Let’s be honest, a shoe stretcher spray isn’t one of those things you’d buy without giving it a thought, just because the ad promised it would turn your rigid leather loafers into fluffy slippers overnight.
Well the reality is, it won’t. But before you chuck it in the “gimmick drawer” alongside the things that really do belong in the bin, let’s see what real people actually say about the stuff.
I have used both the Shoe Stretcher Sprays displayed below and I honestly can’t fault either of them when it comes to performance. I think the Foot Matters Shoe Stretcher Spray is less messy to use only because the Shuu is like a mousse and a little more difficult to aim accurately.
Both always achieved fabulous results and they are available in multi packs.
My own findings are pretty much in line with the positive shoe stretcher spray reviews, being that statistically, 95% of all reviews across all brands are positive.
I have never ended up with marks or stains on the shoes after using the sprays and I have used them on some light and dark nubuck, suede and standard, polished leather
The results I have achieved exceed the claims made by the manufacturers and I have been delighted with the stretched shoes……….with the added bonus that it has saved me a small fortune.
What is Shoe Stretcher Spray, Anyway?
For the uninitiated, stretcher spray is a liquid you spray on tight spots of your shoes. It softens the leather, suede, or fabric fibres, so when you use a shoe stretcher (or even your own foot), the material gives a little more easily. In theory, it makes your shoe more forgiving. In practice? Well, the reviews are mixed… and funny.
A Summary of the many Reviews.
This has not been a particularly easy task as the two product shown, being the two that I have used personally, have around 70,000+ reviews between them. As you can imagine, not all of these were practical answers and some were really stupid, but a fairly reasonable conclusion could be reached.
The Good Reviews
Plenty of people swear by this spray. Their comments read like heartfelt thank-you notes to a long-lost friend:
- “My bunion can’t thank you enough!”
- “Finally wore those £120 boots without crying.”
- “It worked overnight — I could actually feel my toes again.”
The more practical comments
- Works best on leather and suede (the natural fibres respond well).
- Handy for breaking in stiff shoes so you don’t bleed on day one.
- Brilliant when paired with a proper shoe stretcher — they’re like Batman and Robin for tight shoes.
The Bad Reviews
Then you’ve got the other camp. The ones who expected to gain two shoe sizes from a £7 bottle of liquid and are shocked it didn’t happen. Their reviews are less glowing:
- “Did nothing. Shoes still feel way too tight.”
- “Smells weird. Didn’t work on my plastic heels.”
- “Sprayed half the bottle and nothing changed.”
The main complaints?
- Doesn’t work on synthetic materials (plastic doesn’t stretch, sorry folks).
- Won’t save shoes that are way too small.
- Sometimes needs multiple applications to get noticeable results.
Pros Summed Up From Reviews
- Speeds up stretching.
- Eases pressure points (bunion sufferers, take note).
- Prevents leather from cracking during stretching.
- Can rescue expensive shoes from living out their lives in the wardrobe.
Cons Summed Up From Reviews
- Useless on synthetics.
- Won’t perform miracles on shoes that are just plain too small.
- Results can be hit-and-miss depending on the shoe.
- A bit of a faff — spray, stretch, wait, repeat.
Tips Pulled From Reviews (and a bit of common sense)
- Use it with a shoe stretcher — spray alone won’t cut it.
- Don’t drown your shoe; a light mist is enough.
- Let the stretcher sit overnight. Patience is part of the deal.
- Always test on a hidden area first, especially with suede or dyed leather (no one likes surprise stains).
Final Verdict. Are Stretcher Sprays worth it?
Looking at reviews across the board, the verdict is pretty simple: shoe stretcher spray works… if you use it correctly, on the right materials, and with realistic expectations.
It’s not a miracle potion, and it won’t turn your size 8’s into size 10’s. But if you’ve got nice leather shoes that pinch a bit — especially around bunions or pressure points — most reviewers agree it’s a lifesaver.
If you’ve got a pair of “painful to wear” shoes at the back of the wardrobe and probably part of a collection of “painful to wear shoes, then yes, it’s well worth a tenner and a bit of patience.
If your shoes are made of plastic? Save your money for something else.
FAQs
Q: Do I need a shoe stretcher as well as the spray?
A: Yes, for best results. The spray softens the shoe, but the stretcher (or your foot) does the actual expanding.
Q: Will it make my shoes bigger by a whole size?
A: Sorry, no. Expect about half a size at most — enough to ease tightness, not enough to change your shoe size.
Q: Can it damage my shoes?
A: Rarely, but always test first. Some delicate leathers or suedes may darken slightly if oversaturated.
Q: How many times do I need to use it?
A: Some people see results after one try, others need a couple of rounds. Stubborn shoes take more persuasion.