Can you stretch too-small shoes?

[Gracie]

I bought some adorable shoes on ebay that were brand new and size 8.

Half my shoes are size 7 1/2 and half are size 8. I have never in my lifetime taken an 8 1/2 in any style or brand and I have had thousands of shoes!!

These shoes really are 8's but they are at least a 1/2 size too short. They are uncomfortable to walk across the room in. Is there any device that stretches them or do I need to resell them?

Loren

[CompassRose]

A shoemaker can do it; they've got things that expand with screws inside the shoe. I'm not sure if they can stretch out length to half a size, but they can certainly do width.

You can do it yourself (if the shoe is leather and again for width) by dampening the shoe and stuffing very firmly with packed newspaper, but that's less precise (and probably not as good for the shoe).

I'd take it into a shoemaker, and ask.

[Gracie]

Thank you. I have no idea where the nearest shoemaker is but I'll search.

Loren

[foodfiend]

I've had done this done before. They can stretch the leather sideways, but nothing can be done about the length.

[wallycat]

I've tried it and they just never fit well.
Your feet deserve comfort ....just saying....

[funniegrrl]

Yes, a shoe repair shop can stretch shoes, but as others have said, that only affects width and depth, not length. The length is determined by the sole, which cannot be stretched. Stretching MIGHT make them wearable -- if your foot can spread more, that might relieve some of the toe-to-heel pressure. If you stretch them and still can't wear them, then you're stuck. If I were you I'd go ahead and re-sell on ebay as they are, with "7 to 7-1/2" in the listing title and an explanation in the listing itself.