If your leather shoes have stretched out too much from use, you may want to shrink them.The process is easy, but be aware that the shoe could be damaged if treated wrong, and that it may be difficult to shrink a shoe more than half a size.
Step 1: Use caution when using this method.
If you use too much water your shoe may become stiff, stained, or cracked.If you apply a leather guard or leather protector solution to the surface you plan on treating, this may make the shoe more resistant to water treatment.Allow the leather guard to dry before you apply it to your shoe.
Step 2: The sides or top of the shoe should be damp.
The sides or toe of the shoe are too large to focus on.You can use a spray bottle full of water or dip your fingers in it to shrink the area.Don't get any water elsewhere, especially on the soles or the base of the shoe, as this area should end up quite damp.
Step 3: If possible, dry your shoes in the sun.
The slower process of drying reduces the chance of heat damage to your shoe.If you want to see if your shoes are dry after a sunny day, place them outside or next to a windowsill for a few hours.
Step 4: If you have to dry your shoes, use a blow dryer.
If the current sunlight levels and temperatures aren't good for drying shoes, use a blow dryer.Use the lowest temperature setting and hold your blow dryer at least six inches from the shoe to avoid damaging it or burning it.
Step 5: Other heat sources can be used as a last resort.
A stable drying rack is included in some dryers for this type of situation.The portions that are not wet may be damaged if you place your shoes in front of a fireplace or oven.If this is the only way to go, keep the shoes away from your hand.
Step 6: If necessary, apply more water and heat.
Depending on the thickness and type of your leather, the adjustments you make with this method may be small.If the shoes are too large, try heating them again, then applying water a second or third time to shrink them.The elastic band method can also be used with this one.
Step 7: Once your shoes are dry, treat them with leather conditioner.
It's possible that the water and heat treatment made your shoes stiff.Leather conditioner should help prevent further damage.The instructions on the packaging can be followed to get the most effective results.If there is no instructions, rub the shoe with a clean cloth and let it dry.Leather conditioners can be used for certain types of leather.If you don't know which type of leather your shoe is made from, try to find a general purpose leather conditioner or ask a shoe store employee to identify the material.
Step 8: If thin shoes slip off, use this method.
The method works best on thin leather shoes.If your shoe is too long for you, use the water method.Try using both methods if your shoes are too large.If you want a better idea of how tightly you should sew the band, try the water method first.
Step 9: Cut a piece of elastic.
You can find these elastic bands at craft and sewing shops.You don't need a long piece.Once the band is sewed on, cut off the larger piece for easier manipulation.
Step 10: The band needs to be on the heels of the shoe.
The elastic band should be stretched across the inside of the shoe.Use safety pins or hairpins to fix it once it is stretched across the back of the heel.If you stretch the other side of the band across the heel, you can pin it to one side.The band should be pushed back against the heel so you can sew it.If the band is stretched too tight and there is a gap between the heel and band that can't be closed with a light touch, unpin it and make it a little looser.
Step 11: Put the band on the shoe.
Attach the band to the shoe using a needle and thread.The article How to sew has more detailed sewing instructions.The pins should be removed after the band is fastened.It may be easier to use a curved needle.
Step 12: Try on shoes.
The shoe should be pulled to a narrower position around your foot, so that it doesn't slip off.Stuff the toe with tissue paper if the shoe is too long or high above the foot.
Step 13: Place tissue paper on the toe.
A small bundle of tissue paper may prevent the shoe from slipping if it is too big in the toe.You may want to walk around at home for an hour to see if it is comfortable before you leave.
Step 14: It's a good idea to add a thicker insole.
If there is a gap between the top of your foot and the shoe, you would benefit from a thicker insole.There are shoe stores and drug stores where Insoles can be purchased.They are usually made from foam or rubber.If they are too large, cut them with a pair of scissors.If there is an existing insoles in your shoe, remove it first.A thin piece of material can be lifted out from the inside of the shoe.Leave the bottom of the shoe inside.
Step 15: There is a cobbler near you.
The shoe-repair specialists may have experience with shrinking leather shoes.Request an estimated cost from several cobblers since some may be more expensive than others.
Step 16: If you can't find a cobbler, ask your local dry cleaner.
Dry cleaners are used to working with different types of material and may know how to shrink shoes.The dry cleaning process is meant to not shrink.A cobbler is likely to have more knowledge.