Stretching Out

(Stretching my shoes.)

I’m always frustrated when it comes to finding ethical shoe options, and I’ve begun to dabble in second hand sources.  Most shoes are made in China these days, and because I have larger feet, I’m fairly limited in my choices for fashionable and comfortable shoes.  Recently, I purchased a pair of practically new vintage oxfords from an Etsy seller.  She was quite helpful and listed the exact measurements, and while the shoes technically fit me, they are too narrow and too painful to wear.

I’ve read about shoe stretching before, and I decided to try it myself with a pair of shoe stretchers.  They actually work incredibly well and I definitely recommend them as an option to break in or save a pair of too-small shoes.  But while I could technically wear the new oxfords once I stretched them, they are just too narrow and won’t be comfortable on my feet.  I’m sad to lose them, but I will donate or sell them to ThredUp, so it’s really no harm done.

Right now, I’m using the shoe stretchers to break in my pair of Maria Cornejo Ita Sandals, which I bought for my birthday this summer. They are lovely and soft, and in our hot Texas weather, will be perfect for fall.  The sandals fit me but cause a bit of rubbing at the toe, so I’m using the stretchers to avoid blisters.

The oxfords just didn’t work out, and I might try to find another pair later this year, but the shoe stretchers are a great way to squeeze a little more room and wear out of your shoes.