Though Open-toe heels are a pretty nice choice for an appealing modern outlook, this type of footwear is not frequently used & is locked on the top shelf of the cabinet.
Consequently, when you unwrap the shoes after some months for attending cocktail parties, you notice the shoes become tight.
Thus, you definitely need to stretch out that open-toe heel. So, let’s dive into this write-up and see how you can do it!
5 Ways to Stretch Out Open-Toe Heels
Whether it is a high heel, flats, or dress shoe, ensuring the proper fit is a must to gain a flawless pacing experience. So, if your open-toe heels fit tight, never move on with that ill-fitting set. Because it leads to nerve damage, soreness, and sometimes severe foot issues.
To avoid all of these problems, stretch your shoes by following the methods below.
As the structure of open-toe heels doesn’t permit them to expand from the front length. So, you need to enhance the length at the back and width at the front.
Here are the approaches to stretching open toe heel:
1. High Heel Shoe Stretcher
The tool is made of stainless steel and wood. Some of them are also composed of plastic instead of steel. Usually, this shoe stretcher works for a maximum of 6″ heel, along with width expansion only.
And the 2-way tool which stretches both length and width isn’t suitable for heels and boots. Rather, it is for flat-soled sneakers, dress shoes, and hiking shoes.
Let’s see how to use a shoe stretcher:
- Place the stretcher inside the tight open-toe heel.
- Rotate the widening knob clockwise and set your desired expansion.
- Leave the shoe for 6–8 hours or a night with the stretcher inside.
- Take away the stretcher by turning the handle anti-clockwise.
Voilà! Your shoes have stretched and you got the right fit. Now, put on the shoes and enjoy your parties. In case of more stretching, just repeat the above procedure.
2. Stretch Spray
The most convenient item (also known as a leather conditioner) to weed out a tight-fitting shoe. It is favorable for a range of materials including leather, patent leather, suede, nubuck, linens, canvas, synthetics, etc.
Here’s how to use stretching spray:
- Shake well the spray bottle, wipe your shoes, and make them dust free.
- Apply spray inside and outside the footwear, especially on the portion which you wanna stretch.
- Put on thick or woolen socks and walk wearing those shoes until the spray completely dries out.
Bonus Tip: Stretch spray performs best when the stretcher tool is also used with this conditioner. So rather than walking, insert a stretcher into the shoe and settle them for a night. This will soften and expand the open-toe heel quite efficiently.
A good quality stretch spray won’t cause any color fading or stains. So, make sure to purchase the high-grade product.
3. The Blow Dryer Technique
The low heating mode of the hairdryer smooths the shoe’s material without causing any damage. First, wear one or two pairs of thick socks. Then enter your feet inside the tiny open-toe shoes. Turn on the hair dryer and continue heating the shoes. Ensure heat in every corner of the footwear.
When you’re done, apply shoe protector spray to keep the pairs polished and prevent the leather to dry out.
This process takes a lot of time and patience. Because until you reach the expectation level, you should keep providing warmth. Moreover, enough caution is needed here so that extra heat doesn’t ruin your shoes instead of making them better.
4. The Cooling or Ice Method
Do you have zip-lock bags or plastic bottles in your home?
Almost everyone has the bottles, even if the bags aren’t. Fill two same-sized bottles or zip-lock bags with water. Place one of them in each heel. Finally, store the pair in the refrigerator from dusk to dawn.
In the early morning, you will find enlarged shoes from the previous. This strategy may seem funny to you, but truly speaking it’s effective.
When water turns into ice, the volume increases. So removing the bag or plastic bottle can be difficult. In that case, use a hairdryer in low-blow mode. It will make the task of ice removal easier.
5. Wear Heels & Walk
If you’re not in a hurry and have 3–4 weeks in hand, this open-toe shoe-expanding technique is for you.
A pair of comfy finger socks, Moleskin tape, and a heel pad are essential in this method.
When all necessary things are collected, wear the comfortable and cushioned 5-toe sock. Wrap your toes with the tape. Insert heel pads inside the shoe so that your heel and ankle area remain safe.
Now it’s time to put on the footwear and walk for 15–20 minutes. Do this for a minimum of 3 weeks straight. This regular activity will help to enlarge the shoe’s interior.
Toes are already uncovered in most open-toe heels or peep-toe shoes. So what’s the necessity of taping?
Well, let me explain this matter. Some designs under the open-toe heel category do not permit the entire toe to expose. Furthermore, stumbling and toe bruises are common while walking with compact pairs. Thus, I recommend covering the toes with moleskin tape.
How Can I Make My Open-Toe Heels More Comfortable?
Removable lightweight pads, additional insole, no-show socks, and shoe grips are some useful items to make your open-toe heels more comfortable. Moreover, the gait pattern also controls the comfort level.
Open-toe heels with attractive colorways are quite demanding among fashion enthusiasts. Even short-heightened women desire to style with these shoes to look taller.
But Podiatrists discourage choosing heels as regular wear. Instead, they often advise depending on highly arch-supportive, padded, and user-friendly footwear.
Here are some tips and products to make heels more comfortable:
- Use silicon gel inserts at the heel cup area. It gives arch support for a long time and averts hurting the balls of your feet.
- Insert additional high-heel insole for extra cushioning and a heel pad to stop rubbing the back of your ankle.
- Add soft rubber-made anti-slip shoe grips at the outsole for a confident and injury-free walking experience.
- Prior to putting on the peep toe heel, enfold the third and fourth toes together with moleskin tape. This reduces pressure on the nerves.
- Adding moleskin tape under sturdy straps will relieve you from the blisters caused by it.
- Follow a proper and balanced gait pattern to stave off excessive pressure on the foot.
- Maintain ideal body weight and be slim to get hold of control while walking with the heel.
If possible, try to wear socks, because wearing shoes without socks is not a good habit. And it also wraps the feet with comfort.
As a caution, carry an anti-blister stick in your handbag so that you can heal unexpected wounds.
Conclusion
Stretching your open-toe heel is possible and easy. So do not get frustrated or injured with your tight yet favorite heels.
Just expand them and move ahead with your stylish mode on.
If you have any further queries, just leave your thoughts in the comment section.
