It can sometimes be very disappointing having to let go of your favorite footwear just because it is a tad too tight. Some of us have been in this situation, and it hurts deep down when you can no longer use your running sneaker or the stylish boot you bought the other day.
You can also be suffering from various foot conditions such as calluses, bunions, or even corns that tend to place some pressure on the foot against the shoes. But does that mean your footwear choices are minimal? Not at all!
The shoe stretcher is one important device that stretches your shoe a little bit so that it feels comfortable.
However, it is not every shoe stretcher on the market is reliable. Some of them are just a joke. In the following write-up, we try to unravel the riddle as to which is the best shoe stretcher on the market.
Eachway Pair of Professional 2-Way Premium Shoe Stretcher Tough Plastic Shoe Trees
The shoe stretcher is easily one of the best on the market based on its versatility and ease of use. It is adjustable, and you can get the right fit from any shoe that you have.
The premium steel shaft and polyurethane material make this shoe stretcher quite durable. It can withstand the significant pressure associated with some types of shoes such as boots.
Even better, the professional shoe stretcher comes with up to 8 pressure relieving inserts to work on specific areas associated with discomfort and pain such conditions as bunions.
What we like
- Quite versatile and easy to adjust according to various shoe sizes and types
- Eight pressure relieving inserts to work on multiple parts of the shoe associated with pain and discomfort
- Made from durable material
- They are easy to use
What we don’t like
- Does not have a quantitative measurement as to the level of stretching that you require
- They may not be adequately breathable
Miserwe Shoe Stretcher with Carrying Bag
Miserwe Shoe Stretcher is another favorite shoe stretcher that performs the tasks that you need them to. They are adjustable and will work on a variety of shoe sizes and types. All you need to do is insert the shoe stretcher inside the footwear that you need to adjust and leave it on for about 24 hours.
The shoe stretcher is versatile and will work on sandals, sneakers, dress shoes and slippers. They are some of the best equipment that you can purchase for your boots.
Miserwe Shoe Stretcher is easy to use, and you can use them directly without the need to seek further instructions. It also comes with various inserts and plugs to allow targeted stretching. In other words, the device can work in particular areas that cause a significant amount of pain.
What we like
- The stretcher is easy to use
- It is versatile and will work on a variety of shoe types
- Allows targeted stretch with various inserts and plugs
- it is made of durable materials
What we don’t like
- Does not stretch the boots
- The quality and durability of the plugs is wanting
STRATTON MEN’S CEDAR SHOE TREE 2-PACK
The USA-made shoe tree is undoubtedly one of the best shoe stretchers on the market. They are durable and easy to use.
What makes them some of the best is the quality-build. It is not only the fact that they are from the USA but also the highest satisfaction rate from customers. In other words, the majority of users love the associated outcomes and durability.
And unlike other types of products in the same category, the shoe tree absorbs the foul smells and moisture. What you have is a sweet cedar smell.
Adjustability is another great feature that this shoe tree boasts.
What we like
- They are easy to use
- The shoe tree is from a respected brand and therefore sound quality
- Absorbs moisture and avoids bad spells
- They maintain the shoes in good shape and prevent wrinkles
- Adjustable to ensure the perfect fit
What we don’t like
- A bit expensive for some people
Shoe Stretcher 4-way Shoe Tree Widener Expanders Stretch Length Width Height
The women shoe stretcher is from durable polyurethane plastic and steel material. Apart from the fact that shoe stretcher is water resistant and durable, it is easy to use.
The four-way adjustable shoe expander works on a variety of pressure points and areas that are critical to your foot comfort. The expander will work on the length, the width and various other locations that may contribute to discomfort and pain.
It has up to 8 bunion plugs you can use on various points to provide relief from pain that comes from tight shoes for people suffering from bunions.
The shoe stretcher is easy to use, and all you need to do is insert inside the shoe and turn the knob clockwise to start the stretching process. You will also find that the shoe stretcher is ideal for a variety of footwear ranging from sandals, dress shoes, sneakers and others.
What we like
- 4-way adjustability for foot comfort
- Easy to use
- Made from durable materials
- Will fit a variety of shoe types
What we don’t like
- They may not come with instructions
- The stretches may not be the best for wide feet
Fresh Cedar Shoe Tree & Shoe Bags for Men by The Original Shoe Tree Company
The cedar shoe tree is breathable and moisture-wicking, making it an ideal choice for shoe expansion. Furthermore, the cedar shoe tree keeps your footwear in perfect condition for longer. Your dress shoes maintain their perfect shape and prevent creases that tend to form over time.
And unlike the competitors, this shoe tree has a full heel and toe to maintain every part of the footwear. Lower quality shoe trees do not have a full heel, and that contributes to some problems. In particular, the substandard shoe tree causes uneven stretching and a bad fit.
One thing that makes cedar unique is the fact that it gives the shoes is a nice and fresh smell. It is moisture wicking and keeps the shoes dry throughout the stretching process. Together with keeping the shoes in dry and cool areas, the cedar shoe tree makes sure that the footwear is hygienic. Moisture and heat are two conditions that are ideal for the growth of organisms that cause a foul smell.
What we like
- Breathable and moisture-wicking cedar shoe tree
- Easy to use
- Durable and flames your shoes smelling nice
- Maintains the heel and toe as well
What we don’t like
- The sliding mechanism is not the best
- Sizing issues may be apparent
FootFitter Premium Professional 2-Way Shoe Stretcher- Stretches Length and Width
Sometimes all you need is a shoe stretcher that expands both the length and width. If that is the case, then this product easily fits the description.
The material is beech wood which makes it durable and quality. The German beech wood used is among the best quality wood for making a shoe stretcher. And just like cedar, Beachwood leaves your shoes dry and smelling good. They are moisture-wicking and are useful in ensuring the interior of your shoes is dry.
It is smooth and slides inside the shoe effortlessly.
You will notice that it has perforation holes for optimal breathability. The shoe stretcher allows efficient flow of air into the show, Thereby preventing issues that crop up in the event of poor circulation.
What we like
- Durable and smooth beechwood material
- A 2-way stretcher that works on both the length and width
- Has perforation holes for optimal breathability
- Easy to read instructions
What we don’t like
- May not be appropriate or slim dress shoes
- According to customers, there are a few durability issues
Simple Shine Premium Pair Shoe Stretchers Two Way Stretcher Men Women Wide Feet Stretch Width
Breaking in new shoes can sometimes be tough for some people. It is not simple especially when the upper material is durable and sturdy. However, this professional shoe stretcher makes sure that you break in without breaking a sweat. The new shoe eventually becomes a perfect fit for you.
The pair of shoe stretchers are easy-to-use. You only need to slide them inside the shoe and adjust accordingly to stretch sideways.
The precision fit attachments are not so hard to use, and they specifically target particular areas that caused bunion or callus pain. They are perfect for both male and female shoes, and so you can share with your partner.
A dust cover bag is also available for convenient storage.
Their versatility is another crucial factor that makes them one of our favorite. Of course, the other shoe stretchers on this review are multi-functional, and someone may argue that this product is not unique in any way. However, the difference is in the ease of use when dealing with different materials and types of shoes.
Naturally, the well-designed shoe stretchers are easy to use on suede, leather, and any other material.
What we like
- The stretch has come with a convenient dust cover bag
- They are easy to use
- Made of durable plastic and steel
- Can stretch a variety of materials and shoe types
- Perfect for wide feet
What you don’t like
- They are not the most breathable shoes, and so there may be issues in that regard
- The sizing may be small for some people
Shoe Stretcher for Women Boots Wide Feet Adjustable Shoe Trees Stretching
If you need to stretch your hiking boots or your dress shoes, then you need a quality and versatile shoe stretcher. And while the list of shoe stretchers on the market is small, this professional shoe stretcher is at the top of the pack.
The premium steel shaft and polyurethane plastic make this shoe stretcher one of the most durable. The shoe stretcher is easy to use, and all you need is to insert it to the shoe and leave it for 24 hours. You can leave the stretcher inside the shoes for up to 48 hours. The longer you leave them inside, the more stretching they do.
An extra in step plug is available for those people that have high feet back. They are universal, and you can use them on different types of shoes. Whether it is your hiking boots, running sneakers or shoes that you wear to the office, the shoe stretcher is the ideal choice.
What we like
- Made from durable materials
- Versatile and you can use it for a variety of shoe types
- It is easy to use
What we don’t like
- They may not be sufficiently breathable
- Some of the components may have durability issues
StyledRight Unisex 2-Way Shoe Stretcher For Men & Women – Shoe Widener Stretch Length & Wide Feet
The material of this shoe widener is Abs plastic. Therefore, it is durable and long-lasting. Even better, you can use this shoe stretcher to widen a variety of shoe types such as sneakers, boots and dress shoes. The product is unisex, and so it can work on both male and female footwear.
Furthermore, it comes as a set of 2 stretcher kit to stretch a variety of spots on the footwear. And unlike most others, the kit comes with a storage bag. The shoe stretchers are easy to use and maintain. You clean it with a dry or damp cloth and only take a few minutes.
It is not many shoe stretchers on the market that cater to wide feet. However, this stretcher kit is ideal for widening shoes specifically for people with wide feet.
What we like
- Comes as a set of two stretcher kits
- Made of durable ABS plastic
- It is easy to use
- The stretcher is perfect for people with wide feet
- It fits both genders
What we don’t like
- The instructions are not clear
- Some components may not be durable
Men’s Colton Red Cedar Shoe Tree High-Grade Fresh USA
Cedar shoe tree made in the USA is as quality as a shoe stretcher can get. The famous shoe tree is easy to use and maintain. It is breathable and keeps the shoes in good condition and smelling nice. The cedar smell is perfect, especially for dress shoes.
It is moisture wicking and therefore, keeps the footwear dry and in the perfect condition to avoid diseases.
Furthermore, the shoe tree gets inside the shoe smoothly and effortlessly. The spring mechanism works perfectly to ensure the right fit. You can say goodbye to foot pain and discomfort.
The cedar shoe tree is available in a variety of sizes, and it is possible to get the right size. However, make sure you get the right size to avoid any inconveniences. There are a few cases where customers complain about getting the wrong size for them.
What we like
- Quality and durable cedar shoe tree
- They are easy to use and maintain
- The shoe tree keeps the footwear dry and free of fungi
- Moisture-wicking cedar tree to keep the footwear dry and hygienic
What we don’t like
- May not be appropriate for slim shoes
- Several customers complain that the shoe tree is too wide
What to Look for in the Best Shoe Stretcher
Durability
The goal for everyone when purchasing a particular product is to have it for a long time. It is not an exciting prospect of having to go back to the stores to buy the same thing. It is time wasting and not cost effective.
You need to make sure that you are getting a decent shoe stretcher that has the right components for durability. But how do you determine if a particular shoe stretcher is durable?
Some of the pointers that will guide you in the right direction include the forefoot section. Ideally, it should be made of durable material such as wood or industrial grade plastic. The idea here is to avoid anything that will break inside the shoe, and cause damage to your footwear.
Materials and other Components
It might not seem like it, but shoe stretchers have a challenging task to fulfill. Of course, the mission of stretching your shoe is no mean feat.
In that regard, you want a shoe stretcher that can hold up pretty well regardless of the type of shoe you are going to use it on. Some of the boots on the market come with a very tough upper material that can sometimes be challenging to deal with.
Ideally, you should always pick wooden or industrial-grade plastic material. The wooden shoe stretchers or even the industrial grade material will have additional components which may be metallic or plastic. Some of them are substandard such as plastic innards. Choose metal any day.
Function
There are different types of shoe stretchers that you will get on the market. Depending on your needs, you can get a shoe stretcher that works on the width, and another one that works on the length.
In the majority of cases, the shoe stretchers that work on the length can distort the design of the shoe significantly. Ideally, this type of stretcher does not work on the sole but rather, the material above the sole. Please note that the distortion may be noticeable to other people as the material may be hanging on the footing.
The other type of shoe stretcher works its magic on the width. But you will also find stretches that work on both length and width. Determine what your needs are and get the right type of stretcher.
Breathability
Breathability is one of the most overlooked factors when it comes to purchasing shoe stretchers. However, it is important to note that a breathable shoe stretcher is ideal. Any material that prevents sufficient airflow in the footwear can cause a buildup of moisture, humidity, and heat.
As a result, microorganisms such as can find residence in your shoe. Bad odors and mildew can also be part of your favorite shoe when sufficient airflow is not available.
To avoid such situations, always look for a quality shoe stretcher that is breathable. Natural materials such as wood are better than others such as plastic.
Look for models with perforations and split toe design.
Even with the best shoe stretcher, various best practices can ensure you prevent moisture build up. For example, you should make sure the shoe is dry before inserting the stretcher. Clean and condition the footwear and most importantly, wear them in the right weather condition.
Do shoe stretchers work?
Typically, shoe stretchers can be useful. However, you will need to get the right product according to your needs and the type of shoe that you have. Of course, you can get a shoe stretcher for boots or any other kind, easily.
How do you stretch shoes for bunions?
The first important step before stretching your shoes for bunions is choosing the best product for you. The best women’s shoe stretcher or the best shoe stretcher for men will be critical before you can start stretching footwear for bunions.
Other ways include wearing thick socks if you need to stretch the leather shoes. You may also need to wear your new shoes extensively at home.
Can you stretch shoes a full size?
It is possible to find a shoe stretcher that stretches the full footwear size. Typically, such a stretcher will work on the length as well as the width. However, it is important to note that stretching the shoes for size may interfere with its unique design and structural integrity.
Final Note
The best shoe stretcher makes your footwear comfortable and accommodating to your feet. It is another ingenious way of increasing the lifespan of the shoe. Of course, certain factors such as the growth of your feet or the shrinking of the material can cause the shoe to be smaller. Other factors include bunions and calluses on the feet.
Regardless of the factor that is making your shoe smaller, the professional shoe stretcher can do the trick and make the shoe comfortable. All the above products are decent and will make a good acquisition for anyone that needs their shoe, fitting and comfortable.
Leave a Reply