Unfortunately, the cobbler cannot make shoes smaller.
But there is some workaround to it that can work. A cobbler can do so using insoles, shoe filler, or even without insoles. You can use these workaround processes to make a bigger shoe fit your feet.
Does 0.5 Shoe Size Make a Difference?
If you cannot find the right size for your feet then the immediate response would be, “Can I use a half size difference one?” Well, the half-size does make a difference, if it didn’t it wouldn’t have existed.
But if you want to buy a shoe that is half a size different than your size, it is better to buy a 0.5 size bigger one than the smaller one. If you buy a smaller size then your foot will not fit inside it and it will be uncomfortable. But if you buy a bigger one, then you can use various methods to adjust it with your feet.
Smaller-sized leather shoes can be stretched to make them bigger. But buying a smaller shoe and making them bigger comes with an uncertainty of how much bigger will it get. But you can use soles or double socks to make up for the extra room in your 0.5 sizes bigger shoes.
Can a Cobbler Make Shoes Smaller? The Tricks
Cobblers can’t physically shrink the shoes but that doesn’t mean it is impossible to adjust them. In a sense, it can also be called shrinking but actually, cobblers use insoles to take up some of the space inside the shoe. So when you put your feet inside the shoe, it feels like it has been shrunk to your size.
1. Using Shoe Filler
Shoe filler is a popular way to shrink the shoe. Shoe filler is exactly what it sounds like. If your shoe has a large gap in the front, then you can buy and use a shoe filler to fill the gap in front of the shoe. That way, you will have a nice and fitting shoe that you can use.
2. Using Insoles
Insoles are a great way to make the shoe fit your foot. If the shoe doesn’t fit the overall size of your foot, then you can use insoles to make it fit. Much like using shoe filler to fill up the front of the shoe, insoles are used as cushioning for the feet while making the shoe tighter.
Some shoes come with a light insole, so if you want to adjust the shoe size, choosing a good insole can make the difference between having a comfortable or uncomfortable shoe.
What Insoles Can I Use For a More Comfortable Shoe?
There are a lot of insoles in the market these days. But we found some of the best ones for you. They are ergonomic in shape and made with walking and running in mind. So you can use these insoles and have a comfortable experience.
Sof sole athlete insole
Sof sole athlete insoles are one of the best-rated insoles we could find. As the name suggests, it is made for the athlete to use them and run with them. So, it is super comfortable and has light cushioning.
It is also very shock absorbent. It can also be used casually in everyday work other than running, walking, and hiking.
Powerstep Full Length Orthotic Shoe Insoles
This insole is often recommended by the doctor to relieve foot pain. They have a very nice shape that covers and protects the whole foot. It is often considered as the parkour insole for the protection it provides.
Superfeet GREEN Professional Insoles
Superfeet green is an alternative to costly insoles. They are designed and manufactured with high-quality materials that make your feet feel super comfortable when using them.
They have customized insoles for male and female feet so that it fits everyone perfectly and can have a great time using it.
How to Shrink Shoes Without Using Insoles?
Insoles are by far the most efficient way to shrink the shoe to make sure it fits your feet. But if you do not want to buy any insole, then there are other ways to make them fit your foot.
1. Using filling
You can use shoe filling to make the shoe fit. But if you do not want to buy the filling either, then use any soft material that you have in the house as a shoe filling. You can use bathroom paper, rag or old clothes to do it. This is by far the easiest and cheapest way to shrink the shoe.
2. Using Thick or Double Sock
Using a thick sock or double sock can compensate for the bigger-sized shoe as it needs more room to fit. So if you have a couple of socks lying around then you can use them to make the shoe fit your feet.
3. Using Water to Shrink
Water is used to shrink shoes sometimes. But it is not recommended to do so. Not all shoes can be shrunk using water. Moreover, you can ruin the shoe if you don’t do it perfectly. Since it only shrinks a little it is often not worth it.
It will shrink a little by using the water, but it will not shrink one size. So if you just want it to shrink a little bit then the water shrink technique is what you need to use.
Can a Shoemaker Make a Heel Lower or Replace it?
A cobbler can not make a heel lower. Heels are usually made with specific lengths so that the foot doesn’t get stressed when using them. Making it lower will be bad for the foot. So cobblers do not do that.
If you are looking for a replacement on your heel then a cobbler can replace the heel of your shoe. There are various types of heels that can be found in the market. Cobblers can install these on the shoe.
FAQ
Q; Can a Cobbler Fix a Chewed Shoe and Make Smaller?
Ans: A cobbler can fix the chewed shoe but to make it smaller, you just have to use the insoles or other ways.
Q: Can a Cobbler Add a Heel to Flat Shoes?
Ans: Yes, they can. They can buy the heels that are found on the market and install them on the shoe.
Q: Can a Cobbler Stretch Shoes?
Ans: While they cannot shrink the shoes, they can stretch them using a machine.
Conclusion
Sometimes, we are more accustomed to using bigger-sized shoes as we have used bigger shoes from childhood. Parents buy bigger shoes for their children so that they can use them as they grow up.
If you cannot find the right sized shoe for yourself then it is always better to go for half-size bigger shoes than the smaller ones. While the smaller ones are easier to stretch by the cobblers there is no saying how much it will stretch. So getting a bigger shoe and shrinking is the better option.
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