Unfortunately, once shoes have shrunk due to being placed in a heated dryer, it is challenging to fully reverse the shrinkage. However, there are some methods you can try to potentially stretch them back to a more comfortable size. Keep in mind that the success of these methods may vary depending on the material and construction of your tennis shoes.
Water and Towel Method:
- Dampen a thick towel with water (but not soaking wet) and stuff it inside the shoes.
- Use another damp towel to wrap around the outside of the shoes.
- Leave the shoes like this for a few hours, allowing the dampness to relax the fibers of the material slightly.
- Remove the towels and try putting on the shoes. While they may not return to their original size, this method might make them a bit more wearable.
Freezer Method:
- Fill two resealable plastic bags with water, making sure they are not overfilled.
- Place each bag inside one of the shoes, ensuring they fit snugly inside the shoe.
- Put the shoes in the freezer and leave them overnight.
- As the water freezes, it will expand, potentially stretching the shoes slightly.
- Take the shoes out of the freezer, let the ice thaw, and remove the plastic bags. Try them on to see if there's any improvement.
Use a Shoe Stretcher:
- Invest in a shoe stretcher, which is a specialized tool designed to stretch shoes back to their original size or slightly larger.
- Follow the instructions provided with the shoe stretcher to gently stretch your shoes.
Remember, there's no guarantee that these methods will fully restore your shoes to their original size, but they might help make them more wearable and alleviate some discomfort. To prevent further shrinkage and damage, avoid using heat on your shoes and always follow the care instructions provided by the shoe manufacturer.