Stretching your Dunks is an important part of breaking them in and making them more comfortable to wear. When you first get a pair of Dunks, they can feel very stiff and tight on your feet. This is because the materials are brand new and haven’t conformed to your feet yet. By properly stretching your Dunks, you can loosen up the materials, create a better fit, and make them much easier to wear for long periods of time. There are several effective methods for stretching Dunks that will help loosen and expand the materials.
Why Should You Stretch Your Dunks?
There are a few key reasons why you should take the time to properly stretch out a new pair of Dunks:
- Improves comfort – Stretching helps the Dunks better contour to the shape of your feet. This creates a custom fit and reduces pressure points for maximum comfort.
- Prevents blisters – Tight, stiff Dunks are more likely to cause painful blisters on your feet. Stretching them makes the materials softer and more pliable to prevent blister formation.
- Extends longevity – The constant creasing and bending of stiff materials can cause them to crack and break down faster. Stretching makes the upper more flexible so it can handle wear and tear without damage.
- Allows you to wear them longer – Unstretched Dunks can be too uncomfortable to wear for more than a few hours. Stretching lets you comfortably wear them all day long.
- Makes sizing issues less noticeable – If the Dunks feel a little tight in certain areas, stretching can help loosen up those spots so any sizing quirks are less noticeable when worn.
As you can see, taking the time to stretch your new Dunks is highly recommended and will provide noticeable benefits in terms of comfort, fit, and durability.
Materials Used in Dunks
To understand how to best stretch your Dunks, it helps to know what materials are used in their construction:
- Leather – Most Dunks feature leather uppers. Leather is tough and durable but needs to be broken in properly.
- Mesh – Mesh panels add breathability. Mesh will stretch and form to your feet over time.
- Foam – The inner lining is usually a soft foam padding that cushions your feet.
- Rubber – The outsole is made of rubber that provides traction and durability.
The main areas to focus on stretching are the leather or mesh uppers. The inner foam lining will conform naturally, while the rubber outsole does not need to be stretched.
Preparation Tips
Before you start the stretching process, keep these tips in mind:
- Start with clean Dunks – Stretching works best on a fresh pair that hasn’t been worn outdoors yet.
- Wear thin socks – Thick socks take up volume inside the shoe that you need for your foot to stretch the upper.
- Have patience – It may take several wears and stretching sessions to fully stretch out your Dunks.
- Stretch gently – Don’t overdo it or you may damage the materials. Apply moderate tension.
- Focus on tight areas – Only stretch spots that feel too tight so you don’t over-loosen the fit.
- Stuff with socks overnight – This passive stretching method is very effective for leather.
Taking it slowly and gently is the best approach. It’s better to under-stretch than over-stretch.
How to Stretch Dunks
Here are the most effective methods and techniques for stretching out your Dunks:
Wear Them Around
Simply wearing your Dunks is the easiest way to break them in. The warmth and pressure from your feet will naturally stretch and expand the materials. Wear them around the house for short periods, like while doing chores or watching TV. The constant subtle flexing of your feet will help loosen everything up.
Use a Shoe Stretcher
A shoe stretcher is a device inserted into the Dunks that uses mechanical pressure to physically stretch them. Turning the adjustment knob expands rods in the toe box and other areas that need stretching.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can target specific spots | Price of buying a stretcher |
| Quickly stretches leather | Not useful for mesh |
| Permanently expands fit | Can over-stretch if not careful |
Apply the stretcher for 1-2 hours at a time, checking frequently to avoid over-stretching. Focus on tight areas like the toe box, sides, and heel.
Use a Shoetree
Shoe trees are similar to stretchers but are simpler solid inserts that apply outward pressure inside the Dunks. Keep them inserted overnight or longer for a gradual stretch.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Inexpensive DIY option | Doesn’t target specific areas |
| Helps retain shape/size | Stretching effect is mild |
| Absorbs moisture | Not useful for mesh panels |
Wood or plastic shoe trees work well. Insert them tightly into the toes and bridge of the arches for the most stretching effect.
Use the freezer
Putting your Dunks in the freezer causes the materials to contract slightly. Then when you wear them, your body heat makes them expand, which stretches them out.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Convenient method | Materials contract unevenly |
| Also freshens smell | Doesn’t target specific spots |
| Helps stretch leather and mesh | Stretching effect is mild |
Put your Dunks in a bag, squeeze out excess air and seal before freezing overnight. Wear them soon after removing to benefit from expansion.
Use a Hair Dryer
A hair dryer can be used to heat and loosen small tight areas of your Dunks. Focus on leather sections over the toes or sides.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Targets specific spots | Easy to overheat/damage |
| Loosens stiff leather | Not useful for mesh |
| Quick and convenient | Temporary stretch unless worn soon after |
Heat the area for 10-20 seconds while gently stretching and flexing with your hands. Be very careful not to hold it in one place too long or you may burn the leather.
Roll or Twist Them
Rolling and twisting motions help break in the soles and soften the upper materials. Sit down and place one Dunk under your knee and roll your leg over it pressing down. Twist each Dunk using your hands as well.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Loosens soles and uppers | Doesn’t target specific areas |
| Simple to do anywhere | Easy to overdo it |
| No equipment needed | Can damage materials if too forceful |
Roll and twist gently for 2-3 minutes per shoe. Apply moderate pressure without bending them too aggressively.
Use a Wide Bottle or Can
Inserting a sealed water bottle or can into the toe box of your laced-up Dunks will apply outward pressure against the upper. Duct tape the bottle in place and leave it for at least a few hours. The constant pressure will stretch and widen the toe box area. Just be sure the bottle is capped so it won’t leak!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Targets the toe box well | Doesn’t stretch other areas |
| Simple and inexpensive | Can push too hard if not careful |
| Gradual stretch over hours | May slip out of place |
Start with a narrower bottle and work your way up to wider sizes for an incremental stretch. Check frequently and remove before over-stretching occurs.
Apply Leather Conditioner
Leather conditioners keep leather flexible to help it stretch more easily. Apply conditioner like mink oil or leather cream, let it soak in for 15 minutes, then wear the Dunks again. The conditioned leather will give and flex to stretch out quicker. Reapply weekly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Softens and loosens leather | Doesn’t work on mesh panels |
| Improves water resistance | Can darken light leather |
| Protects leather long-term | Oils can transfer onto socks |
Use a conditioner specifically formulated for smooth leather rather than suede or nubuck varieties. Test a small area first before applying it all over.
Targeting Tight Areas
Focus your stretching efforts on specific spots of the Dunks that feel too tight:
Toe Box
The toe box is the most common area that needs to be stretched. Use shoe trees, stretchers, water bottles, and heating methods to expand the toe box both in width and vertically to allow toe splay.
Pinkie Toe
Use shoe stretch spray or a hair dryer on the outer leather beside the little toe that squeezes it. Stretch it sideways while warm.
Arches
Insert shoetrees tightly into the arch bridge and leave them as long as needed to expand snug arch areas.
Ankles
Wrap a belt around the ankle opening and tighten it to stretch the circumference wider. Also try on thick socks to push out the ankle collar.
Heel
Wrap the heel counter tightly with an elastic bandage to slowly stretch it from side to side. Focus on any rub points.
How Long Should It Take?
It usually takes around 5-10 wears over 1-2 weeks for most Dunks to fully stretch to your feet. Leather pairs may take at least a week of stretching methods and wears to break in.
Mesh styles stretch out much quicker within just a few wears. The freezer method can show noticeable results after just two overnight sessions.
Don’t rush the process. Stretch gently over time. If after 2-3 weeks they still feel too tight, you may need to size up.
Signs of Over-Stretching
It is possible to over-stretch your Dunks if you are too aggressive. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Wrinkles or sagging leather when empty
- Upper materials that seem baggy or loose
- Too much foot movement inside the shoe when worn
- Outsole separation from over bending
- Cracks or damage to the leather
- Heel slippage from a loosened ankle collar
At the first sign of over-stretching, stop additional methods and allow the materials to stabilize before proceeding. Wearing extra thick socks can tighten up the fit if needed.
Conclusion
Stretching out your new pair of Dunks takes some patience and the right techniques, but the improved comfort and custom fit is well worth it. Now your beloved Dunks will become personalized to your feet so you can rep them with ease. Just remember to start slowly and gently until you achieve the ideal flexibility and roominess. Your feet will thank you!