Stretching Boat Shoes: Easy Ways To Make Them Fit

Boat shoes are a fashion staple around the world, but they can be a little uncomfortable at first. If you've got a new pair of boat shoes that are a little too tight, there are several methods you can use to stretch them out. One popular method is to wear the shoes at home and let them mould to the shape of your feet. You can also use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to make the shoes more supple and then walk in them to get them to mould to your feet. If you're willing to be a bit more adventurous, you could try the ice method: fill a sandwich bag halfway with water, place it in the shoe, and then put the shoe in the freezer. As the water freezes, it will expand and stretch out the shoe. Alternatively, you could try the potato method, which involves stuffing a peeled potato into the toe of the shoe and leaving it overnight.

Wear them at home

Wearing your boat shoes at home is a great way to break them in and make them more comfortable for your feet. Here are some tips to help you stretch your boat shoes by wearing them at home:

Start by putting on a thick pair of socks, or several pairs if you have them. This will help speed up the stretching process. If your boat shoes are made of leather, you can also apply a thin layer of Vaseline to the leather before putting them on. This will help soften the leather and make it more pliable.

Once you have your socks on, put on your boat shoes and walk around your house in them for a few hours. It might feel a bit uncomfortable at first, but it will be worth it in the end. If your boat shoes have a particularly tight spot, such as at the heel, use a large spoon – wooden or metal – to gently lever and loosen that area.

To further speed up the process, you can use a hairdryer. Turn it on to low or medium heat and aim it at the tight areas for a few seconds while you wiggle your toes and flex your feet to help stretch out the shoes. Be careful not to overdo it, especially if your boat shoes are made of suede, as heat can dry out the material.

After you're done stretching your boat shoes, let them cool down completely before taking them off. This will help set the new shape and ensure they stay stretched and fitted to your feet.

By following these steps, you'll be able to stretch your boat shoes and make them more comfortable for everyday wear.

Use a hairdryer

Using a hairdryer is a quick and easy way to stretch your boat shoes. This method is a variation of an old trick but still works effectively. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, put on a pair of thick socks, preferably winter socks. It is important that your socks are thick as this will help stretch your shoes. If your boat shoes are only slightly tight, you can wear an additional pair of socks over the socks you plan to wear with the shoes.

Secondly, put on your boat shoes. Your shoes should feel tight, and that is okay.

Thirdly, grab a hairdryer and turn it on. Ensure your hairdryer is set to medium heat if this setting is available.

Next, direct the hairdryer at the tight areas of your boat shoes. For example, if the bridge of your foot or the toebox feels tight, run the hairdryer over these areas. Keep the hairdryer a few inches away from your shoes to avoid scorching the material.

Continue running the hairdryer over the tight areas of your shoes until you are satisfied with the flexibility. You may need to flex your toes and feet to stretch the tight areas further.

Once you are happy with the fit, turn off the hairdryer and walk around in your shoes until they have completely cooled down. You can then take off the thick socks and try on your boat shoes to see how they feel. If they still feel tight, repeat the process.

Freeze them

Freezing is an effective way to stretch your boat shoes. This method is particularly useful if you don't have the time to wear your shoes in at home or don't want to risk blisters. Here is a step-by-step guide to stretching your boat shoes using the freezing method:

Step 1: Prepare the Water

First, fill a sandwich or freezer bag with water. The amount of water you use will depend on the part of the shoe you want to stretch. For example, fill the bag a quarter of the way for the toe, half-way for the toe and instep, and between half and a third of the way for the toe, instep, and ankle area. Ensure the bag is sealed tightly and remove any excess air.

Step 2: Place the Water in the Shoes

Carefully place the bag of water inside your shoe, trying to get it as close to the area you want to stretch as possible. For example, if you want to stretch the toe area, place the bag as close to the toe of the shoe as you can. Repeat this process for the other shoe.

Step 3: Freeze the Shoes

Place the shoes in the freezer, ensuring that the bags of water are secure and will not leak. Leave the shoes in the freezer for at least four to eight hours, or even overnight, to ensure the water has enough time to turn into ice.

Step 4: Remove the Ice

Take the shoes out of the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for around 20 minutes. This will make it easier to remove the ice without damaging your shoes. If the ice is still difficult to remove, wait a little longer for it to melt or try breaking the ice before removing the bags.

Step 5: Allow the Shoes to Recover

Once you have removed the ice, let the shoes recover to room temperature. You can then try them on to see if they fit better. If they still feel too tight, simply repeat the freezing process until you achieve the perfect fit.

This method is a great way to stretch your boat shoes without causing any damage. However, remember to always check for leaks before placing the bags in your shoes, and be careful when removing the ice to avoid ripping the bags and damaging your shoes with water.

Wear with thick socks

Boat shoes are a classic casual shoe trend, especially in the menswear world. They are incredibly comfortable, stylishly casual, and give off a relaxed, preppy image.

Boat shoes are typically worn without socks, but this can be uncomfortable and unhealthy. Wearing no socks can cause blisters and hotspots, and it can also make your shoes smell. So, if you're going to wear socks with your boat shoes, what's the best way to do it?

One option is to wear no-show socks. These are low-cut socks designed to be invisible when worn with boat shoes, loafers, sneakers, or any other type of casual footwear. They help eliminate blisters and irritation, keep your feet dry and comfortable, and enable you to sport the casual sockless look.

If you don't like the sockless look, you can opt for dress socks instead. These will provide a slightly more formal look while still being relaxed and casual.

When it comes to stretching your boat shoes, one effective method is to use a blow dryer and thick socks. Put on a thick pair of socks with the shoes, then aim the blow dryer at the tight spots, using medium heat to soften the shoe until it fits comfortably. Keep the hairdryer moving to avoid damaging the leather, and it usually takes a couple of minutes to stretch the shoe. You can also apply a little leather conditioner afterward to keep the leather in good condition.

This method works better on natural materials such as canvas and leather, as shoes made of synthetic materials tend to shrink back to their original size over time. So, if you have a pair of boat shoes that feel too tight, grab a thick pair of socks and a blow dryer, and give this stretching technique a try!

Use an orthotic insole

Using an orthotic insole is a great way to stretch your boat shoes and increase their comfort. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this method:

Choose the Right Insole

Select an insole that is designed for boat shoes and offers the specific type of support you need, such as arch support or cushioning. You can find insoles made from various materials, including memory foam, leather, and gel. Some insoles are also designed to absorb moisture and control odour, which can be helpful if you plan to wear your boat shoes without socks.

Trim the Insole if Necessary

If the insole you choose is too big for your boat shoes, you may need to trim it to fit. Many insoles come with trim lines that show you where to cut for the best fit. Be sure to cut only a small amount at a time to avoid making the insole too small.

Insert the Insole Properly

When inserting the insole into your boat shoe, ensure that it is positioned correctly and securely in place. The insole should fit snugly and not move around when you walk. If needed, you can use a small amount of adhesive to keep the insole in place, but be sure it is safe for use with the insole and shoe material.

Break in the Shoes Gradually

Even with the orthotic insole, you may need to break in your boat shoes gradually. Start by wearing them for short periods and gradually increase the wear time. This will help the shoes mould to your feet and the insole.

Combine with Other Stretching Methods

You can combine using an orthotic insole with other stretching methods to get the best results. For example, you can try the "wet-weathering" method by soaking your shoes in warm water, stuffing them with newspaper, or using a shoe stretcher. Just be sure to follow the specific instructions for your chosen method to avoid damaging your shoes.

Replace the Insoles Regularly

To maintain the comfort and support of your boat shoes, remember to replace the insoles regularly. Over time, insoles can become worn out and less effective, especially if you wear your boat shoes frequently. Replacing them every few months or as needed will ensure optimal comfort and support.

Frequently asked questions