Basic stretching for new ballet flats
Grab your new ballet flats. Head to a clear and clean space to stretch the flats.
Spray the shoes with the water. Spray the front, left and right sides. Spray the back as well. Ensure that the entire outer area of the shoes is damp.
Aim the hair dryer at the shoes. Start with the front, pulling on the toe front as you dry it.
Repeat on the sides and the back, pulling the shape outward as you dry.
Repeat as necessary. The shoes should stretch enough in a short space of time.
Advanced stretching to fit a smaller pair
Get a size smaller than usual for this method. When shopping for new ballet slippers, don't be tempted to buy the ones that fit with room to spare, get a size down and stretch them to fit your foot exactly. Buy a pair of leather ballet shoes in a size lower than your normal size.
Take off any elastic straps on the ballet shoes.
Try to fit the shoe on your foot. It should be very very tight, even painfully so.
Using rescue oil or bio-oil, rub the full leather exterior of the shoe. Cover every part.
Get a wooden spoon, and push it into the toe part of the shoe. Push it until it stretches as far as it will go.
Do the same for the heel of the shoe.
Whilst the shoe is oily still, put on two pairs of thick socks. Pull your ballet slippers on––it will be a bit of a challenge, but persevere. Put on another pair of socks over the shoes.
Walk around in the shoes for an hour or two, until they are dry.
Place the shoes in a warm place. Repeat the whole process a few hours later, and leave in a warm place each time.
With one pair of socks on, slip on the shoe. Mark where to put elastics on, then take off and sew them in.
Wear your shoes all the time when you're at home. In about a week's time they will soften and mould exactly to your feet, leaving perfect fitting ballet shoes that will last you for ages.
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