I Need Your Help Please. How Do I Widen A Patent Leather Shoe In 3 Weeks?

[ladybirder]

Do I stuff it with wet newspaper? Some of you must have had this problem, especially, I'm told, anyone who's been in the forces. I need it widened, not lengthened. So any ideas folks? Any help gratefully receive:-)

[Robinia]

Patent won't give much but I did ease mine a little by smearing them with vaseline to make them supple, warming them with the hairdryer and then stuffing tightly with newspaper. I had to repeat a few times but it helped.

[dannyk13]

Easiest way is to take the shoe to a cobblers who will do it for you.

[jollyroger66]

A few on Amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=shoe+widener&tag=googhydr-21&;index=aps&;hvadid=34255012676&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&;hvnetw=g&hvrand=13321194193824512196&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_3nr269s2p_b

[woofgang]

Shoe spray and stretchers worked for my DH
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Punch-Stretch-stretching-pinching-trainers/dp/B007JIZR0E

be a bit careful though as the patent finish may crack if it needs much stretching.

[ladybirder]

Thank you so much Robinia, Danny, Jollyroger and woofgang, quite a few ideas there. I'm very tempted to take it to the shoe repairers but I'd like to give it a go myself first. I don't have any vaseline, shoe stretchers (not width-ways ones), or Punch stretch stuff so do I order some of these things or go to the shoe menders. Hmmm? I do have three weeks?? But the quicker I get started ... I'll have a cup of tea and mull it over and then make a decision. Thank you all. XXXX

[Dee Sa]

I agree take to the cobblers [shoe repair shop] and let them try for you but negotiate a price first.