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How To Stretch Sneakers’ Width – Tool To Widen Sneakers

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By Anthony Levine, longtime sneaker collector.

In this article I want to help you widen those narrow kicks! Here is the tools I use to keep my shoes from tearing up my pinky toes!

The problem with ordering sneakers online is that the exact fit of a sneaker is not guaranteed. Even if it is a shoe we are familiar with, it can vary in fit from a different pair of the exact same shoe!

Most of us generally know what our shoe sizes are, but an issue we can run into with buying sneakers without trying them on is that there are inconsistencies with length and width. If a sneaker is a good length but slightly too narrow, the following tool can help a lot! I’ve used it multiple times when a sneaker should have been the right size, but wasn’t.

Please note that this type of tool (Amazon search link) cannot work miracles. Do not expect to widen sneakers a full size with this!

Tool To Widen Sneakers

The tool we are looking at today is a shoe stretcher. The units run about $20-30 on Amazon. If you shop around, you can probably find shoe wideners that vary slightly in functionality and accessories.

Make sure you purchase one that actually widens in addition to lengthening shoes.

Should I Use Shoe Stretch Spray?

Many articles online about stretching out shoes recommend purchasing an accompanying spray. This would be sprayed on the sneaker once the widener has been inserted and set. While this can help, I don’t believe it is necessary.

Personally, I don’t like spraying any type of sprays on my sneakers. I mentioned this briefly when discussing why I don’t use protectants on suede. I believe spraying things on the shoe, particularly if the material is suede or nubuck, may alter the texture and appearance for the worse. If the tool doesn’t seem to be working right off the bat, you might try letting the sneaker sit longer with the widener inserted.

That said, if you don’t mind this potential issue or are widening some inexpensive leather trainers, the spray may help accelerate the process. Proceed with caution using sprays on sneakers.

How To Stretch Sneakers’ Width

Using a sneaker widening tool (Amazon search link) is very simple! Start off by inserting the unit into the sneaker you want to make wider.

STEP 1: Once you put the widener in, adjust the length so that the tool is secure within the sneaker. This tool can also lengthen shoes, so be careful not to overtighten this unless you also need some length in the toe area.

Once the unit is in place, you are ready to widen sneakers!

STEP 2: Turn the knob/lever to adjust the width on the shoe widening unit. As you adjust, the front end will split apart inside the shoe and put pressure against the sides of the sneaker, stretching it out slightly. You want to keep widening until you start to feel some resistance. Then, simply twist 2-4 more times.

Do not overdo it when widening sneakers! You can damage the sneaker, causing it to weaken, rip and separate if you are overly aggressive here. Just widen it slightly past resistance as stated above.

Let the sneaker sit with the widener in it overnight. If you are going to use a shoe widening spray, now would be the time.

Check on your shoe the next day. If the fit has been improved enough, you are good to go. If not, repeat the process and check again in another 24 hours. Slowly but surely, you can stretch the width of your sneakers without damaging them and ultimately make them more comfortable for daily wear!