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WIW plus question about stretching shoes

Suja

Veteran

Today, I wore a new black and white top with some of my standard pieces, a black a-line skirt and a white cardigan. These are some of my favorite shoes but they are a bit too small for my post pregnancy feet. They are a size 8 and I am now an 8.5 or 9 in shoes, especially pointy toe shoes. They are suede so I'm hoping they can stretch.

Does anyone have experience stretching suede pointy toe pumps out? Could they stretch a whole size? They feel too short and too tight in the toe box. The heel is a perfect fit. Or maybe my feet will shrink as I still have another 20 pounds to lose. I have another pair of these in blue too so I'm hoping I can fit into these again.

Thanks for your feedback!

1

15 replies

Latest reply was from viva

Thistle

Veteran

You look lovely. I really like the black and white high contrast, especially with the fluid top.

As for the suede shoes, if you can return them, I would. I don't think you can stretch them a whole size, and all of the tricks I know to stretch shoes a bit involve water.

Suja

Veteran

Thistle- I think you are right. Someone with size 7.5 or 8 feet will enjoy these more than me so I am going to pass them on. I guess I'm in the market for some new pink shoes

Aida

Veteran

Suja, stretching only works on width not on length. So if they are too short, unfortunately no amount of stretching will solve that. Cute outfit, the pink shoes really are a fun choice here!

carter

Veteran

I have to stretch the right shoe of every pair I own, both in length and width. I am barely a size 8 on the left and a full size 8.5 on the right. I have found that soft leather, calf hair, suede, and linen can all be stretched the amount I need. I have a very heavy duty stretcher that does length and width at the same time, but super pointy toes may be much more difficult. Although most of the length stretch comes from the back, some of it does need to come from the front of the shoe.

Gigi

Veteran

Is it worth waiting to see what happens to your feet as the weight comes off? Maybe you'd like to wait before passing them on. I've never been pregnant, so I don't know what kinds of body changes are likely to stay and which are more temporary.

Anonymous

You look great! I have rarely been able to stretch shoes. Maybe keep them if you have the room and weight is in flux, ad reassess later?

Kristin L

Veteran

I love your outfit. I'm not sure how stretching the length of a pointy toe shoe. I wonder if it would be better to pass those on and fins another that fit better.

dustt

Veteran

Suja - I would be sad too, those are some awesome pink pumps!! - just as an FYI - I found that my feet grew with each pregnancy - I went from a 10n to a 10.5m to an 11m - even after all the baby weight was gone the shoe size stuck and I am now firmly an 11m -

ETA - think of as a reason to revamp the shoe wardrobe!!

Glory

Veteran

You look lovely. I do not think you can stretch enough to give you the comfort you need at the moment. I would consider putting the smaller ones away for now and buying something super comfy in your new size.

jackiec

Veteran

I don't have shoe-stretching experience, but I love your outfit! The pop of pink with the shoes against the black & white outfit looks fresh.

Echo

Veteran

Before giving them up, you might want to try this:
put on a pair of socks
force the shoes on (this might be tough and require a shoe horn)
while standing, use a blow dryer to heat the shoes (not so close as to damage them, and avoid the seams where the shoes connect to the soles - there might be glue that could melt or give way)
walk around until the shoes cool COMPLETELY

At this point, your feet will likely be screaming for a break and you will be delighted to remove the shoes. Take off the socks and give your feet a break for a while and then try the shoes on again. Suede stretches quite easily and this really ought to give you some extra room. You can repeat the process as necessary.

But like it has been said, it is difficult to change the length of a shoe. The footbed itself cannot change, so only stretching the upper can be done. If that will not be enough, then it is a lost cause. But this method really works well on pumps in my experience.

Kiwichik

Veteran

Cute outfit - the shies will stretch a little in the width but if they are too short then you should return them if you can.

gryffin

Veteran

Suja - sorry no help on stretching the pumps. Just sending sympathy. After having my son, my feet went from a 6.5 to a 7-7.5. I had to donate my entire shoe wardrobe except for a pair of cowboy boots. My most beloved evening shoes were in that purge. Just sending good wishes for success on the stretch and I'm impressed you can even get your old shoes on! Good luck and fingers crossed!!

crutcher

Veteran

Ok, I did stretch a pair of suede pumps this winter...Can't remember where I found the page but it was done with a hair dryer on high...Do the inside of the shoes with the dryer...get it warm...then put on the shoe with a really heavy sock...Next take the dryer to the outside of the shoe and wear about 5 minutes or until the shoe cools...Repeat for other shoe...Walk around in the shoe with the heavy sock...This worked for my shoes...Good luck...

viva

Veteran

You look wonderful! I love the outfit -- that print is gorgeous. I'm so sorry the shoes don't fit because they are so beautiful with the black and white, and I cannot help with stretching.