I read all the reviews and got this. I was skeptical.

I have about 10 pairs of Dansko shoes that I wear to work. I can't wear other shoes due to my plantar fasciitis. In this last year, a bunion on my left foot seems to have gotten worse. I tried those red plastic-looking stretchers. No luck. I started wearing tennis shoes to work and only using my work shoes for a few hours at a time while talking ibuprofen. I even bought bunion cushions ($5 for 4 in a pack) and even some silicon toe things that had a patch that stretched to cover the bunion. Nothing worked. I was still in pain. I was convinced that I'd have to transition to some horrible shoe for work or start to wear tennis shoes which are not considered professional enough for my career. I even tried a pair of wide Danskos and because the rest of my foot is not wide, I literally stepped out of these shoes. I was bummed. I could not figure out what I was going to do.

Then, I saw a video on YT that showed a shoe store person using this device. I went to Amazon and forked over $39 for this ball and ring shoe stretcher. I was skeptical as some Danskos are made of very hard leather with a patent finish. I thought this device would not make a dent in them. I used my least favorite Danskos and applied the device to just down from my big toe on my left shoe. After about 2 hours, I moved it just a bit and cranked it down. After another hour, I moved it again just a bit. Then, another 2 hours later, I moved it to the left side of my foot to give some "give" across my foot.

I was shocked when I tried on this shoe and "voila!" no more pain. I was shocked. I now have 9 left shoes lined up for fixing for my fall wardrobe. After that, I'll start work on my other shoes. I can't believe this worked. Yes, I read all the reviews, but you know how it is...

I recently developed a bunion. I found most closed-toed shoes uncomfortable to wear. Thought I would give this device a try. Excellent choice. I can stretch the shoe just in the bunion area. The stretch is subtle so it doesn't detract from the shoe's looks. It is recommended that you stretch for 4 - 6 hours but I leave it on overnight, try the shoe on to determine if further stretching would be beneficial. You are able to move the area to be stretched if you have a larger bunion. I am so happy with the device and am saving money on new shew purchases.

Saves me $20.00 having the shoe repair store doing it for me every time I buy boots.

5 Starts for sturdiness and effectiveness, but 4 stars overall because the arms for the ring and ball should be 2 inches longer so that it can more easily be used on larger shoes or boots.

Overall it is very well-made and works quite well. If you place a cloth on the outside of the shoe where the Ring will contact the shoe it minimizes any marks that could potentially be noticeable. Unfortunately, as someone with large feet (size 14-15) the lengths of the arms on the ring and ball are not quite long enough to work the toe box areas on some shoes. While I was able to get them to work, it required bending the shoe in a fashion that will leave creases.

I have a pinkie callus and had to stop wearing most of my favorite shoes and boots. This is the real thing. I had used multiple shoe stretchers which didn't help. I am vey satisfied with this tool.