When choosing a shoe stretcher, consider the type of shoe, adjustability, and additional features for foot irregularities. Buy a pair of stretchers with a wide heel piece and made of resistant materials. An adjustable stretcher with accessories for bunions and calluses is ideal.
A shoe stretcher is a device that fits over your shoes and pushes against them to create more space inside the shoe. While it works well if the shoe is a little too tight, trying to stretch it too far can damage the shoe. To choose the best device for your needs, look for one that is designed for the type of shoe you wear, is adjustable, and has additional features to accommodate any foot irregularities you may have.
Most of the time a shoe stretcher will be designed for men or women. The general shape of the shoes is usually related to whether they are designed for men or women, so if you want to fit women’s shoes, buy the women’s shoe stretcher, and the same for men’s shoes. This provides the best fit for each type, especially through the toe area.
Deciding whether to buy a plastic or wooden shoe stretcher involves personal taste to some degree; Wood inserts can be of higher quality than their plastic counterparts, although this is not always true. Take a close look at the quality of the materials used and how the pieces are held together. Since the parts will be under great pressure when in use, it is better that you choose the devices made of resistant materials that can withstand repeated use.
While it’s possible to buy a single shoe stretcher, it’s best to buy them in pairs so you can stretch both shoes at the same time, which helps keep them looking and feeling uniform. In most cases, you should also look for stretchers that have a wide heel piece to avoid putting excessive stress on a small area of the heel. Too little adjustment can put too much pressure on the heel seam, causing the seam to become loose or even separate, or it can make uneven dents in the heel of the shoe.
An adjustable shoe stretcher allows you to control the length and width of the device, allowing you to determine how much change you will make. While most of the time you can set the length, not all shoe stretchers allow for much variation in width. One that allows you to make adjustments in both directions is usually a better option than one that is very limited in scope.
Another important consideration for many people is accessories that allow the shoe stretcher to make room for problems like bunions and calluses. These conditions can be very painful, and the constant rubbing and pressure caused by shoes can make walking a chore and cause even more pain, broken or irritated skin, or other types of discomfort. The best shoe stretcher will have holes in many places on the surface and will come with wooden or plastic bunions that fit into these holes. These bumps push the shoe outward in a specific area, creating a much more comfortable fit for people with uneven feet.
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