The one-way stretcher – The one-way shoe stretcher does just what it says it does. It stretches your shoes in one direction. Its job is to create space in the toe box of the shoe, widening it and releasing toe to toe pressure that can cause blisters and calluses and make walking a very unpleasant experience. A wider toe box will go a long way toward staving off corns and bunions as well. The one-way shoe stretcher is normally used on flat shoes.

The two-way shoe stretcher – If you purchased a pair of shoes because you loved the look even though they weren’t a perfect fit, you can give them a general stretching out with the two-way shoe stretcher. They won’t add 2 sizes to the shoes but they can make the difference between discomfort and comfort. The two-way stretcher is sometimes used just to circumvent the break in period on a pair of shoes.

Boot stretchers – The boot stretcher is good for side stepping the break in period of work boots, hiking boots and even Western style boots. High heel boots will require a different sort of stretcher (see below) because of the particulars of the sole. But for most boots a standard boot stretcher will get the job done.

High heel shoe stretcher – Because of the unique configuration of high heel shoes and boots you need a shoe stretcher that is designed specifically to match them. In most cases the high heel shoe stretcher is used to widen the toe box to relieve pressure from the foot being thrust forward. High heel shoe stretchers often come in more than one size so make sure you get the right size for your shoes or boots when buying them.

Toe box elevator – Sometimes the problem with a pair of shoes is not that they’re too narrow in the toe, it’s that they’re too low in the toe. The toe box elevator or raiser pushes upward on the toe box creating topside space for your toes to move and breathe. This type of shoe stretcher also prevents chafing and blisters.

Materials – Shoe stretchers are available in 3 different materials:

• Wood– For our money it’s hard to beat shoe stretchers fashioned from a beautiful hardwood like oak, cedar or maple. They not only do a great job they also impart a timeless scent that makes your whole closet smell better. If properly cared for you’ll be handing your cedar shoe stretchers down to your son who will pass them on to his son etc etc. Just be aware of pine stretchers masquerading as hardwood however.
• Plastic– Plastic is the second most popular material used to make shoe stretchers. While it’s undeniable that stretchers fashioned from high strength plastic will last you for years and years and that they often cost noticeably less than hardwood stretchers they don’t have the panache that wood shoe stretchers bring to the table. Still, for countless people around the world plastic shoe stretchers are a lightweight, affordable, easy to use way to make their new shoes fit properly.
• Metal– As is the case with wood, metal shoe stretchers run the quality gamut from cheap to expensive. At the low end of the spectrum are metal stretchers fashioned from cheap aluminum. They’ll do the job certainly. But they aren’t the kind of thing you boast about to your friends. At the other end of the spectrum are shoes stretchers made from high quality stainless steel. They look great, work well and will stand up to the closest scrutiny by friends, family and anyone else you want to show them off to.