10 Best Shoe Stretcher Spray Reviews In 2023

Purchasing the right shoe stretcher spray is the difference between a custom fitting new favorite pair of shoes or an uncomfortable pair of shoes that take up space on the closet floor. Breaking in a new pair of shoes often results in frustration, pain and sore feet. A good shoe stretching spray will speed up the amount of time it takes to break in a pair of shoes, not damage the material and be easy to use.

I know this first hand, that is why I decided to take the time to put together a list of the 10 Best Shoe Stretcher Sprays. My research considered a variety of factors from ease of use to colorfastness. 


What Is the Best Shoe Stretcher Spray?

After much consideration and reviewing many great options, my research suggests that the best overall shoe stretcher spray is the FootMatters Professional Boot & Shoe Stretch Spray with its leather conditioner and anti-stain formula.

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  

FootMatters Professional Boot & Shoe Stretch Spray
  • Features: Leather conditioner; anti-stain formula; works on a variety of materials; easy to use 4 oz. bottle
  • Benefits: Conditions, softens and stretches tight fitting shoes. Use while wearing or in a foot stretcher.
  •  
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Bickmore Boot & Shoe Professional Leather Stretcher Spray
  • Features: Safe for all materials; easy to use spray bottle; made in USA; 4oz. bottle
  • Benefits: Relaxes stiff leather and will not stain or discolor the material
  •  
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Kiwi SELECT Universal Shoe Stretch
  • Features: 7 oz. spray bottle; color safe for all materials
  • Benefits: A generous supply of spray that will not stain or discolor shoes
  •  
CHECK LATEST PRICE

What differentiates a good shoe stretcher spray from a bad one?

There are two different types of shoe stretcher sprays on the market, alcohol-based and conditioner-based. A good stretcher spray will be easy on the fabric and a bad one will cause discoloration, staining and dryness. A good spray will evenly stretch the shoes after a generous application and a bad spray does not stretch the fabric consistently which means one area may become overstretched while leaving other areas tight fitting.

The majority of sprays use alcohol which works well but may tend to dry out your leather shoes. The conditioner-based formula is generally better for leather. It is wise to do a test patch on your shoe to determine whether the product discolors the fabric, stains the material or dries out the leather. Another key element is how much product you are getting for the price you are paying. 

Do shoe stretcher sprays work on leather, suede and canvas?

Yes, most of the products on the market work on leather, suede and canvas. It is important to note that alcohol-based sprays perform better on suede and canvas than they do on leather. The more aggressive nature of the alcohol-based does a better job of softening their fibers.


10 Best Shoe Stretcher Sprays

1. FootMatters Professional Shoe and Boot Stretch Spray- Best Overall

FootMatters Professional Shoe and Boot Stretch Spray is a great option for uncomfortable and ill-fitting shoes. Speed up the break-in time or add additional size to your shoes with this easy to use shoe stretcher spray.  It features a leather conditioner to soften and stretch the shoe’s fabric while preventing dryness. The formula resists creating discoloration or stains on the shoe’s material.

Features: Leather conditioner; anti-stain formula; works on leather, nubuck, canvas, linen and suede; 4 oz. bottle

Pros

  • Conditions – softens for stretching and conditions to prevent dryness
  • Easy to use – spray bottle application
  • Anti-stain – safe to use on leather, canvas, suede, nubuck and linen

Cons

  • Odor – the smell of the product is a little strong, recommend spraying outdoors 


2. Premium Leather Stretch Spray – Best for Women’s Shoes

Premium Leather Stretch Spray is a high quality spray that works on a variety of materials. It permanently and quickly stretches your footwear. The spray’s formula is safe for use on leather, nubuck, suede and canvas. This means no discoloration or stains after use. It is easily applied by spraying the formula directly on the material. Compatible with shoe stretchers or walk in the shoes stretching technique. 

Features: Works on all footwear; 4 oz. spray bottle; shoe stretcher and walk in stretching technique compatible; 100% guarantee

Pros

  • Compatible – works with shoe stretchers and walk in the shoes stretching techniques
  • Versatile – use on leather, nubuck, suede and canvas
  • Guarantee – the company offers a 100% money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Price – it is more expensive per ounce than other sprays but it does come with  a money-back guarantee


3. Bickmore Boot and Shoe Professional Leather Stretcher Spray – Best for Boots

The Bickmore Boot and Shoe Professional Leather Stretcher Spray is ideal for leather boots. The formula relaxes stiff leather which allows you to stretch the footwear while you walk. Meaning you don’t need to purchase expensive boot stretchers. It is easy to apply using the spray bottle.

Features: Safe for all materials; easy to use spray bottle; made in USA; 4oz. bottle

Pros

  • Color-safe – will not discolor or stain your footwear
  • Easy to use – spray on and wear
  • Versatile – works on leather, nubuck, suede and canvas

Cons

  • Ingredients – the main ingredient is alcohol which is great for loosening the fibers but it can dry out leather, if not separately conditioned. 


4. Fiebing’s Shoe Stretch Spray – Best for Sensitive Skin

The Fiebing’s Shoe Stretch Spray stretches those tight-fitting shoes while you wear them. It works on leather, nubuck and suede. The spray loosens the fibers without weakening the leather. It will not damage your skin or socks while you stretch out those areas that pinch your feet. Fiebing’s comes in a 4 oz. bottle. 

Features: Safe on skin and  socks; works on leather, nubuck and suede; 4oz.; fiber loosening formula

Pros

  • Versatile – works on leather, nubuck and suede
  • Fiber loosening formula – loosens fibers without weakening leather
  • Safe – will not damage your skin or socks

Cons

  • Sticky – may cause wooden shoe stretchers to stick to insoles but it was made for you to stretch them by wearing your shoes after application


5. FootFitter Shoe and Boot Stretch Spray – Best for Family

The FootFitter Shoe and Boot Stretch Spray is a good, spray-on fiber relaxer that makes it easy to stretch your shoes. The formula will relax leather, suede, nubuck and linen. It comes in an easy to use 4oz. spray bottle with a 32 oz. bottle to handle all your family’s shoe stretching needs. It is formulated to work as you wear your shoes or use foot stretchers. 

Features: 40 oz. spray bottle; 32oz. bottle; works on leather, suede and nubuck; Made in USA

Pros

  • Compatible – works with shoe stretchers and walk in the shoes stretching techniques
  • Versatile – use on leather, nubuck, suede and canvas
  • Easy to use – simply spray on and take a walk

Cons

  • Ingredients – alcohol is the main ingredient, which can dry out leather but does a great job loosening the fibers


6. Cadillac Shoe Stretch Spray – Best for Suede Shoes

Cadillac Shoe Stretch Spray is an American product that softens leather and allows you to stretch the tight spots while you walk. The formulated spray is designed to stretch out tight-fitting footwear while you walk. It is safe for use on leather, suede, nubuck and more. The spray is gentle enough to be used on all colors without the fear of discoloration.  

Features: Spray-on application; fiber loosening formula; use on leather, suede, nubuck and more; color safe; made in USA

Pros

  • Versatile – works on leather, suede and nubuck
  • Color-safe – gentle enough to use on all colors without discoloration or stains
  • Made in USA

Cons

  • Aerosol canister – on occasion the spray can fizzle out after a few seconds of use or fail to work entirely


7. StretchAll Premium Grade Shoe Stretch – Best for Shoe Stretchers

StretchAll Premium Grade Shoe Stretch is a quality shoe stretching spray for a variety of materials. The product is applied with an easy to use spray bottle. The special formula allows you to stretch your shoes while you walk or use a shoe stretcher. It works on suede, leather, canvas and linen. StretchAll loosens the material without weakening the fibers.

Features: Spray bottle applicator; works on suede, leather, nubuck, canvas and linen; stretch your shoes while you wear them or with a shoe stretcher

Pros

  • Versatile – works on nubuck, leather, suede, canvas and linen
  • Easy to use – spray on and take a walk or insert shoe stretchers 
  • Fiber loosening formula – loosens fibers without weakening leather

Cons

  • Synthetic materials – does not work well on synthetic leather (e.g. golf shoes) which is created to retain their form, be more water-resistant than real leather and very durable. 


8. Kiwi SELECT Universal Shoe Stretch Spray – Best Bang for the Buck

Kiwi SELECT Universal Shoe Stretch Spray offers a generous supply of spray that will not stain or discolor shoes. The 7 oz. can offers a lot of product at a very reasonable price. It works safely with all colors of fabric and will gently stretch leather, suede, nubuck and reptile skins.

Features: Works on leather, suede, nubuck and reptile skins; color safe; 7 oz. bottle

Pros

  • Versatile – works on leather, suede, nubuck and reptile skins
  • Value – it offers a 7 oz. can at a very reasonable price
  • Supportive – carbon fiber designed hook and loop straps plus a heel cup

Cons

  • Odor – recommend spraying outdoors the smell is a little strong


9. Instant Comfort Liquid Shoe Stretcher Spray – Best for Everyday Shoes

Instant Comfort Liquid Shoe Stretcher Spray is a solid choice to soften and stretch your shoes. Instant Comfort loosens tight areas on your shoes allowing you to create a custom fit. The fit is formed as the softened material shapes around your foot as you walk. It will not damage or discolor leather shoes and is easy to use. The product comes in a 4 oz. bottle.  

Features: 4 oz. bottle; color safe; works on leather, canvas, and suede; spray bottle applicator; made in the USA

Pros

  • Versatile – works on leather, canvas and suede
  • Creates custom fit – creates a custom fit as the softened material shapes around your foot as you walk
  • Easy to use – spray bottle applicator

Cons

  • Sticky – it has a consistency similar to cooking oil spray and makes your shoes feel grimey until it is dried but creates a nice fit


10. Four Seasons Shoe Stretch Spray

Four Seasons Shoe Stretch Spray is a versatile and easy to use shoe stretch spray. It can be used with shoe stretchers or by wearing the shoes after application.The product is applied with an easy to use spray bottle. It softens the shoe’s fibers without weakening the material. It works on suede, leather, canvas and linen. 

Features: spray bottle applicator; softens fibers without weakening material; can be used on leather, suede, canvas and linen; compatible with shoe stretchers

Pros

  • Versatile – can be used on leather, suede, canvas and linen
  • Compatible – works with shoe stretchers or wearing shoes after application 
  • Easy to use – spray bottle application

Cons

  • Synthetic materials – does not work well on synthetic leather 



Benefits of Using Shoe Stretcher Sprays

Why use shoe stretcher spray? Good question. Here are good reasons to consider a shoe stretcher spray on that next pair of tight shoes or boots. Check out our review on the best minimalist boots

Time

Shoe stretcher sprays work on all types of material – leather, suede and canvas. The spray softens the material and helps speed up the stretching process. What could take days and create sore feet can be accomplished in about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Prevent Injuries

Stretching your shoes helps prevent blisters, cuts, bunions, calluses, nail fungus and ankle problems. A shoe stretching spray reduces your injuries by stretching the material and creates a custom-fit. You may also like our guide on the best shoes for standing all day to prevent injuries in this post.  

Save Money

Shoes are expensive. Shoe stretching is an affordable alternative that allows you to wear the shoes comfortably and avoid purchasing a new pair.


How to Use a Shoe Stretcher Spray – Step by Step

Directions: Apply shoe stretch spray to relax the fibers of the shoe for easy stretching.

  • Always sample on a hidden portion of the shoe to make sure it will not discolor or stain the material.
  • Liberally apply the spray to the inside and outside of the shoe.
  • Immediately put shoes on and walk around after application to stretch to a proper fit.
  • In many cases, you may need to wear shoes for about 30 minutes. Wear thick socks for the best results.
  • If shoes are still tight after the process, repeat application.

Note: Shoe stretcher sprays can also be used with a shoe stretcher. 


Final Thoughts

There are plenty of good shoe stretcher sprays that will soften a shoe’s tight spots and improve the shoe’s comfort. They are broken into two categories alcohol-based and conditioner- based.  However, this is not the only consideration when selecting the right shoe stretcher spray. Other factors to include are: How much do you need? Are you going to spray then wear? Are you going to spray then use stretchers? How much are you willing to spend? What type of material are your shoes? 

Purchasing the right shoe stretcher spray is a good way to turn an uncomfortable pair of shoes into your favorite pair of shoes. Breaking in a new pair of shoes the right way will prevent pain and discomfort. There is no need to go it alone and suffer from blisters, calluses and foot pain. A good shoe stretching spray allows you to speed past these obstacles and get straight to enjoying your new pair of shoes. 

I have witnessed the benefits of a shoe stretcher spray and that is why I put together this list. My research indicates that any of these 10 shoe stretcher sprays will help create a more comfortable fit but the best is FootMatters Professional Boot & Shoe Stretch Spray with its leather conditioner, anti-stain formula and its ability to soften leather, nubuck, canvas, linen and suede.

IMAGE PRODUCT DETAILS  

FootMatters Professional Boot & Shoe Stretch Spray
  • Features: Leather conditioner; anti-stain formula; works on a variety of materials; easy to use 4 oz. bottle
  • Benefits: Conditions, softens and stretches tight fitting shoes. Use while wearing or in a foot stretcher.
  •  
CHECK LATEST PRICE

Bickmore Boot & Shoe Professional Leather Stretcher Spray
  • Features: Safe for all materials; easy to use spray bottle; made in USA; 4oz. bottle
  • Benefits: Relaxes stiff leather and will not stain or discolor the material
  •  
CHECK LATEST PRICE

Kiwi SELECT Universal Shoe Stretch
  • Features: 7 oz. spray bottle; color safe for all materials
  • Benefits: A generous supply of spray that will not stain or discolor shoes
  •  
CHECK LATEST PRICE

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