Boat Shoes Shrinking: Is It A Real Concern?

Boat shoes, like any other type of shoe, can sometimes be a little loose and need shrinking. There are several methods that can be used to shrink boat shoes, depending on the material they are made from. For leather shoes, a simple method is to dampen the desired area with water and then dry the shoe with a blow dryer on a medium heat setting. This process can be repeated until the desired fit is achieved. However, it is important to be cautious when using this method as too much water can damage the leather. An alternative method for leather shoes is to sew an elastic band to the heel of the shoe, making it narrower and harder to slip off. For canvas shoes, a more extreme version of the water and heat method can be used by fully soaking the shoes and then placing them in a dryer for 10-15 minutes.

Do Boat Shoes Shrink?

Boat shoes can be shrunk by applying water and heat

To begin shrinking your boat shoes, first, identify which areas need to be smaller. Try on the shoes and check which places are not touching your foot. You will be focusing on shrinking one area of the shoe at a time, rather than the entire shoe. For example, you may want to shrink only the sides of the shoe so your foot doesn't slip out while walking.

Once you know which areas need to be targeted, dampen those specific spots with cool water. You can dip your fingers into the water and pat it onto the shoe until the fabric is damp but not dripping wet. Avoid getting the insole of the shoe wet, as this can cause it to become smelly, cracked, or discolored.

After applying water to the desired areas, it's time to dry your shoes. The best method is to use a blow dryer on a medium setting. Hold the blow dryer about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the wet areas and move it back and forth until the fabric is dry to the touch. Be careful not to hold the blow dryer too close to the fabric, as the concentrated heat can discolor lighter canvas fabrics.

Once the fabric is dry, put the shoes back on and stand up with your feet flat on the floor. Take a few steps to see if the shoe feels tighter. If it still feels loose, you can repeat the process by re-applying water and heat.

If your boat shoes are made of leather, it is recommended to apply a leather conditioner after shrinking to protect and restore moisture to the material. Follow the instructions on the packaging of the leather conditioner to ensure proper use.

It is important to note that this method of shrinking shoes may not result in a significant size reduction. If you require a more substantial change, it may be best to consult a professional shoe repair specialist or consider purchasing a smaller size.

Use a blow dryer on medium heat setting, 6 inches away from the shoe

To shrink your boat shoes, you can use a blow dryer on medium heat. This method is best used on leather, suede, or canvas shoes. First, try on your shoes and identify which parts need to be smaller. You will only need to focus on shrinking one area at a time. Next, dampen the ill-fitting area of the shoe with cool water. Dip your fingers into the water and pat the shoe until the fabric is damp but not dripping wet. Avoid getting water on the insole of the shoe as this can cause it to become discoloured, cracked, or smelly.

Now, grab your blow dryer. Set it to medium heat and hold it about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the wet area of the shoe. Keep the blow dryer moving back and forth over the area until the fabric is dry to the touch. For leather and suede shoes, move the dryer continuously around the top edge of the shoe to heat the leather and cause it to contract and shrink. If the leather starts to smell or crack, turn off the blow dryer and let the shoes air dry.

Finally, try on the shoes again to see if the fit has improved. If the shoes still feel loose, repeat the process of applying water and blow-drying. If the shoes feel too tight, wear thick socks to stretch them out slightly.

Please note that this method may not be suitable for patent leather or coated leather shoes. Additionally, exposing shoes to high heat for extended periods can damage the glue and other materials used in their construction.

Avoid getting the insoles wet to prevent a musty smell

Boat shoes are a type of footwear typically made from leather or canvas. They are designed to be worn in wet environments, such as on boats or in rainy weather. While boat shoes are meant to get wet on the outside, it is important to prevent the insoles from getting wet to maintain their performance and longevity.

Excessive moisture inside your shoes can cause the insoles to slide around, leading to discomfort and blisters. This is especially true for foam cushion or cloth-covered insoles, which are highly susceptible to water damage. If your insoles do get wet, remove them from your shoes and pat them down with a dry towel to absorb any surface moisture. Then, place them in a well-ventilated area and let them air dry completely. This process can take anywhere from overnight to several days, depending on the saturation level and style of the insole.

To prevent your insoles from getting wet in the first place, ensure that they are the correct size and made of sturdy, semi-rigid material. Insoles that are too thin or flimsy tend to slip more and are more likely to absorb moisture. Additionally, avoid using silicone-based cleaning products on your insoles, as these can damage them. When cleaning your insoles, use lukewarm water and a mild detergent or soap, and avoid letting them soak or absorb too much water.

By following these tips, you can help keep your insoles dry and prevent them from developing a musty smell.

Leather shoes can be dried in the sun to avoid heat damage

Boat shoes are typically made of leather, and leather shoes can shrink. To shrink leather shoes, you can wet the fabric and apply heat. However, direct sunlight is not recommended for drying leather shoes as it can cause irreversible damage. The UV rays from the sun can disrupt the leather on a chemical level, breaking down its vital nutrients and causing the colour to fade over time.

Therefore, to avoid heat damage, dry your leather shoes in the shade, keeping them in a cool, well-ventilated area. If drying outdoors, choose a cool, overcast day, and ensure the shoes are in a clean place, protected from dust and debris. If drying indoors, keep the room well-ventilated and cool.

If you need to dry your leather shoes quickly, use a blow dryer on a low setting, holding it at least six inches away from the shoe to avoid burning the leather.

Once your leather shoes are dry, apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture to the material.

Add leather conditioner to prevent the leather from drying out

Leather boat shoes are an investment, and with the right care, they can last for years. One way to care for your leather boat shoes is by adding a leather conditioner to prevent the leather from drying out.

Leather conditioners restore moisture to the material and protect leather and suede shoes. After cleaning your leather boat shoes, apply a pea-sized amount of leather conditioner to a clean cloth and rub it all over the shoes. Check the packaging to see how long you should let the conditioner soak in before wearing the shoes again. You can purchase leather conditioner at most supermarkets or shoe stores.

If you're looking for product recommendations, Lexol and Obenauf's are two good options. Lexol is better for dress shoes, while Obenauf's is great for boat shoes. You can also use saddle soap to clean and condition the leather. However, be sure to follow up with a conditioner to prevent the leather from drying out.

It's important to note that leather should not be treated the same way as fabric, nubuck, or suede. Washing leather with water will dry out the natural oils that add shine and luster to the leather. Instead, use a leather cleaner or leather lotion to protect your leather boat shoes from future wear and tear.

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