Is there a kind of tightening/unstretching solution for leather shoes?

February 9, 2007 7:13 AM

Is there a kind of tightening/unstretching solution for leather shoes without causing damage to them?

I bought, and absolutely love, these shoes (bought them in the store, just located this pic on ebay)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BNWT-OFFICE-RED-LTHR-CAVE-PLATFORM-COURT_W0QQitemZ180081692848QQihZ008QQcategoryZ63889QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

but though they fit perfectly and snugly to begin with, after a lot of wear, they've stretched, to the point where I strain my lower leg muscles when I'm walking due to effort of keeping them on! It's extremely easy to slide my heel in and out of them, and sometimes it occurs by accident while walking.

Is there any kind of tightening/unstretching solution for these, without ruining their appearance? (I've looked up methods of using hot water - DOES IT WORK?)

Just as a note, I always wear them with 40 or lower denier tights, usually more like 15, but even with 40 at the moment it's getting hard to wear them because they feel so loose. And wearing thicker socks/tights is not a practical suggestion (for a start, I'd have to buy some!)

posted by angryjellybean to clothing, beauty, & fashion (8 comments total)

What about insoles?
posted by loiseau at 7:27 AM on February 9, 2007

No, you can't shrink leather (except rawhide).
posted by nicwolff at 7:31 AM on February 9, 2007

loiseau, how will that keep them on at the back though? wont they just squish my foot up towards the top a bit more? :/
posted by angryjellybean at 7:32 AM on February 9, 2007

Have you tried adding heel liners like these? You could probably even stack in two per heel if needed.
posted by nevers at 7:40 AM on February 9, 2007

You need a heel liner.
posted by footnote at 7:41 AM on February 9, 2007

jinx!
posted by footnote at 7:42 AM on February 9, 2007

Take them to a shoe cobbler. He should be able to remove some of the leather, restitch the area and return the shoe to a more snug form.
posted by bkeene12 at 7:50 AM on February 9, 2007

Those heel liners look perfect!!! Thank you
posted by angryjellybean at 7:54 AM on February 9, 2007