a foot stretcher for use with a rowing vessel or a mechanical rowing apparatus , and being especially useful in rowing vessels designed and equipped for professional or competitive racing . the foot stretcher includes a shoe support having attachment means for attaching the support to a rowing boat or rowing apparatus and having a mounting for the shoe for the rower . the shoe support is rotatable relative to the attachment means to suit individual rowers . the shoe support includes a sole plate having a forefoot portion and a heel portion , wherein the heel portion extends at an angle relative to the forefoot portion of the sole plate . the angular position of the heel plate relative to the forefoot portion of the sole plate is adjustable to suit individual rowers and their requirements . adjustment of the angular position of the heel plate can be conducted using a locking arrangement , a screw arrangement , or by insertion of detachable heel member .