| Customer Reviews: Average Rating:  Rating : - Good but not great... If you are searching for an "economical" pair of shoe stretchers, these are the top of that (economy) market.
The bodies are made of real wood, which is a quality feature and allows for "custom" (7/32" drill-bit) placement, of the included add-on "spot" stretchers. There are also pre-drilled holes for standard/common areas. You do receive 2 stretchers and each has it's own set of "add-on" plugs. The overall construction, operation, design & limitations, of the stretchers has been accurately described in the previous review. Note that the adjustment(s) are "outside" the shoe, that little piece of wood does not sit in the middle/arch of the shoe, it presses against the back of the shoe. They won't fit into boots.
So if possible, select "your size" as the "starting" size (of range). If the plastic sleeve (sizing adj.) is stressing/breaking during initial fitting, then too much stretching/adjusting (too hard/far) pressure is being attempted at once. When "lengthening" pay attention to the "back/rear" of the shoe! It is natural to hold/focus on the toe area of the shoe(s) while tightening the adjustment wheel of the stretcher. The "back" of the shoes may get/experience the most stretch (least resistance), not the toe area(s), so use care. A good/successful "stretch" should be attempted over a couple of days, depending on the extent of adjustment and type of leather. A warm, damp washcloth prep, steam, fine (periodic) "misting" with water or placement in the sun, depending on leather type/finish, can also aid in the stretch process.
You can add a small portion of hose (slit down it's length) to the front/toes of the stretchers for broader-toed shoes,if needed. The opposite effect would be impossible, so it's a "Good" stretcher-body design feature for those pointer-shoes, which tend to be the sexy (Italian) uncomfortable ones anyway. We're not stretching sneakers, right?! (sic)
There are better, more expensive, designs of shoe stretchers on the market, generally found in well-established "quality" shoe stores or available at a local shoe-repair shop and are often sold as "singles".
These are not the "professional" or "fetish" quality-type shoe stretchers. These are well-suited for careful, patient, occasional use and can provide years of service.
Hope this helps in your research & decision-making. Wear the shoe that fits...and wear it well. + See Full Customer Review |  |