How to break in faux suede shoes?

There are situations when cute faux suede shoes, when trying on at home, suddenly turn out to be a little too small. You can exchange, but the pair was the last, and I really want to show off in a fashionable style. Tips and methods that have been tested many times at home come to the rescue.

DIY methods for stretching faux suede shoes

Tips used for natural materials are not suitable for working with artificial suede. It will require other methods. You need to work very carefully, because this material, not having the elasticity of real leather, can easily tear or burst.

Dry break-in

The traditional way to stretch any material. It is called dry because it does not require exposure to water or alcohol. You should wear shoes and walk around the house in them as much as possible. This method will require multiple repetitions, so be patient.

If even a short stay in shoes causes discomfort, you should resort to more radical measures.

Using newspapers

Stuff the socks of your shoes with newspaper sheets and leave them for several days. The procedure can be carried out with a press slightly moistened with water.

Using wet socks

This is the easiest way to break in shoes and does not require any equipment or investment.

1. Wet thick socks - terry or wool, and wring them out.
2. Unlace or unfasten your shoes.
3. Put wet socks on your feet, then shoes.
4. Stay in your shoes for a while. Ideally - an hour or more.
5. Do any homework without taking them off. The material will gradually take the shape of the leg.
6. Repeat the procedure if necessary.

Using steam

This method will not only stretch the suede, but will also get rid of unpleasant odors and bacteria. You will need a steam generator or an iron with a steamer.

1. Take the shoe and direct the steam inside. Air jet exposure time is 10–15 seconds.
2. Treat each of the shoes 2-3 times.
3. Put on your shoes and walk in them for about half an hour until they dry.

Important! Steaming requires very careful handling to avoid thermal burns. Don't be distracted by other things during this time.

Using deep freezing

This method is suitable not only for artificial suede, but also for any other materials. You will need three thick plastic bags.

1. Place the tight pouch inside the shoe.
2. Fill it with water so that it takes up all the free volume inside.
3. Tie the bag, leaving the air inside.
4. Do the same with the other shoe.
5. Place the pair in a large bag and seal it.
6. Place everything in the freezer overnight or on an open balcony if the temperature outside is sub-zero. When water freezes, it will expand. She'll stretch her shoes.
7. In the morning, take the shoes out of the refrigerator and, taking them out of the large bag, give time for the water to thaw in the plastic bags inside the shoes.

Important! Before filling bags with water, check their integrity. Inserting two bags inside each other will reduce the risk of water leaking and damaging your shoes.

How to avoid damaging your shoes?

1. Proceed very carefully and delicately, moving from the safest methods to more radical ones.
2. Take your time with stretching and don't try to achieve results immediately. In almost all cases, long-term gentle treatment of suede is required..
3. If complex manipulations are required, be vigilant: make sure that water does not spill into the shoes, and that the steam stream is directed strictly to a tight place.
4. Do not use alcohol when working with bright suede: it can “wash off” the paint.
5. The best way is to purchase shoes in size, taking into account the fullness of your feet. This way there will be no risk of tearing it or damaging the color.