What is the best way to stretch a pair of boots?
I've just bought some great looking leather boots and the right boot is slightly too stiff at the tip, causing it to crush my little toe.
8 Answers
I always wear a pair of damp (NOT soaking wet) dress (thin) socks to stretch/break-in a pair of leather shoes that are stiff.
I had a custom pair of gator boots made, and despite the custom-nature of the boots, they were too tight in the instep. I took a shoe-tree and put two pair of thick, winter-style socks on them, then put them into the boot.
I left them in the boots and would allow them to stay in the bathroom during a hot shower or likewise.
Maybe you can use a boot-stretching "sauce" to hasten the process, but I was being cautious, with these beauts. W
ithin a week or two, the boots fit much better than before. I keep the trees in them, just to be sure...
cut off yer toe? seriously find a real bootmaker in your area there's usually one or more in the ph book ask them -
steam from a hot shower works but its best if yer foots in the boot while you do this - so let your sweetie take a loooooong shower then walk a fairly long distance and yes you will most likely get a blister when the blister heals repeat the process --putting lotions, potions and stuff on the boot is also a good idea
bottom line after these treatments while the leather? is moist wear and walk - a looooong distance
there is no quick way to do this and you are gonna get a blister or three
my oldest pair of boots -- i bought figured i'd walk home (lived in NYC then) it friggen pissed down rain and i had @ 2 miles to walk - luckily only small blister and best fitting shoes i ever owned
In the female world there's a trick using water and a freezer, basically it consists of you filling a plastic bag with water and sticking it in the shoe then you put it in the freezer.
as the ice freezes and thaws it stretches the leather.
In a spray bottle, mix rubbing alcohol and water 50:50. Spray on the shoes or boots and wear them. The alcohol helps the water penetrate and soften the leather. You can repeat as often as necessary within reason, without harming the finish. If your feet swell and the shoes become uncomfortable, give an extra spray. Relief is almost immediate. In a couple days, the leather will relax and conform to your foot. This is also a good trick when you're using a shoe stretcher, but be careful not to over stretch the damp leather. I've used this method on some very expensive western boots without a problem.
In a spray bottle, mix rubbing alcohol and water 50:50. Spray on the shoes or boots and wear them. The alcohol helps the water penetrate and soften the leather. You can repeat as often as necessary within reason, without harming the finish. If your feet swell and the shoes become uncomfortable, give an extra spray. Relief is almost immediate. In a couple days, the leather will relax and conform to your foot. This is also a good trick when you're using a shoe stretcher, but be careful not to over stretch the damp leather. I've used this method on some very expensive western boots without a problem.
I would say depending on the type of boot (I have a black leather field boot from Timberland), buy some accesories from Kiwi, like their shoe polish, their laces and definetly the shining brush. Also, the waterproofer definetly helps too!
http://www.kiwicare.com/US/Home- Shoe Care stuff