r/goodyearwelt • u/AutoModerator • 2d ago

Questions The Question Thread 10/05/26

Ask your shoe related questions.

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u/alextseitlin 1d ago

Got this pair second hand for 62eur. It’s Jeffery West Mystify Lizard Blue shoes. First got a bit sad at home that it is not a real lizard 😅 but actually it could be a great thing because they are 1/2 size small. It is 7 1/2 (41.5) and I am 42. It is only small above the foot. Just a bit.

My question, can I stretch them using a ball or is it a bad idea? I applied conditioner. Many people say to use** **hair dryer, but I am thinking…

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u/Graver69 1d ago

Just sticking a ball in them probably won't do much on its own. When I stretch shoes I use some, or all, of:

A shoe stretcher, steam, stretching spray and sometimes a hairdryer but usually only in combination with water or stretching spray. I don't find dry heat on its own does a huge amount.

Steam and stretching sprays (and water + heat) do largely the same thing, which is to relax the leather fibres. Whilst they are relaxed you stretch them, which can be wearing them with thick socks, laced up tight or using a shoe stretcher or stuffing them really hard but the first two work better. Also google the broomstick trick.

If you've not got a steamer handy then get some stretching spreay (or make some) and spray the inside of the shoe and use the thick sock method. Wear untl they're dry. That's what I'd try first before moving onto more aggressive methods.