer is most likely no. In fact, when wet, the fabric shrinks. As a result, if you stretch while wearing wet canvas shoes, the material stiffens and sags.
How can I quickly stretch my shoes?
One of the quickest ways to loosen canvas shoes is to put them in the microwave. If your shoes are slightly higher than your feet, all you have to do is microwave them for about 30 seconds. The high temperature will stretch the fibers quickly and effectively.
How is shoe stretch spray made?
With rubbing alcohol and water, you can make shoe stretch spray. In a spray bottle, combine rubbing alcohol and water in a 1:1 ratio. You now have a good shoe stretch spray.
Is there a shoe stretching spray?
There is, indeed. On the market, there is a wide variety of shoe stretch spray. FootFitter may be one of the most effective products. This stretch spray is best for canvas shoes.
Can wearing shoes that are too small harm your feet?
Yes, it is possible. Tight shoes can cause a variety of foot problems, including foot fungus, blisters, and calluses. Furthermore, wearing shoes that are too small will make you more uncomfortable than anything else.
Conclusion
Once you’ve learned how to stretch canvas shoes, you can apply these techniques to every pair you buy. There’s no need to put up with pinched toes and blistered feet just to look fashionable!
Just be cautious when stretching your canvas shoes with heat or tools. Take your time and don’t rush through the process. If done correctly, these are foolproof methods for loosening your shoes.
