Jazz shoes could be uncomfortable in the beginning.
If it is causing too much stress on the feet, you can suddenly have some major injuries.
Good thing is, you can get rid of the problem in a few steps. You need to strength out the jazz shoes so that it feels comfortable.
You might be wondering how to strengthen jazz shoes at home. This post is all about stretching your jazz shoes or dancing shoes. We have shared multiple ways from where you can pick one that suits you.
Stretch Your Jazz Shoes at Home: 4 Easy Methods
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Depending on the shoe material, the way of stretching the shoe will vary. Before you try any of the following methods, make sure it is suitable for your shoes.
Method 1: Stretch Out Jazz Shoes with Shoe Stretcher
If your jazz shoes are made of leather or synthetic leather, the best way to stretch them out is a shoe stretcher.
It will cost you a few extra bucks, but it is worth the money. Once you buy the stretcher, it will serve for years. Using a stretcher is the best way to stretch out shoes. You will find it in shoe stores and online stores.
Pick the shoe that you want to stretch. Put the stretcher inside the shoe all the way. Once the stretcher goes inside, now you can adjust the stretcher. There will be a knob on the stretcher that you can move to fit inside the shoe. Move this knob clockwise unless the stretcher stretches the shoe up to the level you want. Now let your shoe rest for a few hours in this form.
After the wait, remove the shoe stretcher and check the shoe. Slip your feet inside the shoe and find if it needs more stretching. Surprisingly you will find the shoe is now comfortable to wear.
However, avoid stretching too much as it can tear down the leather.
Method 2: Stretch Out Your Jazz Shoes with Thick Socks
This is a kind of old fashion style to stretch any tight shoe. Whether it is a leather shoe or synthetic shoe, you can use the socks for stretching.
However, conventionally, people used to wear thick socks all day long with shoes to stretch them out. But the modern process is combining a hairdryer with socks.
Grab the shoes that you want to stretch. Now set the hairdryer for warm settings. Aim the dryer to the shoe and start applying warm air. Warm air will soften the shoe and stretch it. This will help to wear the shoe with thick socks.
Now wear thick socks or use multiple socks and slip on your feet inside the shoe. Make sure after wearing thick socks, the shoe is feeling a bit tight. Now apply warm air again on the shoe. It will stretch the shoe more. Remember to avoid applying warm air on the sole as it can weaken the glue on that area.
Keep waring the socks and the shoe for a few hours at home. Remove the shoes from your feet and you will the shoes are stretched enough.
If needed, follow the same method again.
Also Read: A List of Our Favorite Shoes for Wedding Photographer.
Method 3: Stretch Jazz Shoes Using Freezer
Yes, you have heard it right. Using a freezer, you can stretch out leather jazz shoes or synthetic shoes.
Basically, you need to fill a zip bag with water. Let the zip bag rest in the freezer unless it is a bit solid. Put the bag inside the shoe so that it sits tightly inside.
Put the shoes inside the freezer. If it feels wired, you can use a bag to store the shoes in the freezer. Let the shoes remain inside the freezer for at least 8 hours. In the meantime, the water inside the zip bag will be frozen and it will stretch the shoe.
Bring the shoes outside and remove the zip bag. Check it by putting your feet inside. It will be more relaxing now. The good thing is, you can follow this method again and again.
You can also suggest this method to others when they ask how to stretch jazz shoes at home.
Method 4: Stretching Jazz Shoes with Rubbing Alcohol
Applying rubbing alcohol on a leather shoe for stretching it is not a new idea. Jazz dancers used to follow the method for a long. You need a bottle of rubbing alcohol and a washcloth.
Apply the liquid solution on a shoe with a washcloth. The alcohol softens the leather or synthetic leather and the shoe stretches.
For better results, you can wear the shoes instantly after applying the liquid. This will give it more stretch.
However, don’t apply the liquid on top as it can damage the shoe color.
Some Pro Tips for Stretching Jazz Shoes
- Wear the shoes sometimes at home to keep them stretched
- Use thick socks in the first few days of wearing the jazz shoes
- Buy a good quality shoe stretcher for regular usages
- Don’t apply too much heat on a shoe for stretching
- Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
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Final Words
Now you know the right style of how to stretch jazz shoes at home. Try out the techniques as described here. At least one of the methods will suit you for sure.
Whichever way you follow, be aware of the glue on the shoe. Also, don’t force too much for stretching, which can tear down your shoes.