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Did you know that there are many different ways to stretch Sanuk shoes? You can use a shoe stretcher, sole removing technique, wrap them in a plastic bag and place them on top of ice cubes, put your shoe in the freezer for a few hours. These methods should help relieve any tightness and return your favorite footwear back to its original form. Check out this blog post for more information about stretching Sanuk shoes!
In today’s blog post we’re discussing how to stretch Sanuk shoes; specifically focusing on why they get too tight in the first place! We’ll also discuss some DIY techniques that will make your favorite pair of sandals or slip-ons fit like new again. Let’s start from the beginning.
Method 01. Remove the Sole of Your Shoe
Really, this is optional. Some shoes will stretch just fine with the sole on! If you do choose to remove it, here are a few tips:
- Keep your grip light and palm flat so that you don’t pull the suede out of shape or rip it along the top threads.
- Work slowly to prevent stretching the material too much at once. This could make future stretching difficult because if you apply force from different directions, your shoe will be permanently distorted in an unnatural way.
- Start by peeling the sole off from the toe end and working your way back to the heel.
Method 02. Use a Shoe Stretcher
You’ll need a shoe stretcher, some plastic bags (you can use ziplock bags), a pencil, and/or a spatula
- Place plastic bags over both ends of your shoe stretcher and place them inside of your shoes; this prevents stretching or creasing up leather along the edges while you work.
- Use a pencil or spatula to push down on the material that needs to stretch while slowly turning the screw to loosen it in stages (don’t go too fast). The idea is not to hook the suede but rather a slow twist it so as not to risk damaging your suede.
- After you loosen the material, grab a part of your shoe with one hand and use the heel counter as leverage while pulling upwards with the stretcher in your other hand; this should tighten up the overall shape of your shoes.
- Tighten by turning screws in small increments until you reach desired fit. Once both sides are tightened, remove plastic bags from outside edges so that they don’t get caught on laces.
- Stash those “lasts” away!
- Voilà! You have just successfully stretched some new life into your old shoes without having to toss them over a pile of garbage or throw them out altogether. Now go ahead and show off those kicks!
Method 03. Stretching With Starch
If you own a pair of Sanuks that are too small, the best way to stretch them out is by using Starch. This will temporarily make your shoes fit looser in the beginning, but after a few years, they’ll be back to normal or even slightly bigger!
**To use this method you’ll need: A Bowl of Cold Water with Starch**
Begin by filling a large or medium bowl with cold water. Add in your starch and mix until it’s well dissolved. I use about 1 tablespoon of starch for every 1/2 cup of water, but feel free to adjust the amount depending on how many pairs you’re working with.
Dunk your Sanuk in the water and let it soak for a few minutes.
Grab one side of the shoe with your left hand, and hold it just above the waterline. With your right hand grab the other side of the shoe at about 8:00 on the clock.
Slowly twist your hands apart while pushing down on the toe of the shoe. This should loosen any debris that’s stuck in your shoe, and allow you to easily slide it off.
Repeat these steps with the other Sanuk.
Wrap Up
Thank you for reading this blog post about how to stretch Sanuk shoes. Take a look at some of our other posts below.
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