How To Shrink Shoes

Do you have a pair of shoes that are just a little too big? Maybe you ordered your shoes online and you don’t want to deal with sending them back. Or maybe your shoe size has changed. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this blog post, we will teach you how to shrink shoes in just a few simple steps. 

Before we go any further, you should know that there are some common suggestions about the shoe shrinking process that are often recommended that I have not had good experience with myself. I feel there are a lot of misconceptions and bad advice out there, so here are my thoughts.

The Best Way to Shrink Shoes

If you have shoes with too much room, whether dress shoes, leather boots, canvas shoes, or tennis shoes, the very best way to “shrink” them (by which I mean, to remove the excess space) is simply to add a fitted insole inside the shoe.

It may seem counterintuitive but many shoe professionals recommend this approach.

You can adjust the fit of the entire shoe by putting in a full insole, or layer on cork taps in specific locations (for example to shrink the toe box).

This can easily help adjust the fit of your shoes up to about a half size too large. This can help you go from shoes slightly too large to make shoes fit nicely with little effort.

Take Your Shoes to a Cobbler or Boot Maker

It may not be the answer you are hoping for, but if insoles and cork taps aren’t enough, the next step I would suggest is consulting with a shoe professional. Depending on the construction of your shoe, it may not be as simple as just shrinking the entire shoe, it may require parts of the shoe to be specifically tailored and adjusted.

Alternative Internet Suggestions Shrinking Shoes

People have tried lots of interesting options that I feel are fairly dubious and may really depend on the specific construction of your shoe. They haven’t always been successful for me.

For example, soaking in water doesn’t work to actually make large shoes smaller. Water might help reshape your shoe and mold to your foot but it won’t actually change the size of the shoe, it will remain the same size. Based on our research and checking with professional custom boot makers, soaking in water alone does not work to shrink leather shoes or boots.

That said, some people have reported successes with some of the methods below. I highly suggest trying the steps above first, but below are some other options to experiment with if you don’t find success in any other way.

1. Using A Hairdryer On Wet Areas Of Shoes

When you have shoes that are too big, it can be frustrating. You can buy shoes that are a size smaller, but it might be too late already if you’ve already worn them previously. This blow dryer method is a relatively low risk option, and you probably already have a blow dryer handy. Here’s what you need to do:

1) Wet the areas of the shoe that are too big. Make sure the entire shoe is wet – you don’t want to miss any spots.

2) Use a hairdryer on the wet areas of the shoe. Hold the hairdryer 6 inches away from the shoe while using the highest setting. To dry the wet parts, move the hair dryer back and forth across them. It’s important to use heat because the heat (not the water) is what actually can help the fabric or leather to shrink.

3) Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the other shoe.

4) Try on your shoes and walk around in them for a few minutes. This will help them mold to your feet and take on their new shape. 

2. Wearing Socks And Shoes Around Your House For An Hour.

If your shoes are too big, you can wear thicker socks. This will help the shoes to mold to your feet and create a snugger fit. You can also try this method if your shoes are too wide. First, wet the inside of your shoes with a spray bottle filled with water. Then, put on a pair of thick socks and put your shoes on over them. Walk around your house for an hour, or until the shoes are dry.  This doesn’t technically shrink the shoes, but it can help the shoe re-mold a bit to better align to the shape of your foot.

Once they’re dry, take off the socks and try your shoes on. They should be a bit tighter and more comfortable now. If they’re still too big, repeat the process until they fit properly. Be careful not to leave your shoes on for too long, as this could damage the leather or fabric. Similarly, don’t use this method if your shoes are already too tight, as it could make them even more uncomfortable. With a little patience, you can shrink your shoes to the perfect size.

3. Boiling (I do not recommend this)

What You Need 

– A pot of boiling water

– A pair of shoes that are too big

– A towel

Place The Shoes That You Want To Shrink In The Pot Of Boiling Water (Caution!)

It is theoretically possible to shrink shoes that are too big, although it is generally not recommended. Shoes that are made of natural materials such as leather or cotton can usually be shrunk, but synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon may not respond well to heat. In addition, shrinking shoes via boiling can damage the glue or adhesive, and can change their shape and make them less comfortable to wear. With that said, if you must try to shrink your shoes this way, the following method might work. First, fill a pot with boiling water and place the shoes in the water. Allow them to soak for several minutes before removing them. I do not personally endorse this method, and you should know that it is possible to ruin your shoes.

Brown Leather Boots for young and adults

Boil The Shoes For About 30 Seconds. 

If your shoes are too big, and you need to shrink them, boiling them is one option. Boiling can shrink most types of materials, including leather, so it’s ideal for shoes. It’s a pretty straightforward process – all you need to do is submerge your shoes in boiling water for about 30 seconds. As they soak, the heat will cause the leather to contract and shrink. Be sure to remove the shoes from the water as soon as the 30 seconds is up, and then allow them to air dry. 

Remove The Shoes From The Pot And Place Them On The Towel.

Let them cool for about 30 minutes so that they can retain their shape. Use a hairdryer on the wet area of the shoe to help dry them faster. After the shoes have cooled, put on a thick pair of socks and wear the shoes around your house for about an hour. The heat from your feet will help to further shrink the shoes. If you need to shrink your shoes, even more, repeat this process until you are satisfied with the fit. 

Importance Shrinking Shoes

Shrinking Shoes Can Change Their Shape And Make Them Less Comfortable To Wear. 

If a shoe is too large, it can rub and chafe the foot, which can lead to blisters and other painful foot conditions. A shoe that is too small, on the other hand, can be constricting and uncomfortable, and can also cause problems like bunions or hammertoe. By shrinking a shoe, you can ensure that it fits snugly and comfortably, without being too tight or too loose. Additionally, shrinking a shoe can also help to change its shape, making it less likely to warp or become misshapen over time. Whether you’re trying to make an old pair of shoes more comfortable or you’re looking to preserve a new pair, shrinking them is a great way to achieve your goal.

Baby Shoes Dry after Shrink

Boiling Shrinks Most Types Of Materials

One of the most important things you can do to keep your shoes looking their best is to shrink them regularly. Boiling is one of the most effective ways to shrink most types of materials, including leather. The heat from the boiling water helps to tighten the fibers in the leather, resulting in a shoe that looks and feels smaller. This can be especially helpful if you’ve recently bought a new pair of shoes that are too big or if your feet have swollen due to pregnancy or other conditions. 

Prolong The Lifespan Of The Shoe

No matter how much you love your shoes, they will not last forever. Over time, the materials will break down, and the stitching will come undone. However, there are some things you can do to prolong the lifespan of your shoes. One of the most important things is to shrink them when they get wet. When water seeps into the fibers of the shoe, it causes them to swell and stretch. If you don’t shrink the shoe back to its original size, it will weaken the material and cause permanent damage. You can shrink your shoes by putting them in a dryer on a low heat setting or by using a shoe steamer. Either way, shrinking your shoes will help them last longer.

Helps To Dry Them Faster. 

It is essential to shrink a shoe after you have soaked it in water. The importance of this cannot be understated; if you do not shrink the shoe, it will become deformed and no longer fit your foot properly. Additionally, the water will weaken the material of the shoe, making it more susceptible to tearing and stretching. Shrinking a shoe helps to dry them faster and preserve their shape. To shrink a shoe, first, soak it in lukewarm water for 10 minutes. Then, put the shoe on and walk around until it is completely dry. If necessary, repeat the process until the shoe is the desired size. 

Helps The Shoes To Mold To Your Feet And Take On Their New Shape. 

Depending on the type of shoes you have purchased, it may be necessary to shrink them before wearing them. This is especially true for shoes made of natural materials like leather or straw. While the manufacturing process usually results in a shoe that is the correct size for the average foot, individual feet can vary quite a bit in terms of width and length. As a result, it is often necessary to shrink a shoe in order to get a perfect fit.

Tips And Tricks Of Shrinking Shoe The Right Way

If you’re looking for some tips and tricks on how to shrink your shoes the right way, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll give you some essential tips that will help you get the perfect fit every time.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when shrinking shoes is that not all materials respond equally well to heat. For example, leather and suede are much more likely to shrink than synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. As a result, it’s important to be careful when using heat to shrink your shoes. If possible, always test a small area of the shoe before applying heat to the entire shoe. This will help you avoid damaging the material and ruining the fit of the shoe.

Another important tip is to be mindful of the amount of time you spend shrinking your shoes. If you leave them in the dryer for too long, they will shrink too much and become uncomfortable to wear. On the other hand, if you don’t shrink them enough, they may not provide the support and stability that you need. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to check on your shoes every five minutes or so to make sure they’re shrinking at the desired rate.

Finally, remember that shrinking your shoes is not an exact science. Depending on the materials used and how well they respond to heat, your results may vary. With that said, following these tips should help you get great results every time.

FAQs About Shrinking Shoes

Will My Shoes Shrink If I Soak Them In Water?

Soaking your shoes in the water is one of the most effective ways to shrink them. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all materials respond equally well to this method. For example, leather and suede are much more likely to shrink than synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. As a result, it’s important to be careful when using this method and always test a small area of the shoe before soaking the entire shoe.

Shoes Shrink If I Soak Them In Water

How Long Do I Need To Leave My Shoes In The Dryer For Them To Shrink?

A: The amount of time you need to leave your shoes in the dryer will vary depending on the materials used and how well they respond to heat. As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to check on your shoes every five minutes or so to make sure they’re shrinking at the desired rate.

How Often Should You Water Your Shoes?

Assuming that you’re referring to leather shoes, it’s generally recommended that you water them every three to four weeks. The importance of regularly watering your shoes is twofold. Firstly, it helps to keep the leather supple and prevents it from drying out and cracking. Secondly, it helps to shrink the shoes so that they retain their shape and don’t become loose and misshapen. To water your shoes, simply apply a water-dampened cloth to the surface of the leather and let them air dry away from direct heat or sunlight. 

Can I Shrink My Shoes If They’re Too Big?

Yes, you can shrink your shoes if they’re too big. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all materials respond equally well to this method. For example, leather and suede are much more likely to shrink than synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. As a result, it’s important to be careful when using this method and always test a small area of the shoe before shrinking the entire shoe.

Is There Anything I Should Avoid When Shrinking My Shoes?

A: Yes, there are a few things you should avoid when shrinking your shoes. Firstly, don’t leave them in the dryer for too long, as they will shrink too much and become uncomfortable to wear. Secondly, don’t soak your shoes in water for too long, as this can damage the material and ruin the fit of the shoe. Finally, remember that not all materials respond equally well to heat, so be careful when using this method and always test a small area of the shoe before applying heat to the entire shoe.

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