Choosing shoes is often difficult and involves taking into account many factors, one of which is the correct choice of the right size. This is not easy, since all shoes are sewn with a focus on a standard set of patterns, and people’s feet often differ significantly from generally accepted standards. It is especially problematic to choose free boots, because even if the foot perfectly fits in the right plane, often the free boots are very difficult to fasten or, on the contrary, hang on the leg. The question arises: what to do in such a situation? Fortunately, there are a few proven ways to stretch freeboots to the right size without damaging the shoe.
Before starting such a responsible procedure, it is necessary to check once again what material the boots are made of. It is necessary to do this, since the choice of tools with which you will have to work directly depends on this. An incorrectly selected tool may not improve, but worsen the situation and send the spent hryvnias on a free air trip.
Ironing
Despite the fact that the iron is a simple tool, several conditions must be met here. In no case should the skin be thin, and the material should not be varnished. Otherwise, the material will burst, fold and slide off. Thick and medium-thick skins are suitable for this procedure.
- The boot should be unfastened, put on the ironing board flat, without wrinkling.
- A piece of soft flannel is soaked in water and squeezed, the water should not drip, but the rag should be wet.
- The iron is heated to the temperature of “two compartments” and the boot is steamed through a rag.
- The material will become soft, pliable, and the freebie will easily stretch to the desired size. Necessary measurements are taken in advance.
During the procedure, there should be no sharp jerks, only gentle movements. Sometimes the freebie cools down quickly and begins to tan. Then the procedure is repeated. After reaching the desired size, you need to fasten the lock and stuff the freebie very tightly with newspapers. The stuffing should be very tight to prevent shrinkage.
Freezing
Not suitable for imitation leather and rubber, as they crack in extreme cold.
- The bottom of the boot, the foot, is stuffed with paper to prevent deformation.
- A strong bag made of good polyethylene is placed on top, into which water is poured. Air from the bag is released in advance, water in the bag should not be poured close. The volume of the package must correspond to the required size.
- Put the boot in the freezer for the night. Water, thus, will stretch the freebie. If the volume turns out to be small, the procedure is repeated.
Flax seeds
This tool is suitable for all materials, including fur products, eco-leather.
- As in the case of freezing, water is poured into a strong bag, and flax seeds are thrown into the water. The package is installed for free.
- Flax gradually swells and stretches the material, while acting as delicately as possible.
- After that, they try on the shoes and walk around the apartment for at least half an hour.
- In case of an unsuccessful attempt, the procedure is repeated.
Hot air
In some ways, this method resembles the first, but it is more delicate for the material.
- Tight shoes should be worn with woolen socks, even if very heavy.
- The procedure is long: places where the freebies do not converge in any way are warmed up with a hair dryer turned on at the maximum temperature. Work through it slowly, within half an hour.
- Next, you need to fasten your shoes and walk around the apartment for an hour or two. If it is already very uncomfortable, everything is repeated again.
The process, although time-consuming, is careful, effective and safe for most materials.
Home chemistry
Pure vodka or medical alcohol must be diluted to 70 percent. At the same time, it is necessary to exclude the use of vodka with additives or with lower degrees, since such compositions can damage the material. Some use vinegar essence, but this is dangerous: the leather may lose its color and become discolored, and the suede may lose its former structure and elasticity.
- Vodka is applied to unfortunate places, avoiding problem-free areas where the size is suitable.
- They put on very thick, woolen socks, fasten their shoes and walk around the room for at least an hour or two.
- Alcohol evaporates quickly and the procedure will have to be repeated again.
Patience is needed here: if the effect is not sufficiently pronounced, everything will have to be repeated for several days. However, the result is worth it: worn-out boots will last a long time, without reverse reduction.
Heated water
Rubber shoes can be repaired in the following way.
- Rubber boots are placed in a basin of high-temperature water and kept for several minutes.
- After a few minutes, they are taken out and put on, having previously put on thick woolen socks.
- The boots should barely fit, it’s not scary, they will definitely stretch if you walk in them for half an hour.
- If it is not possible to correct the size at once, then several more measures will be required.
Professional tools
May be needed for delicate materials, for example, patent leather, fur, thin imitation leather. They are more effective, as they are originally intended for one or another material. Another plus is that there is an instruction that explains everything in detail.
There are also many disadvantages: firstly, you need to carefully read the instructions, as these are often sprays with a narrowly focused action, and even a spray labeled “leatherette” is not suitable for all types of leather substitute. Secondly, many products are toxic and can cause allergies. Sometimes even proven professional sprays discolor the material due to incorrect coloring technology.
Special apparatus
There is a special device for stretching – wooden, easy to use. A regular rotary handle easily increases the size on a special wedge. The boot is left on the expander for some time, then removed.
The method is good for fur, suede, suitable for leather and imitation leather. It is not recommended for increasing the size of rubber boots, products made of bark, as these materials are very fragile, and there is a risk of spoiling them.
Radical method
Sometimes, after trying all the listed means, an unlucky buyer realizes that nothing worked. In this case, one radical remedy will help: cut the boots in the place where they fit. Long freebies are cut by inserting a wedge made of elastic material, if desired, you can design under-collars. It is even better to give the boots to a craftsman, he will do everything neatly and qualitatively.
How to stretch free boots is not an easy task, but it can be done if you try a little. The main thing here is to evaluate several factors, taking into account the material, the difference in size and the risk of spoiling the thing. Only after comparing all the details, you can use these tips to your advantage and avoid unnecessary expenses.