Many people wonder if Converse shoes stretch out or not, simply because they accidentally bought a pair that is too small, or they are trying to break into them.

Do Converse shoes stretch out?

Converse shoes do not “stretch” literally, but the canvas material of the shoes will loosen and become more flexible over time. The tough rubber soles will also conform to your feet, becoming more comfortable as time goes by.

That said, it’s important to choose a pair of Chuck Taylors that are correct in size.

Any pair of Converse that is too big or too small will cause discomfort. In this post, let’s discover whether or not Converse shoes stretch out, including simple tricks to loosen tight ones.

Do Converse Shoes Stretch Out?

A common misconception about Converse shoes is that the shoes are believed to stretch after you’ve broken into the shoes. So, do Converse shoes stretch over time?

Converse shoes do not “stretch” out over time. Canvas is a tightly woven material, so it would be difficult for the fabric to permanently stretch. However, the materials will soften up with time, making Chuck Taylors’ “feel wider”.

Materials like suede will loosen up faster, followed by canvas, and then leather. You will notice the “stretch” around your ankles and at the top of your feet where the laces are.

Sure, Converse shoes can be uncomfortable when they are brand new, but once you’ve broken into them, they can be some of the most reliable pairs of sneakers around.

Take a closer look at the tongue of your Chucks and you will notice two “wedges” of elastic material. These wedges are designed to keep your feet in place.

In fact, Converse sneakers should feel tight in the beginning, because it means your feet are secure inside.

The good news is, as your Converse “stretch” and soften, they become much more comfortable, especially if you wear them often.

So remember, the idea that you can stretch a pair of Converse and make it bigger is not entirely true. Yes, they feel wider, but that’s mainly because of the materials loosening up.

If you’re considering a new pair of Chuck Taylors, here are some important questions surrounding the fit of Converse sneakers, answered:

1. How to loosen tight Converse shoes?

The simplest way to “stretch” out your Converse is to insert shoe stretchers which can help expand the length and width of your Converse.

Alternatively, you can wear thick socks to loosen the sneakers and cushion your feet from the hard canvas.

Here are some of the best hacks on how to loosen tight Converse shoes explained in more detail, especially when you’re working with Chuck Taylor All-Stars.

Insert Shoe Stretchers

The most effective method to “stretch” your Converse faster is to insert shoe stretchers.

Not only do shoe stretchers expand the length of your shoes, but they can also widen the width too. They can also stretch specific areas to fit the shape of your feet better.

Ideally, you should go for shoe stretchers with the ability to stretch your shoes four different ways (increase the length and widen the width).

If this is your first time trying out a shoe stretcher, don’t worry because they are very simple to use. To stretch the shoe’s width, simply turn the metal handle clockwise.

To stretch the shoe’s length, simply turn the wheel knob clockwise.

Once installed, leave the shoe stretchers for 24 to 48 hours for the best results.

Using top-quality shoe stretchers, like the ones above, should help soften tight Converse shoes faster than they normally should.

Wear Thick Socks

Another great trick to “stretch” and loosen overly tight Converse is to wear thick socks.

Not only do thick socks protect your feet from the tough canvas of the Converse, but they also help soften the materials because they expand the canvas in all directions.

After wearing the thickest pair of socks you own, try to tie your Chuck Taylor laces normally, making sure that they are not too tight.

Additionally, if your Converse shoes are still new, try to rotate them throughout the week with other sneakers you have. This keeps your feet from feeling discomfort every day while allowing the Converse the chance to loosen and “stretch” naturally.

Remember, thick socks help!

Expose Them in Sunlight

Last but not least, you can leave them out in the sun for a couple of hours.

If you want to loosen them more than having the color fade, then wearing them outside in the sun can really help. Heat allows the materials to expand so they become less tight.

In fact, exposing Converse shoes to sunlight is also a great way to make them look better since they are vintage shoes that look more beautiful when faded and worn out.

2. Are Converse narrow or wide?

Generally, Converse shoes are narrower compared to most sneakers.

If you have wider feet, you may want to size up half a size as the shoes are quite narrow and don’t stretch too much due to their tightly woven material.

Keep in mind that it’s okay for your Converse shoes to feel tight at first.

You want them to feel that way when they’re new. As you wear a new pair of Converse, the canvas uppers will soften, loosen, and relax naturally as time goes by.

3. Are Converse shoes good for wide feet?

Contrary to popular belief, Converse shoes are comfortable for wide feet as long as you buy the right size and allow them some time to naturally conform to your feet.

While Chuck Taylors look narrow, the canvas material and the surprisingly secure laces can hug wide feet in a gentle manner without causing aches and discomfort.

In fact, some people find Converse comfortable even for running.

Final Words

Now you know whether Converse shoes stretch out or not.

If you have overly tight Converse shoes, you can relax knowing that they will naturally loosen with time. The tough canvas material will not stretch, but it will conform to the shape of your feet and become more comfortable over time.

You can insert shoe stretchers, wear thick socks, and expose Converse shoes to sunlight in order to speed up the “stretching” process.

You may also want to read:

• How much height does Converse add?