Amanda Knapp
If you're a basketball player with wide feet, you may have struggled to find basketball shoes that fit comfortably. While most basketball shoes are designed to be narrow, there are several ways to make them wider. Firstly, you could try stretching the shoes by wearing them around the house or using a hairdryer to warm and stretch the uppers. Alternatively, you could seek the help of a professional cobbler or shoe repair shop to stretch the shoes for you. If you haven't bought the shoes yet, it's worth trying on different sizes and brands to find the perfect fit. For example, Nike shoes tend to have a wider midfoot area, while Adidas shoes are known for being inconsistent in sizing.
How to make basketball shoes wider
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wear them around the house | Wearing new shoes around the house for a few hours daily can help soften the material and improve the fit |
| Use a hair dryer | Put on a pair of thick socks and fasten the shoes comfortably. Apply a hair dryer for 20-30 seconds at a time to the tight areas. Use only medium heat, and keep the blow dryer in motion to avoid drying out or burning the leather |
| Wear thick socks | Thick socks can add some extra volume to your feet, helping to fill up the extra space inside the shoes |
| Stack your socks | Layer two pairs of socks for more thickness |
| Use toe inserts | Toe inserts can be used to reduce excess space and prevent your feet from sliding forward |
| Stuff tissue paper or toilet paper | If toe inserts are not available, stuff tissue paper or toilet paper into the front of your shoes to reduce the excess space |
| Insoles | Inserting an additional insole on top of the existing one can help reduce the interior space, ensuring a better fit |
| Orthotics | Orthotics are shoe inserts designed to provide support and correct foot-related issues. Some orthotics are specifically made to take up extra space inside the shoe, effectively making them fit smaller |
| Experiment with lacing techniques | Experiment with different lacing techniques to tighten the fit around your foot. For example, the "runner's loop" method can help lock your heel in place |
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What You'll Learn
Wear them around the house to break them in
If your basketball shoes are a little uncomfortable, try wearing them around the house for a few days to break them in. This can help soften them up and make them more comfortable for when you need to wear them for longer periods. It's a good idea to let your feet rest before trying this method, especially if it's been a hot day or you've been on your feet a lot.
When breaking in new shoes, stick to walking on rugs or carpeted surfaces. This way, you can still return the shoes if you need to. If you plan to keep the shoes, wearing them around the house is a good way to add a little extra stretch and help them conform to your feet. If they still feel too tight, try putting on a pair of thick socks, fastening the shoes, and applying a hairdryer on medium heat for 20-30 seconds at a time to the tight areas.
It's worth noting that some people believe wearing shoes inside is unhygienic and can track in dirt, chemicals, and allergens from outdoors. If you're concerned about this, you could designate your basketball shoes as indoor-only shoes to avoid tracking in unwanted particles.
Overall, wearing your basketball shoes around the house can be an effective way to break them in and make them more comfortable, without causing unnecessary wear and tear.
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Stretch the uppers with a hairdryer
Stretching the uppers of your basketball shoes with a hairdryer is a quick and easy way to make them wider. This method works best on natural materials such as canvas and leather, as shoes made of synthetic materials tend to shrink back to their original size over time.
First, put on a pair of thick socks. This will help to cushion your feet and aid in stretching the shoes. Then, put on your basketball shoes. Set your hairdryer to medium heat and blast each shoe for around 20 to 30 seconds at a time, making sure to keep the nozzle moving so as not to damage the material. As the shoe heats up, wiggle your toes and bend your foot to help stretch the shoe.
If you need to, you can heat the shoes again after they've cooled down. However, be aware that heat can soften the glue used in some shoes, causing the uppers to separate from the sole. Therefore, it's important not to leave the hairdryer nozzle in one place for too long.
After stretching your shoes with heat, it's a good idea to apply a leather conditioner or moisturiser to the shoes to keep the leather in good condition.
While this method is effective for quickly stretching your basketball shoes, it's important to note that some sources advise against using a hairdryer as it can result in serious warping. Alternative methods for stretching shoes include using ice, alcohol, or shoe-stretching sprays.
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Wear thick socks to add volume
If your basketball shoes are a little too snug, wearing thick socks could be a simple solution to add some volume to your feet and help them fit better. This method is especially useful if you have narrow feet, as the extra thickness of the socks can fill out your shoes and reduce slipping and sliding. Not only will this make quick basketball moves more comfortable, but it will also help you avoid blisters.
Thick socks can also be a good option if your basketball shoes are slightly too big. In this case, the extra cushioning of thick socks can help fill out the extra space in your shoes and provide a more secure fit. This is why many basketball players wear two pairs of socks during games – the double layer helps to eliminate friction and provides extra cushioning, reducing the risk of blisters.
When choosing thick socks, look for styles with extra padding in high-impact areas like the heel and ball of the foot. This strategic cushioning can provide extra comfort and absorb shock during quick movements and jumps. Additionally, opt for socks made from moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or nylon blends. These materials will help keep your feet dry by pulling sweat away from the skin, which is especially important during intense gameplay.
If you're not a fan of thick socks, or if your shoes are very narrow, you might prefer thinner socks. For example, the Stance Icon Hoops socks are a good option for those with wide feet and tight-fitting shoes. Alternatively, the Nike Elites are popular basketball socks that are tailored to fit your left or right foot, improving the fit and avoiding bunching around the toes.
Remember, the right socks can make a significant difference in your comfort, performance, and overall playing experience, so take the time to find the perfect pair for you and your shoes.
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Use toe inserts or tissue paper
If your basketball shoes are feeling a little too snug, there are a few things you can do to stretch them out. One option is to use toe inserts, also known as shoe fillers. These small cushioning devices are placed into the toe area of your shoes to fill up extra space and prevent your feet from sliding forward or around inside the shoe. Shoe fillers are a more durable and comfortable option compared to stuffing tissue or toilet paper into the front of your shoes. They can be paired with ball cushions or full insoles for added comfort and support.
Toe inserts are especially useful if your basketball shoes are slightly oversized, causing issues like heel slippage or toes hitting the front. By filling in the extra space, toe inserts help to improve the fit of your shoes, ensuring your feet receive the support they need. This can help prevent unexpected aches and pains that can develop over time due to your feet adjusting to ill-fitting shoes.
You can find toe inserts made from a variety of materials, including foam, gel, or leather. These materials provide cushioning, support, and even warmth for your feet. When choosing toe inserts, opt for ones that are the same size as your shoes. This ensures a snug fit, allowing the inserts to provide support and reduce extra space effectively.
In addition to toe inserts, there are other products available to improve the fit of your basketball shoes. Heel grips, for example, can be used to address slipping heels. These come in various materials such as silicone, gel, latex, or fabric, offering an affordable solution to improve the fit of shoes that feel too big. Similarly, heel liners or heel pads can be attached to the inside back of the shoe to make them feel shorter and more secure, while also providing comfort and helping to prevent blisters.
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Experiment with different lacing techniques
If your basketball shoes are uncomfortable, there are several lacing techniques that can help give you a more comfortable fit. Experimenting with these methods can help you find a more comfortable fit that supports your foot type and playing style.
One lacing technique that can help alleviate tightness and add comfort to your shoe's fit is high-arch lacing. This technique involves lacing the shoe with a crisscross through the first set of eyelets, then threading the shoelace only through the sides. From the midfoot onwards, start tying with a criss-cross again. This method opens up the middle of the lace pattern, reducing pressure at the sides.
Another technique, known as "heel lock" lacing, can help prevent your heel from slipping out of the shoe and reduce excessive movement of your foot in the shoe. To do this, simply lace the shoes in the usual criss-cross pattern until the second-to-last eyelet. Then, thread the lace through the last eyelet so that the lace comes out on the inside of the shoe, creating a loop between the last two eyelets. Finish by crossing your laces and inserting them through the loops and pull tightly, securing the shoe around your foot.
If you have a wide forefoot, you can try a lacing technique that gives you more space in the toe box. Begin by threading the shoelace only through the sides. From the midfoot upwards, start tying with a criss-cross and finish by tying the shoe as usual. This will give your forefoot more space in the toe box.
You can also try a decorative method sometimes worn on military boots that holds very firmly. First, lace the shoe down, then double back up the shoe. This method creates an intricate "web" that looks interesting and holds very firmly, but it can be awkward to tighten.
By experimenting with these and other lacing techniques, you can find a combination that provides a comfortable and secure fit for your basketball shoes.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to make your basketball shoes wider. You can try breaking them in by wearing them for a few hours at a time, use a hairdryer to stretch the uppers, or take them to a professional cobbler to be stretched. If you haven't bought the shoes yet, consider sizing up or trying on different brands to find the best fit for your feet.
Wear your new basketball shoes for a few hours at a time until they start to stretch and form to your feet. Bring another pair of shoes with you to switch into if your feet start to hurt.
A cobbler is a professional shoe repair person. They have machines and training to alter, repair, and refresh shoes. Cobblers are becoming harder to find due to a lack of interest, but you may be able to locate one in your area by searching online or asking at a specialty shoe store.
If you have wide feet, consider sizing up by half a size or even a full size, depending on how wide your feet are. You can also try on different brands to find the best fit for your feet. For example, Nike and Adidas basketball shoes tend to run narrow, while the All City 13 and Freak 6 have a more standard width that can accommodate slightly wider feet.
