But elastic is supposed to stretch
July 15, 2015 1:28 PM Subscribe
A while ago I asked a question about finding the perfect pair of work appropriate footwear. I finally found them! But there's just one catch - part of them is too tight and leaves marks on my feet. Is there any way to fix this?
These are the shoes, which I have had for about six weeks now. They are pretty great. They're black, they're leather, the sole is solid, they don't exacerbate my pronation, the toe box is neither too narrow nor too... boxy. But the elastic is just too tight. I was hoping it would stretch and the sales assistant said that it would. But it seems that either the elastic hasn't stretched or maybe the Summer weather has made my feet swell. In any case, the elastic leaves marks on the top of my feet and can be slightly uncomfortable. The two pieces of elastic are held together by a circle of leather, which may be part of the problem since the elastic is forced to sit on a certain part of my foot rather than ending up where it wants. Here's another link with more photos, to show what we are dealing with.
As it turns out, the same shoes exist in an elastic-free version, which I totally would have bought instead if it had been stocked in the store, because they look better. But I'd rather not spend another 70 Euro right now if there's some way to fix these current ones.
So, what would you do AskMe? is there a solution I'm not thinking of? Should I just get rid of that piece of leather holding the elastic pieces together? Will the shoes look okay, or maybe even better, if I do that?
These are the shoes, which I have had for about six weeks now. They are pretty great. They're black, they're leather, the sole is solid, they don't exacerbate my pronation, the toe box is neither too narrow nor too... boxy. But the elastic is just too tight. I was hoping it would stretch and the sales assistant said that it would. But it seems that either the elastic hasn't stretched or maybe the Summer weather has made my feet swell. In any case, the elastic leaves marks on the top of my feet and can be slightly uncomfortable. The two pieces of elastic are held together by a circle of leather, which may be part of the problem since the elastic is forced to sit on a certain part of my foot rather than ending up where it wants. Here's another link with more photos, to show what we are dealing with.
As it turns out, the same shoes exist in an elastic-free version, which I totally would have bought instead if it had been stocked in the store, because they look better. But I'd rather not spend another 70 Euro right now if there's some way to fix these current ones.
So, what would you do AskMe? is there a solution I'm not thinking of? Should I just get rid of that piece of leather holding the elastic pieces together? Will the shoes look okay, or maybe even better, if I do that?
Response by poster: The trick with the pin is very handy and something I never would have thought of myself.
And why did I never think to go to a shoemaker? I must have gotten too used to not being able to find a lot of things in the very small city I'm in and Google not helping me. But, thinking about it, I think I might have seen a shoemaker the other day. I will re-trace my steps and pay them a visit.
Thanks!
(ugh, such a waste of a question, really. Serves me right for posting during an assessment period at uni).
posted by kinddieserzeit at 1:49 PM on July 15, 2015
And why did I never think to go to a shoemaker? I must have gotten too used to not being able to find a lot of things in the very small city I'm in and Google not helping me. But, thinking about it, I think I might have seen a shoemaker the other day. I will re-trace my steps and pay them a visit.
Thanks!
(ugh, such a waste of a question, really. Serves me right for posting during an assessment period at uni).
posted by kinddieserzeit at 1:49 PM on July 15, 2015
I had a similar problem and ultimately the shoemaker replaced the elastic with a longer piece of elastic. It would change the styling of the shoe in your case but it might work.
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:51 PM on July 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by fingersandtoes at 1:51 PM on July 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
In addition to the pin-holes, try carefully wetting just the elastic (put a towel under it and dab with a wet washcloth), and then put it on and wear them with it wet while it dries.
posted by amaire at 4:40 PM on July 15, 2015
posted by amaire at 4:40 PM on July 15, 2015
Elastic can be cut halfway which would make it weaker, and may make wearing it more comfortable. It's the same idea as the pin (cutting some individual elastic threads)
Else, as others said, have a shoemaker replace the piece completely. It'll cost you, but better than a pair you can't wear.
posted by kschang at 11:26 PM on July 15, 2015
Else, as others said, have a shoemaker replace the piece completely. It'll cost you, but better than a pair you can't wear.
posted by kschang at 11:26 PM on July 15, 2015
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by janey47 at 1:33 PM on July 15, 2015 [2 favorites]