Does Stretching Shoes with Ice Work? [Fix the Fit Using Ice]

Written By Mahia

Want to expand your tight-fitted shoe? Then stretching is the only option you have.

If you’re searching for the most effective way to complete the shoe stretching, that might be the icing process. Before using it, you might be wondering whether it works or not.

does-stretching-shoes-with-ice-work

This article will answer your deliberate question, along with a complete guide to shoe stretching with ice.

Let’s dive in!

Does Shoe Stretch with Ice Work?

Of course, ice work for shoe stretching. It can change your congested shoes and offer a breathable space for your feet. Moreover, it’s the most budget-friendly way to mold your shoes according to your foot shape. Also, it’s a fast and accessible process to stretch your shoes.

For me, this icing process is best because of its time-saving and effortless nature.

Additionally, you can apply this process with various types of shoes. By using this icing method properly, you can stretch your Nubuck shoes too.

Can You Stretch Shoes with Ice?

Yes, you can stretch your narrow-fitted shoes with ice. To complete this ice method all you need is a plastic bag, water & freezer. Using this ice process for fixing your tight shoe is a pretty common and effective idea. This process is completely based on physics law.

That is, water volume increases about 8 percent after it diverts into ice. And this homemade process is more efficient than any other shoe stretching method.

However, you may find many shoe stretching processes without icing, but they need more expensive equipment or component. For example, you can try a shoe stretcher for stretching your shoe, but it is quite expensive.

Contrary, you can complete this ice procedure and achieve the perfect fit without expending a single penny.

How to Stretch Shoes with Ice

After knowing the ice method’s workability, now you want a step-by-step process to complete the method. And in this segment, you will find your desired guide.

You only require three simple tools to complete this process. They are:

  1. Ziplock or Sandwich bags
  2. Water
  3. Freezer

Let’s check out the steps of using ice for shoe stretching:

Step 1: Fill Ziplock Bags with Water

First, you should take a couple of strong sandwich bags. Try to choose firm plastic bags which are appropriate for the freezer.

Then, identify which portion you want to stretch, and fill the water according to placements. Because if you want to expand the toe box area, you have to fill only 25% water into your baggies.

On the other hand, when you wanna lose your entire shoe like the toe, instep including the ankle area, you have to fill at least 33% to 50% of water.

Step 2: Check the Freezer Bags Before Placing

After filling the bags with water, you have to check the freezer bags vigorously. And remove all the air bubbles from the zipper bags.

This step needs the most caution because a little hole can ruin the total process along with your beloved shoes.

So, pay your full attention when you examine the plastic bag.

Step 3: Place the Plastic Bags into Your Shoes

As I have mentioned before, identify which portion you want to expand with these water bags. And place the baggies onto the selected portion. Be alert, so that the plastic bag doesn’t tear apart or unzip.

Insert the bags into your toe box as much as possible. Or where you want the most spacious space.

Step 4: Put Your Shoes into the Freezer

After placing the plastic bags into your shoes, put your shoes into the freezer carefully.

Leave your shoes with the water bag for at least 6 to 9 hours, or until the water becomes ice. Generally, I used to leave my shoes overnight in cold storage.

Step 5: Remove the Ice Bags

The last step is removing the ice bags from your shoes.

Before removing plastic packets, keep your shoes for at least 20–30 minutes at room temperature. It helps to melt the excessive ice, and you can remove the baggies easily from your shoes.

If the room temperature is not enough for melting the ice, you can use a hammer to break the ice. Also, you can try the melting process by using a blower.

However, if you take more time to complete the thawing process, the liquid may damage your shoe material.

So, try to complete the removal step as fast as you can yet gently.

You can also try this method for stretching your suede leather shoes, trust me it works amazingly.

Remember, you have to complete the total process with a delicate and careful hand. Because a little ignorance can damage or ruin your shoes.

Does Stretch Shoe work?

Yes, stretching is the most used process for shoe adjustments. And when your shoe offers extra pressure, then the stretching process will help you find the ultimate comfort. Additionally, it also works for enlarging the shoe lifespan, because tight-fitted shoes rip easily.

The close-fitted shoe offers the most unpleasant foot issues like blisters, skin damage, heel spur, etc.

So, stretching is obvious to get instant comfort and secure steps from your close-fitted shoes.

You can consider shoe stretch as a shoe nature because most pair tends to be loose after using it a couple of times. But by applying some methods of extending, you can achieve better results.

Parting Thoughts

Stretching shoes with ice work tremendously. It’s the most efficient and affordable process for shoe stretching.

I hope after an elaborate discussion about this icing process, now you got your answer about how the icing method works for shoe stretching.

If you want me to cover any other process, let me know the topic through the comment box.

Up to then, Happy reading!

About The Author
Since childhood, Mahia is a shoe freak. And this is what lead her to do more research and gather knowledge about shoes.Mahia has always wanted to share her skill and knowledge about footwear with a mass audience, which ended her up in this amazing workplace.When Mahia is not writing, you can almost always find her in the kitchen experimenting with different recipes to upgrade her catering menu.

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