- Clothing Care, Fashion
Learn how to shrink athletic, leather, suede, and canvas shoes by reading our step-by-step article on How to Shrink Shoes.
Tall Paul
July 11, 2022
If your shoes are too big and not fitting correctly there are a handful of different methods you can use to shrink your shoes and fix the fit.
Your shoes may be too big because they have been stretched, or you may be trying to shrink some “hand-me-downs” for your next of kin. No matter what your reason, we have solutions for you.
One of the best ways to shrink shoes is by using the dryer. Most shoes can be dried in the dryer (learn how hot does a dryer get), however not all of them can, so be sure to check the shoe’s care label before using this method.
By using a blow dryer and a spray bottle you will be able to accurately shrink certain portions of your shoe, instead of shrinking the whole thing.
Shrinking your shoes might help stop your shoes rubbing the back of your heel.
Before your shrink your shoes make sure there are no creases in them. These creases will not only hold rivets of dirt but also affect the look of the shoe. Look over our article how to get creases out of shoes to address these wrinkles, and how to not crease shoes to prevent further creases.
To learn how to employ these shrinking methods and more, continue reading our article on how to shrink shoes.
Table of Contents
Supplies & Tools:
- Spray bottle
- Fabric (socks work well)
- Laundry bag (Buy laundry bag)
- Dryer
How To Shrink Shoes
Total Time: 60 min
Cost: $0
- Buy spray bottle for $8.96
- Buy mesh laundry bag for $5.99
Use the following methods to shrink your shoes. Remember. to always check the care label on your shoes before trying any type of care procedure.
Before trying to shrink shoes in the dryer, it is important to first check the care label, which is stitched on to the back of the shoe’s tongue. If you see the tumble dry symbol on the tongue of the shoe, then you may put your shoes in the dryer. If you see a do not tumble dry symbol, then they must be air dried. Most athletic shoes made of cotton or canvas are able to be machine dried.
1. Spray your shoes
Spray water on to your shoes with a spray bottle until the shoes are slightly damp but not soaking wet.
2. Stuff your shoes
Stuff the shoes with socks or another dryer friendly item such as a washcloth or face towel. This will help the shoe keep its shape.
3. Put shoes in laundry bag
Tie the shoes together by the laces, and place them into a mesh laundry bag to avoid them from bouncing around too much during the tumble dry cycle.
4. Place shoes in dryer
Place the shoes into the dryer and adjust the setting to tumble dry high.
5. Push start on dryer
Push start with the dryer being on its highest setting.
6. Check on your shoes
Periodically check on your shoes to make sure they are not becoming damaged and that they are not being over dried. Learn how long does a dryer take.
7. Take out of the dryer
Take out your shoes when they have achieved your desired level of shrinkage, or when they are completely dry, whichever comes first.
How To Shrink Shoes With A Blow Dryer
Total Time: 20 min
Cost: $0
- Buy spray bottle for $8.96
- Buy blow dryer for $9.98
Use a blow dryer to shrink shoes if you have a specific area of the shoe that you’d like to shrink. Using the blow dryer is an easy and accurate way to shrink individual areas instead of your whole shoe.
Supplies & Tools:
- Spray bottle
- Blow dryer
1. Spray your shoes
Use a spray bottle to add moisture to the area of your shoe that you wish to shrink.
2. Spray until damp
Spray until the area is damp, but not soaking wet.
3. Set blow dryer setting
Adjust the blow dryer to the medium heat setting.
4. Turn on the blow dryer
Turn on the blow dryer and apply hot air to the damp area from around 15cm/6in away, until it dries.
5. Repeat as needed
Repeat as necessary until you have achieved the degree of shrinkage you require.
Line dry outside
Use natural heat to shrink your shoes by hanging them on a clothesline (line dry) and letting them dry out in the sun.
Add moisture to your shoes with a spray bottle, tie the shoes together, and hang them over a clothesline on a hot and sunny day. If you do not have a clothesline, hang the shoes over the back of a chair, the fence, a rail, or just place them on the ground or table top of any kind (dry flat).
Learn some more tips on how to dry shoes without a dryer.
Wear thick socks
The easiest and most inexpensive way to shrink your shoes is by making your foot bigger; that is by wearing thicker socks.
Try on some super thick and fluffy cotton or wool socks to fill up the empty space in your oversized shoes.
Use a cushion or insole
If your shoes still don’t fit properly after trying the three methods above, then you may want to consider simply buying a cushion or insole for your shoe.
Buy a cushion or insole that fits your shoe, so that your foot will be raised up and the inside of the shoe will feel more full. You may want to try this first as cushions and insoles are inexpensive and easy to find.
Buy insoles now and get them delivered in days.
How To Shrink Different Kinds Of Shoes
1. How to shrink leather shoes
If you are looking to shrink leather shoes you must pay a visit to a shoe cobbler. The main two things needed to shrink any kind of shoe or garment is heat and water.
Leather cannot be put into the dryer, and should not be soaked in water. If you would like to shrink leather shoes, head to your local cobbler/shoe maker.
2. How to shrink suede shoes
To shrink suede shoes you’ll need a spray bottle filled with water and a blow dryer.
Use the spray bottle to add moisture to the area you wish to shrink, and then use the blow dryer on a mild or medium setting to dry and eventually shrink the shoe.
FAQ
If you would like to shrink your shoes down a size, dampen them with water and place them into the dryer on tumble dry high. The heat generated by the dryer could possible shrink your canvas shoe by up to one size.
Make your shoes tighter by adding an cushion or insole, wearing thick socks, using the dryer, or using a blow dryer.
Check the care label stitched on the back of the tongue of your shoe, to see if you can place them in the dryer. If you see the tumble dry symbol printed on the label, then you may use the dryer to shrink your shoes.
If you’d like to shrink a specific area of your shoe, use a water bottle and blow dryer to accurately target that portion of the shoe. If you would like to shrink the entire shoe, place it in a mesh laundry bag and dry it in the dryer on tumble dry high.
Written and reviewed by
Tall Paul
Paul Marlow, standing at an impressive 6'7 (201cm) and weighing 225lb (102kg), is a mental health speaker, fashion expert, and ex-athlete who excels at helping tall men find well-fitting clothing and teaching them how to style it effectively. As a model in the fashion and film industries, Paul shares his expertise in tall men's fashion, offering valuable advice on measurements, tailoring, and alterations. In addition, he founded Never Alone, an organization that provides mental health and therapy inspiration, and started the Mental Growth Newsletter to support those facing mental health challenges, drawing from his own experiences.
