Definition: Shoe stretchers come in 2 basic styles: One is called “Ball and Ring” and stretches a specific spot via a ball through a ring. The other style stretches the entire shoe at once and has attachments that will stretch the most common bunion areas on a shoe. When stretching a combination of equal parts water and rubbing alcohol is used.
Ball and Ring Stretcher
Full Shoe Stretcher
Those with swelling, bunions or hammertoes have problems finding shoes that fit both feet. Shoe stretching is good when shoes fit both feet well except for one or two spots, while the next width or length size up does not fit well.
Benefits: When a person says there is rubbing or tightness in just one or two areas of a shoe, the shoe is a candidate for stretching. Many people have hammertoes and corns on top of their toes or at the width of their foot at the 1st or 5th metatarsals. Stretching is an easy and practical solution, alleviating the painful spots and making the shoe wearable.
Text: Copyright 2005-2012 Carole Romig Image: Top: hrsa.com Bottom: Frankfordleather.com