Short description
Most people purchase various wardrobe items from this material. These include: belts, bags and shoes. Hairy leather is high quality nubuck leather that has undergone the best degree of processing. Most often, natural raw materials are used. Cattle leather is the main material for making nubuck.
As a result of polishing, the skin becomes velvety. The pile is very small and can only be felt, but it is quite difficult to see. This kind of material is durable and practical. The natural origin of the raw material allows the feet to breathe, which is why shoes are often made from nubuck.
It is necessary to understand that boots made of such material can only be worn in dry weather, since the water-repellent properties leave much to be desired. If such shoes get wet, they will quickly lose their original appearance.
Most people purchase various wardrobe items from this material.
Characteristics of nubuck
To increase the water-repellent effect of this material, it is impregnated with special fatty solutions. Oiled nubuck changes its characteristics. If before this it looked like suede, now the leather becomes heavier. It feels wet to the touch. This material is called nubuck oil. This option is suitable for constant and long-term wear.
Oiling also changes the appearance of the shoes. Artificial nubuck is one of the varieties of such raw materials. However, in this case, it is not genuine leather that is used, but its substitute. This material is more economical. Econubuk is more preferable.
Grease-coated material has excellent hydrophobic properties, which is why many people prefer to purchase shoes from it. At the same time, shoes or boots will repel moisture and dirt and will retain their aesthetic properties for a long time.
Such shoes are resistant to chemical components that are added to reagents in winter weather and sprinkled on asphalt. Differences from suede in appearance. Nubuck feels heavier and damper, which can also be felt when you touch the shoe.
To increase the water-repellent effect of this material, it is impregnated with special fatty solutions
Reviews about this material are positive. However, many argue that it is better to wear boots in the off-season. If you do this at sub-zero temperatures, your feet will freeze. When there are puddles outside, it is better to leave nubuck boots at home.
Restoration of pile and elimination of scuffs
Violations in the structure of the correct arrangement of villi lead to the fact that on the surface of products
abrasions and shiny areas appear. Such stains significantly spoil both the appearance of the shoes and the entire image of their owner. They also make you think: will you really have to say goodbye to comfortable shoes, is it possible to restore them to their original form?
We answer: you can! Putting suede items in order and returning shoes to their original appearance is not so difficult.
Eliminating shortcomings in this case is more complex compared to the methods described above. When working, special care and attention should be taken so as not to worsen the situation.
Milk and soda
To restore the natural location of the pile and remove abrasions, milk and soda are useful . Add a teaspoon of soda to a glass of dairy product. Use the resulting solution to treat problem areas using a soft cloth. Upon completion, treatment with a brush is required, which will give the pile a natural arrangement. After carrying out such a procedure, the shoes should dry naturally.
Steam treatment
If the villi have just begun to lose their stability, steam treatment is suitable. A steam generator is useful here, which carefully processes the product over the entire surface. After which the bald patches disappear.
If you don’t have a steam generator, a more familiar and common method is suitable - a steam bath.
ADVICE . To maintain the structure after cleaning, treat your boots with fine table salt. Brush off any remaining residue with a brush.
How to restore shoes from this material
Natural and artificial fabrics practically do not differ in external characteristics. However, in the second case, the legs do not breathe at all, which is not an advantage. Natural material gets wet quickly, so it needs to be periodically soaked and cared for properly.
There is a special solution on sale that needs to be used to oil shoes. If you take care of your boots or shoes in this way, they will last for more than one season. However, most people wonder how to restore nubuck shoes if they begin to lose their external qualities.
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It is better, of course, to use professional products (impregnation, liquid creams, sprays, etc.). However, you can also use improvised ones. Nubuck shoes require special care. But you can easily refresh the appearance of the product yourself at home using simple means. For this you need a small container of water. The liquid should be warm. You need to take a cotton cloth, which should be soaked in water and lightly rubbed with baby soap.
Then you should carefully clean the shoes and, after rinsing the rags, walk over the shoes again, removing any remaining soap. After this procedure, the appearance of the product changes. Proper care of nubuck requires steam. Since this material is similar in appearance to suede, the restoration methods are the same in some respects.
There is a special solution on sale that needs to be used to oil shoes.
It makes no difference what to use - a kettle or a saucepan. However, the second option will be more convenient. It is necessary to boil a pan of water and hold the shoe over the steam for 5-7 minutes. Then let it dry, comb it properly with a brush and apply a special paint to the surface that best suits the color.
Another method of restoration is water with ammonia. This method should be used with caution and not overdo it. First of all, you need to pour warm water into the basin. For 5 liters, just a couple of drops of ammonia are enough. Then you should soak the cloth in the solution and gently wipe the nubuck. It must be remembered that this type of shoe is different from others and should not be wetted too much.
In order to maintain the appearance of the product for many years, you should take care of it regularly. You should not rely on home remedies. You need to constantly use impregnation and special bristles, otherwise very soon the pile will fall off and look careless.
Stretch a new one quickly at home
This problem is absolutely not new. That is why today there are a lot of options that will allow you to quickly and easily cope with an uncomfortable and small pair of boots:
- Folk stretching method;
- Chemical stretchers;
- Experienced specialist in the workshop.
Let's look at each of these options in more detail. Let's start with traditional methods.
Natural varnish - hairdryer
The process of stretching patent leather shoes is a rather dangerous and painstaking undertaking.
The fact is that the varnish may crack or lose its shine, making it simply impossible to wear such boots. The risk is not so great if natural thin leather is varnished, because in this case there is a chance to stretch the shoes wider without leaving home. Information. Using a hair dryer in combination with greasy cream or Vaseline is the most popular method in the struggle for shoes that fit your feet. However, you should not abuse it, because hot steam can damage the varnished coating.
The procedure is performed as follows:
- Turn on the hairdryer at maximum speed and direct a powerful stream of air into the shoes. It is necessary to ensure that hot air does not fall directly on the varnish surface;
- After the inner surface of the shoes has warmed up well, you can apply greasy cream or Vaseline;
- Next, you should put thick socks on your feet and put on shoes over them. Walk like this for two to three hours;
- After removing the shoes, apply greasy cream or Vaseline again to the inner surface and leave overnight. In the morning, remove any remaining product with napkins.
Artificial
It is quite difficult to work with narrow shoes made of artificial materials. If such shoes are tight, of course, you can resort to traditional stretching methods, but there is a risk that the material will crack or simply lose its attractive appearance.
Methods that allow you to slightly enlarge small faux leather shoes:
- The first step is to resort to the help of specially designed stretching sprays. They are applied to the inner surface of the shoes immediately before wearing, which allows you to quickly and painlessly stretch the shoes to the desired size;
- The traditional potato method also allows you to effectively and correctly stretch your boots. In order to do this, you need to place one peeled potato in each pair of shoes and leave for several hours. It is best to leave the potatoes in your boots overnight for guaranteed results. In the morning, remove the potatoes from the boots and gently wipe them with a napkin from the inside.
Artificial suede is a more delicate material, which is why it requires an individual approach.
Under no circumstances should you resort to radical stretching methods, as this can lead to irreversible damage to the product.
To wear suede shoes comfortably, you should resort to gentle stretching methods.
It is necessary to wear the product at home for a long time, after putting thick socks on your feet.
If this method does not bring results, try the following methods:
- You can stretch suede shoes using the wet method. To do this, the socks need to be wet. When exposed to moisture, the material becomes soft and pliable, which gradually takes the shape of the leg. Please note that you should not get your socks too wet, as the suede may become covered with unpleasant stains;
- The second method is more suitable for stretching narrow shoes in a salon setting. The fact is that the key element here is a special wooden adjustable structure in the shape of a foot. Boots are put on it and left for several days. Thus, the material gently but surely takes the desired shape.
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Nubuck
Nubuck is a rather hard material, which is why the process of stretching it in width, and even more so in length, is very complicated and painstaking. Before you begin, make sure that your boots are made of natural nubuck
Attention! It is not recommended to stretch nubuck shoes with alcohol, petroleum jelly and other solutions, which can be absorbed into the structure of the material and form unattractive stains on the surface.
There are several safe and simple methods suitable for this material:
- The first step is to try to stretch the boots naturally, that is, wear them for a while at home;
- Soak newspapers in water, but not too much. Place them inside nubuck boots and leave them for a while. When dry, the paper slowly expands, while gently stretching the shoes;
- Purchase foam specifically designed for nubuck. It’s very easy to use, you just need to apply a little product to the inside of your shoes, then put thick socks on your feet and walk around a little in tight shoes;
- Send your favorite boots to a specialized workshop, where an experienced craftsman will quickly and accurately handle your task.
Rag
As you have already understood, natural leather is the most easily stretchable.
Important! Shoes made of genuine leather can be stretched to a full size. In cases with other materials, the maximum figure is half a size.
Shoes made of artificial material are very capricious, as are fabric products. Textile shoes can also be stretched, but the process is not pleasant.
The most effective method is one in which fabric items need to be wetted and then filled with newspapers. In this case, there is a risk that the seams and glued areas will simply come apart, which is why you will have to look for ways to glue fabric shoes.
Newspapers should be placed as tightly as possible so that the product does not deform when drying.
You can try stretching textile shoes using hot steam.
To do this, you need to hold the product over boiling water for several minutes.
After this, fill with damp newspapers as evenly as possible.
Textile sneakers, ballet flats or moccasins will become much looser, making them much more comfortable for you to wear.
Rubber
If you purchased rubber shoes, and they press on you where the heel, toe or heel is located, the question arises of how to stretch them.
Attention! If the boots are made of traditional waterproof rubber, then it is not possible to stretch such a product.
But today, increasingly, rubber boots are made from ordinary PVC. This material is much easier to handle. In order to check what material your boots are made of, you will need:
- Awl or needle;
- Lighter or match.
It is necessary to heat a sharp metal object to a red-hot state. After this, touch the surface of the boots in an inconspicuous place. If the material begins to melt, then it is PVC and we can find a way to stretch such shoes.
Important! When conducting the test, make sure that the needle does not accidentally pierce the boot, because in this case the product will lose the ability to perform its main function - protecting your feet from getting wet.
So, in order to stretch PVC shoes, you will need:
- A container of sufficient depth with ice water;
- Boiling water;
- Thick socks, preferably made of wool or terry;
- Directly rubber boots and your feet.
First of all, rubber boots need to be filled with boiling water. You need to hold it for about five minutes.
Feel the product from the back in the heel area - it should become pliable and soft.
Next, you need to put woolen socks on your feet, pour out hot water, quickly dry the boots with a towel and put them on over the socks.
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This way you can go from one to several hours.
Finally, the boots should be placed in a basin of ice water and left overnight. After the procedure, do not forget to dry your shoes thoroughly.
It should be noted that it will be possible to wear boots outside only a couple of days after the procedure, when the PVC has completely hardened.
Narrow in width
You can effectively stretch your shoes wide in a freezer filled with ice. The fact is that this method is based on elementary physical laws and phenomena, thanks to which it never fails. However, please note that you should not place very expensive shoes in the freezer, as this may ruin their appearance.
The ice method is also called the “cowboy” method. To implement it, you only need a pair of narrow shoes and a couple of plastic bags. The latter must be filled with water, closed and carefully placed in the boots. Place the finished structure in the freezer for several hours. When water freezes and expands, it will also expand your problem shoes.
Tight in length
Information. The most effective way to combat tight shoes is a specially designed stretcher. It can be purchased at any shoe or hardware store, or found on one of the shelves in the supermarket.
The stretcher is applied to the inner surface of the shoe. Carefully process the toe and heel of the shoe. For the best effect, you should put it on after putting thick socks on your feet. Just walk around the house and go about your business without paying any attention to the gradually stretching product.
There is another good method for which you will need:
- Two plastic bags;
- Oats, buckwheat or other cereals;
- Hot water.
The cereal must be poured into plastic bags and placed in shoes - tightly but evenly. Then pour hot water over the cereal and leave overnight. The cereal will gradually absorb water, swell, and therefore become larger, just like your shoes.
On the rise
If your shoes feel tight in the instep or the shaft, you can use another proven remedy - paraffin.
Before starting the procedure, the shoes must be thoroughly wiped and slightly warmed with a hairdryer.
After this, you need to take a soft paraffin candle, it should also be heated over a fire.
Use the softened side to rub problem areas from the inside.
When the product dries, you can put the shoes on over a thick sock and break them in while walking around the house.
After this procedure, even artificial material becomes soft and pliable, and problem areas stop rubbing. After the shoes have been worn in sufficiently, it is necessary to scrape off the remaining paraffin film and lubricate the inside of the product with Vaseline or greasy cream.
Attention! This method is not suitable for winter shoes with fur, as there is a risk of damaging the fur irrevocably.
How far can you stretch
The question of how much shoes can be stretched worries many people. With proper use of specially designed tools and devices in lifting, shoes can be stretched up to two sizes. The same applies to the width of the product, but here you should proceed from the material and its structure, because in some cases the boots can stretch one size, and in others - all three.
It's a little more difficult to stretch the shoes lengthwise. As mentioned earlier, products made from genuine leather are the most amenable to this procedure. Leather shoes can be stretched up to a full size, while the maximum leather substitute is half a size. However, even in this case this is a very good result.
Advice from professionals
- If you have never experienced shoe stretching on your own before, we recommend practicing on an old pair of shoes that you won’t mind ruining;
- If your shoes have inserts or decorative elements made of plastic, you should not heat them. The fact is that this material can simply melt;
- Natural skin becomes drier after stretching, especially with vodka or alcohol. This is fraught with damage and cracks, so after you have carried out the stretching procedure, the product should be treated with a special moisturizer or conditioner;
- If after purchasing you notice that the boots are a little tight, you should not immediately resort to radical stretching methods. Try to be patient for a couple of days, most likely the product will very quickly become suitable for you while wearing it;
- It is not recommended to stretch very expensive shoes yourself. To do this, you should contact a professional workshop.
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Life hack - stretch yourself
Let's look at a couple more options for stretching shoes at home.
- Sock and alcohol. This method is classic, because even grandmothers advise wearing shoes in thick socks. In order to significantly speed up the process, you should treat the inside of the product with alcohol;
- Vaseline and a special block. It is necessary to thoroughly lubricate the inside of the shoes with Vaseline, and then place a special last inside it. You can purchase the unit at a shoe store, but be prepared to pay a decent amount.
Additional recovery methods
If the pile is matted and the areas on the boot are different, then you can use a regular knife. The work is, of course, painstaking, but it will yield results. To do this, you will have to carefully scrape the material with a knife. The matted fibers will change their position.
When scuffs appear on the nubuck, it is best to use a clean white eraser, which will perfectly erase all dirt. You just need to follow the trail lightly and the boot will look like new. If you don’t have an eraser at hand, you can use a pumice stone, but be very careful. A toothbrush will also do the job perfectly.
As a preventative measure, you can wipe the product with a special solution, which is easy to prepare at home. You will need 1 tbsp. l. vinegar and 1 liter of warm water. The resulting liquid should be used to wipe nubuck boots at the first signs of wear.
You can also use coffee grounds, which only apply to dark shoes. Apply a small amount of pulp to the problem area, such as a stain or abrasion, and leave for a few minutes. Then you need to properly clean the shoes with a brush.
Caring for suede shoes
Caring for suede shoes should begin with treating them with a protective spray, which forms a transparent layer on the surface of the product that prevents the penetration of moisture and dirt. This procedure will protect your new thing. Thanks to spray treatment, suede will not get dirty so quickly and will be able to retain its original appearance longer.
To achieve the desired effect, primary care for suede shoes should be carried out 3 times:
- First we moisten the surface with an aerosol;
- let the shoes dry away from heating devices;
- repeat the procedure several times.
After the first walk, for preventive purposes, you should refresh the suede surface. To clean suede you will need a hard porous sponge brush; it, in combination with a foam cleaner, will quickly remove the top layer of dust. In addition, you need an eraser that will remove stubborn stains and greasy deposits, or a brush with rubber teeth that performs the same functions. For convenience, you can purchase a miniature brush with a 2 in 1 eraser.
It should be remembered that suede shoes should only be cleaned when dry. In addition to the water-repellent spray, you will need aerosol paint to restore color; at the same time, it also serves as an impregnation for the surface of the shoe. The most universal option would be a transparent spray that reliably maintains skin color, but to add brightness, it’s worth looking for the appropriate tone.
To spend a minimum of time searching for shoe cosmetics, you can pick up a set of suede care products directly in a shoe boutique. Since many brands have long been producing their own lines of cosmetics for shoe care.
Despite the fact that suede is a breathable material, it is necessary to regularly refresh it with a special deodorant. And at the end of the season, you should “preserve” cleaned and tinted suede shoes using a shoe last to preserve their shape, so they will look like new for a long time.
