How to Make Sneakers Smaller

While you can't shrink sneakers this drastically, you can make them significantly smaller.

If a friend or sibling has recently borrowed a pair of shoes and stretched them out or you've received a new pair of sneakers that are slightly bigger than your size, you may be in need of shrinking them. Shoe designers created sneakers for running and other athletics. Sneakers that are slightly loose are not only uncomfortable and prevent you from playing at peak performance, but could possible lead to minor injuries. Luckily, employing a simple strategy can give you a tighter fit.

Things You'll Need

• Spray bottle
• Spray on sneaker conditioner

Instructions

1. Fill a metal spray bottle with hot water and screw the cap on tightly. Spray you sneakers until you've saturated them well.

2. Place your shoes in direct sunlight on a windowsill and allow them to dry naturally. Shift your shoes as they're drying to follow the path of the sun to allow for maximum shrinkage.

3. Spray the sneakers with a light mist of conditioner once they're completely dry. Rub the conditioner in with a soft cloth. Allow two hours to pass before wearing them to allow the conditioner to fully penetrate the shoes.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not put sneakers in the washing machine. This can damage their shape, their soles and even risk burning them.

• If you need to dry your sneakers quickly, use a hair dryer to expedite the process.

References

• Made Man; How To Shrink Shoes; Amy Katsirebas; May 2010