Accidentally Bought Shoes That Are Too Tight? Here's the Fastest Way to Stretch Them

The Hairdryer Trick: Use with Caution

This is a popular quick fix because it feels satisfyingly dramatic: put on thick socks, then your shoes, and blast a hairdryer all over your feet. For leather shoes, low heat can soften the material enough to encourage a small stretch in tight spots. A major footwear brand recommends using a hairdryer on low heat for 20 to 30 seconds over the pinching area while wearing the shoes, then walking around until the leather cools to retain the adjusted shape. Used carefully, this can provide fast relief when the issue is mild and the material is genuine leather.