I need tighter leather... er...

September 28, 2005 11:29 AM

How can I shrink my sandals?

I just picked up a pair of flip-flop sandals from the web -- a necessity, because my feet are big enough that most stores don't carry my size. They are a nice pair, and the sole size is just fine, but it seems the leather strap is too large. When I walk in them, they are constantly loose and on the verge of falling off. If I could somehow shrink the leather straps so that it's tighter on my feet, they'd be perfect.

That being said -- how? Can I shrink leather? Can I get these things cut-and-tailored to my size (without paying as much as the sandals cost)?

Big feet are irritating.
grumble grumble

posted by symphonik to clothing, beauty, & fashion (3 comments total)

Water is quickest and easiest way that I know of. Just soak those babies in some water and then wear them until they dry so as not to shrink them too much. Or just let them dry and shrink on their own and you can stretch them out when you put your feet in them
posted by Botunda at 11:45 AM on September 28, 2005

i don't know how feasible shrinking is, especially cured leather. why don't you cut out a chunk and resow the strap? if you don't have good sowing skills, a shoe repair person will do it pretty cheaply, it seems
posted by yonation at 11:45 AM on September 28, 2005

In my experience, Botunda's suggestion actually has the opposite effect: as you wear it, it stretches. The wetting-and-wear-as-it-dries method is how you break in a good pair of tight leather pants. Trust me.

Take them to a shoe repair person, they'll do 'em for $10-$15.
posted by Specklet at 12:38 PM on September 28, 2005