H&SShoe Stretcher for Women, Boot Expander & Shaper, Widener for Bunions, Use with Shoe Stretcher Spray, UK 4-7 (37-41)

I was asked to grade this product on several factors: the product itself, its ease of use, value for money and lastly, puzzlingly, thickness. I chose five stars for each of the first three, and three out of five stars for thickness, I'm not sure how thick it's meant to be. Maybe the thickness is my own, that can happen.Anyway, the shoe stretchers have worked well ultimately, particularly on some American / Italian ballet flat pumps which are incorrectly sized, but it was a bit of a trial, so I'm putting some details which might help others.I first of all asked my friend to use her (same) stretchers on my shoes, but that didn't work, as my feet/shoes are on the large end of the stretcher's maximum (41, or 7 UK), and my American shoes were sized 9.5.I then ordered the next stretcher size (men's), but these were too wide for my American shoes. I persevered, and ordered the ladies size, with the notion of putting a wine cork (these have lots of uses, mostly when used with an opener) behind the maxed-out stretcher. This worked well, but I also followed the stretcher manufacturer's recommendation of using leather-stretching spray. Proprietory brands are more expensive so I searched to find out what the spray was, and I found it behind called rubbing alcohol. After searching unsuccessfully for a while I realised that this is the American name, and the English version is called surgical spirits - suddenly I could get it economically-priced everywhere, and I also obtained a cheap spray bottle in a travel kit from Poundland.I'm assuming that the spray caused the next problem, (because my friend didn't use spray), and didn't report any difficulty. When I tried to remove the stretcher from the shoe, it wouldn't move - it turned out that it had stuck badly to the leather insole of the shoe, and one was slightly damaged in the end. However, the spray was beneficial in other respects, and I think it's better for the leather if it is used, but see below.I have finally honed my method of shoe-stretching - I use the ladies shoe stretcher, I cover it in a sock (anything from thin nylon stockings to chunky sports socks). I spray the socks with the surgical spirit and also spray the underside of the shoe leather. The stretcher removes easily. It is extremely effective, though you might find that your need to repeat the process if the leather shrinks back.Hopefully I'll find a use for the men's shoe-stretcher, returning it was a cba matter.

I've never imagined this thing would make my shoes big enough to make them comfortable, I highly recommend it

Bought this as I have a high instep and new shoes are often too tight. This really worked. I could wear my shoes pain free.

Was really pleased with the quality of these.They did the job

I can't praise these enough! In the past I've had to take shoes to the cobbler to have them stretched. This is expensive and took several days. Well, those days are gone. Shoes that have been sitting in the bottom of the wardrobe because they pinched are now being used.These stretchers come with a selection of small bits that enable you to stretch shoes where you need extra room for bunions or corns.I haven’t had to use the additional bits, but I have made several pairs of shoes wider, and also lengthened a couple of pairs slightly.The shoes I've worked on have been made from canvas, leather or man made fibres, and the results have been great. I didnt use any stretching spray and got excellent results.From experience, I would suggest stretching shoes gradually over a couple of days instead of risking over stretching them.Well worth the money and easy to use.

The stretchers are great. I could have got similar cheaper but i chose these because it said they came with shoe stretcher spray. I now wish I hadn’t because there wasn’t any spray in the box. Disappointed.

The best little gadgets I’ve bought in ages. I wish I’d bought these 20 years ago. Sturdy strong and stretch shoes beautifully, I even stretched some converse significantly in the width. I initially bought some wooden ones on here but they were too delicate and both broke within a few days where the widening function is concerned.I hugely recommend these!

There easy to use but I don’t know what the two little plastic pieces in the bag is for .. Put socks on the shoe stretchers so they don’t stick .. Haven’t seen the results yet as just got them .. There good value for money …