Do you have wide feet? Do your running shoes feel too tight and uncomfortable? If so, then it’s time to learn how to widen running shoes. Wearing ill-fitting or overly tight shoes can lead to blisters, calluses, and other foot problems.
Luckily there are a few easy ways that you can stretch out your running shoes for wider feet.
Whether you choose to use a shoe stretcher, break in the leather with heat, or stuff the toe box with newspaper; this article will provide detailed instructions on how to widen running shoes safely and effectively.
How To Widen Running Shoes Quick Guide
Learning how to stretch running shoes for wide feet, is more common than you might think. It is really not a complicated endeavor but one that requires a few simple steps. If you want further details of each method continue below.
1. Use a shoe stretcher
2. Break in leather with heat
3. Stuff the toe box with newspaper
4. Wear thick socks
How To Widen Running Shoes Methods
Step 1: Use a shoe stretcher
Shoe stretchers are designed to imitate the shape of regular shoes, meaning that they can aid in stretching the shoes without causing any harm or alteration to their structure. To utilize them, follow these steps:
- Fit the stretcher with the necessary adjustments and hole plugs
- Then insert it into your shoe
- Use the levers to stretch out your shoe
Step 2: Break in leather with heat
Break in leather with heat – Heat up a cloth bag filled with rice or other grains in the microwave and insert this hot bag into your shoes. This will break down the fibers in the leather and allow them to stretch further when stretched manually.
Another way to apply heat is by using a hair dryer. To stretch tight shoes, wear thick socks and use a blow dryer at medium heat. Blow onto the tight spots for 20-30 seconds at a time.
Step 3: Stuff the toe box with newspaper
Stuff toe box with newspaper – Wrap pieces of newspaper around your toes, put on your shoes, then blow dry for several minutes until they are warm and slightly damp inside from moisture given off by the paper as it heats up from being dried with hot air.
Remove newspaper once shoes are cooled off; they should now fit wider than before.
Step 4: Wear thick socks
Wear thick socks when trying on new running shoes since this gives you more room for movement inside of them and can help prevent blisters or calluses caused by tight-fitting footwear.
Thick socks also create friction between feet/shoes that help wear away any potential pressure points from tightness over time if done regularly while wearing loose-fitting shoe styles during this process.
To make your sneakers fit better, wear two pairs of thick socks (such as wool socks). If the shoes still won’t fit, remove one pair of socks.
Recommended Tools To How To Widen Running Shoes And Get The Job Done
eachway Shoe Stretcher Adjustable Length & Width for Men and Women
The Eachway Shoe Stretcher is the perfect solution for those who need to widen or stretch their shoes. It provides 4-way stretching, including width and length so you can get a better fit with minimal effort.
Made of premium ABS plastic and steel shaft materials, this shoe stretcher is strong and durable, designed to last for up to 10 years. This product also works well with various types of shoes such as flats, sandals, loafers, oxfords, tennis shoes, slippers, and more!
Additionally, it comes with its own canvas shoe bag which helps protect your footwear from dust and moisture. No matter if you are looking for ways how to widen running shoes or stretch them for wide feet – the Eachway Shoe Stretcher has got you covered.
Buttons & Pleats Wool Socks for Men & Women
Buttons & Pleats Wool Socks for Men & Women are designed to keep your feet warm and comfortable in all conditions. Crafted with 80% Merino Wool, 15% Polyester, 4% Nylon, and 1% Spandex, these socks offer superior durability, breathability, and comfort.
They are also ultra soft and cozy thanks to their reinforced toe and heel plus arch compression reinforcement providing full-motion support, stability, and greater balance while you’re on the go. And what’s more – they won’t cause any itchiness.
Perfect for stretching running shoes or widening them for wide feet needs! The Small-Medium size fits shoe sizes for Men 5-9.5 Women 6-10.5 while the Medium-Large size fits shoe sizes 9.5-14 men and 11–15 women sizes respectively.
Common Questions About How To Widen Running Shoes
Why is it important to know how to widen running shoes?
If your shoes are too narrow, it could cause foot problems. Look out for blisters between or on top of your toes, as they may indicate that your shoe is too small. If you have blisters on the ball of your foot, it may indicate that your shoe is too wide. Don’t delay addressing this issue.
Can you make running shoes wider?
To widen your sneakers overnight, try this: Fill Ziploc bags with water and place them inside your shoes. Put shoes in the freezer overnight so the water can freeze and expand, stretching your shoes.
Can you stretch jogging shoes?
To make sneakers more comfortable, you can try several methods to stretch them out. If you’re short on time, options include freezing water inside them or using heat to expand them. Alternatively, wear them indoors for a few days, use shoe-stretching inserts, or seek a professional solution from a cobbler.
How long does it take to stretch running shoes?
It takes approximately 8 hours to see results, but up to 24 hours is recommended.
How to stretch shoes for wide feet overnight?
One way to stretch your sneakers overnight is by filling Ziploc bags with water and placing them inside your shoes. Freeze the shoes overnight so the water can expand and stretch the shoes. Put the water-filled bags in the tight areas of the shoes for maximum stretching.
What can happen if you wear running shoes that are too tight?
Wearing shoes that are too tight can result in various problems such as instability when walking, toe deformities such as hammer toe, mallet toe, bone spurs, blisters between toes, and worsen pre-existing foot conditions such as bunions, flat feet, numbness, inflammation, and heel or ball of foot pain (metatarsalgia).
Additionally, it can also cause long-term cartilage loss in the joints of your toes and feet.
How to know if shoes aren’t the correct fit?
If your shoes feel tight, it could be due to various fit issues like the toe box being too narrow or not high enough, the shoe’s overall length is too short, the shoe’s shape not matching your foot, or the heel height exerting pressure on your toes or other foot areas.
It’s recommended to avoid any doubts about the comfort and fit of your shoes and opt for a better-fitting pair elsewhere. Wearing ill-fitting shoes may lead to foot and joint damage over time.
Video How To Widen A Shoes
Do you have wide feet and need to widen your running shoes? This video will show you how! Learn methods for stretching shoes for wider feet and discover tips on how to make sure they stay comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Having the right fit of running shoes is essential for any runner, especially those with wide feet. It can be difficult to find a pair that fits just right and offers optimal comfort while you’re on the move. Fortunately, there are several methods available to help you master how to widen running shoes if they don’t quite fit correctly.
Whether using heat or stretching tools, taking extra measures to make sure your running shoes are comfortable will ensure maximum performance during every run. With these tips in mind, it’s time to hit the track! So go ahead and get out there – happy stretching (and widening)!
