The new pair is here, the joy is great - and then it pinches your toes. If you find felt slippers too small, you don't have to send them back straight away. Felt is a living material that gives way when worn. In this guide we explain why this is the case, how you can gently break in a new pair and when widening no longer helps.
Why felt gives way when worn
Felt is created when wool fibers get caught in one another due to heat, moisture and movement. The result is tight but not rigid. When you wear a felt slipper, body heat, a little moisture from the foot and pressure all act on the material at the same time. The fibers shift slightly and the shoe adapts to the shape of your foot - especially in width and instep.
That's why a new pair of felt slippers often fits tighter at first than they will fit later. In our experience, the difference is often noticeable after just a short time of wearing.
What a double size means
Many felt slippers are offered in double sizes , for example 36/37. One pair covers two shoe sizes. If you wear the smaller size, you will initially have a little more space. If you wear the larger one, the pair will initially feel tight until the felt has adjusted. Both are normal. If you are at the upper limit and like to wear thick socks, the next double size may be the better choice.
Breaking in new felt slippers
The gentlest method is also the simplest: wearing them. Here's how to proceed:
- First wear the new pair around the apartment for one to two hours at a time.
- If it pinches in certain places, put on thin wool socks. This increases the pressure slightly and speeds up the adjustment.
- Move your toes and walk a few stairs - this will work the felt on the instep and toes.
- Repeat this for several days in a row. Walk for at least 15 minutes at a time so that the felt over the ball of your foot adapts to your foot.
Some people moisten the felt slightly when running in because damp wool fibers shift more easily. This can help, but poses risks for the suede sole and the shape. Do this very sparingly or ask us beforehand.
Use aids with caution
In the shoe trade there are Schuhweiter, i.e. tensioners that stretch the width of a shoe. You should be careful with felt: the material gives way, but if there is too much pressure it can become thinner or lose its shape. Therefore, expand in small steps and over several days rather than all at once. Heat, such as from a hairdryer, is not a good idea - it can shrink the felt and damage the leather on the sole.
Three tips for dilating at home
If a couple is pinching in certain places, you can help specifically. We recommend these three steps from our own experience - always proceed carefully and in several small steps.
Expand the inside with water balloons
Fill two balloons with water, tie them well and push them into the slippers so that they fill the felt in the narrow places. Place the pair in a freezer bag in the freezer until the water is frozen through. When it freezes, the water expands and gently expands the felt from the inside. Then let the pair thaw at room temperature, take out the balloons and let the felt air dry.
Wide the entrance
If the slipper is too tight, especially at the entrance, grab the edge with both hands and carefully pull it apart in opposite directions. Work your way around the opening little by little.
Gain some length
Pressing the pair at the front of the toes, gently push the felt from the inside out with the handle of a wooden spoon. Alternatively, a shoe stretcher, i.e. a tensioner that stretches the length of the shoe, is suitable. The same applies here: it's better to eat a little several times than too much once. Then walk in it for about 15 minutes so that the felt adjusts over the bale.
If felt has become tighter after washing
Water that is too warm or too much friction during washing can subsequently compact felt. A pair that has become a little tighter as a result can often be broken in again like a new pair. You can read how to avoid this next time in our guide wash and dry properly.
Typical pressure points and what they mean
Where a new pair pinches reveals a lot about the fit. If there is pressure on the side of the ball of the foot or on the little toe, the shoe is usually just a little narrow - felt often gives way when worn. If it presses on the top of the foot, the instep is higher than the cut. This occasionally happens with models with a narrower entry, such as donkey or snail, and often improves over time. However, when it comes to boots, a low shoe can be a more comfortable choice. If the toes are at the front, there is no reason to worry with felt: Unlike street shoes, felt slippers do not need any additional space; the foot creates it itself when worn.
Felt gives way, but not indefinitely. If the pair is more than one size too small, wearing them alone will usually not fit. In children, shoes that are too small also constrict their toes. A larger size is the right solution here.
The right size right from the start
It's easiest to find the right pair the first time. Measure both feet in the afternoon and while standing and take the larger value. This guide gives general tips about felt and fit. The specific values for our models, the measuring instructions and our stretching service on request can be found in our Size table.
You can find an overview of all cuts in ours hand felted slippers for adults. And if, despite everything, a couple doesn't fit: contact us - in most cases we will find a solution together, if necessary with another couple. If you are unsure, contact us - how to reach us.
Frequently asked questions about widening felt slippers
How much wider does felt become when worn?
This depends on the pair, the foot and how long it is worn. The adjustment is particularly noticeable in the width and instep, and significantly less so in the length.
Can I expand the length of felt slippers?
To a certain extent, yes - for example with the handle of a wooden spoon or a shoe stretcher, as described above. But felt gives in, especially in width. If a pair is significantly too short, the only solution is usually a larger size.
Will it damage the felt if I widen it?
Cautious breaking in doesn't do any harm, it's part of the process. However, strong pressure, heat or a lot of moisture can cause the felt to become thinner or change its shape.
Can I have my felt slippers widened?
Many manufacturers and shoemakers offer this. We can offer a stretching service upon request - you can find the details on our size advice page.
Do felt slippers become too loose over time?
They adjust and then sit comfortably. A slipper that is too big will not become tighter when worn - so it's better to buy a slipper that fits rather than being significantly too big.
Finding the right size
With the right size, your felt slipper will fit comfortably right from the start. Measure your foot, compare with our table - and call us if you have any questions.
For size advice · Telephone +49 176 49196411 · info@motherearth-munich.com
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