Most shoes and boots are made of leather. Leather is preferred as a shoe-making material because of several reasons: Leather shoes are water-resistant, durable, comfortable, eco-friendly, and are flexible to conform to the shape of your feet comfortably. Having leather shoes that fit well is essential for perfect feet comfort. However, this is not always the case because some leather shoes stretch over time, or you sometimes end up purchasing a leather shoe that is slightly bigger than your feet. Do not panic because this article will equip you with the knowledge that you need to learn how to shrink leather shoes.
Method 1- Using Water and a Blow Dryer
A viable alternative for shrinking leather shoes is by using water and a source of heat. The technique is cheap because water is readily available, and accessing a source of heat is not a daunting task. However, much care should be taken to ensure that the rubber is not subjected to excessive heat, which would damage its material. Using a spray with warm water, spray the front section of the leather shoes and any other part that feels uncomfortable. Give the leather shoes enough time to soak and then using a blow dryer set to the minimum temperature, blow hot air around the shoes until they dry. The process will shrink the shoes a bit. It is advisable to apply a shoe conditioner after heating the shoes to maintain their appearances.
Method 2- Adding an Elastic band to the Shoes
The technique is very economical because it does not involve costly materials to perform the shrinking process. It is critical to note that this method is useful for leather shoes with thin back linings that can be easily sown. Cut a small piece of the elastic band that can comfortably fit the back of the shoes. Using a safety pin, attach the thin band to the back of the shoes to prevent unwanted movements during sewing. Sew the elastic band to the back of the shoes using a curved needle and remove the safety pin when you are done. The process will make your shoes shrink a bit.
Method 3- Shrinking Using Thick Insoles
Insoles work by reducing the gap between the upper parts of your feet and your leather shoes. Purchase thicker insoles than your current ones and replace them. Thicker insoles are useful because they can help transform loose leather shoes into shoes that fit well. However, when the insoles that came with the shoes are glued to the soles, there is no harm adding another layer of insole on top.
Method 4- Soaking and Wearing Leather Shoes
One striking advantage of leather shoes is that they can easily conform to the shape of your feet. In this method, soak the boots wholly in a bucket full of water and give them approximately 30 minutes to absorb water. Wear thin wet socks and put your boots on. Wear the boots all day until they dry completely. As the leather boots dry, they will shrink a bit and assume the shape of your feet. The socks will help protect your feet from grinding with the inner surfaces of the boots.
Method 5- Taking the Shoes to a Qualified Cobbler
Taking the leather shoes to a cobbler is another viable solution that you can adapt to help shrink your boots. The method is useful because the cobbler will undo the leather material of the shoes and tighten it a bit to shrink its size. However, you should take your boots to a qualified cobbler who will not cause further damage to your leather shoes.
In conclusion, it is essential to understand the various simple techniques on how to shrink leather so that effective action will be taken when the need to shrink the shoes arises.
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