I bought this device because my 81 year old Dad has very bad hammer toes and most shoes are too tight for him in the toe area. When I received it I used water to wet the toe section of one of the leather slippers I bought for him. I then stuffed the shoe stretcher into the toe area of that slipper and twisted the knob to stretch it out. 48 hours later he retried the slipper and told me it was very comfortable. I then stretched the other one the same way with the same success. I definitely am pleased with this purchase.