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If that new pair of leather boots doesn’t fit quite right or if your favorite pair of hiking boots have shrunk, there is no need to despair! There are quite a few ways you can stretch out the leather so your boots will fit like a dream. From using a boot stretcher to wearing extra socks or even freezing your boots, chances are you can salvage your shoes and save yourself the expense of having to buy a new pair.
Steps
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Pick a 1-way stretcher to expand the width of your boots. There are a few different types of stretchers, and it’s important to pick the right kind based on how your boots need to be stretched. If your boots are too narrow but otherwise fit great, you can use a 1-way stretcher to make the soles wider.
- Many shoe stores sell boot stretchers and you can also find them online. They generally cost about $20-$40.
- Boot stretchers can increase your boot size by 1/2-1 size total. If your boots are 2 sizes too small, though, you may need to buy a new pair.
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Opt for a 2-way stretcher to lengthen and widen your boots. When you turn the handle on a 2-way stretcher, it both expands and elongates your boots. If your shoes are too narrow and if your heels or toes are consistently getting pinched or blistered, this is a great option for you. [1] X Research source
- Wooden stretchers are the most durable option and add a nice scent to your boots, whereas plastic stretchers are less expensive and easier to travel with. Check out the reviews of different options when you go to make your purchase.
Tip: Make sure to purchase a boot stretcher and not a shoe stretcher. A shoe stretcher generally doesn’t include a long handle, which means it will be a lot harder to make adjustments.
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Use a boot-calf stretcher to widen the calves of your leather boots. You can buy a boot-calf stretcher on its own, or you can get one that is combined with a 1- or 2-way stretcher to adjust the fit of the entire boot at once. If just the calves of your boots are a little too tight, use a boot-calf stretcher on its own.
- These instruments are great for both hiking boots and zip-up or slip-on boots.
- There are even stretchers that will specifically target the instep of a boot in case that area is too tight for comfort.
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Buy 2 boot stretchers so you will have one for each boot. Most boot stretchers are sold in pairs, but some sources sell them individually. If you’re ordering online, make sure to check and see if you’ll be getting 1 or 2 stretchers with your order.
- If you aren’t in a rush, you could purchase a single stretcher and use it over a few days and stretch each boot individually.
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Insert the boot stretcher while it is unexpanded. You must get the stretcher into place in the boot first before you make any sizing adjustments. Slide the stretcher into the boot as far as it will go so that the tip of the toes fits snuggly into the end of the boot. You’ll use the same process for a 1-way or 2-way stretcher. [2] X Research source
- If you’re using a calf stretcher on its own, you just need to put the stretcher down into the calf section of the boot. It shouldn’t go into the actual sole section at all. [3] X Research source
Tip: Consider spraying the inside of your boots with a leather-stretcher before inserting the actual boot stretcher. This product will help the leather stretch even more and should keep the leather supple.
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Expand the boot stretcher until you see resistance in the leather. Turn the handle clockwise to start the stretching process. Continue turning the handle until you see from the outside that the leather is being stretched. The handle will adjust both the width and the length of the stretcher if you’re using a 2-way stretcher. [4] X Research source
- If you’re worried about over-stretching your boots, apply a light amount of pressure and then increase the amount of stretch each subsequent night until you get to the desired size. [5]
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Expert Source
Moe Draper
Shoe Care & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.
- If you’re worried about over-stretching your boots, apply a light amount of pressure and then increase the amount of stretch each subsequent night until you get to the desired size. [5]
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Expert Source
Moe Draper
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Leave the boot stretcher in place overnight for 6-8 hours. If you leave the stretcher in place for less time than this, it won’t have much of an effect. It’s also totally fine for you to leave the stretcher in place for longer periods. [6] X Expert Source Moe Draper
Shoe Care & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.- Depending on how much your boots need to be stretched, it may take 2-3 nights to get them to the right size. Be patient and try the boots on every morning to see how much progress has been made. [7]
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Expert Source
Moe Draper
Shoe Care & Repair Specialist Expert Interview. 5 April 2021. - Boot stretchers also work well for stretching rubber boots .
EXPERT TIPCertified Leather Care TechnicianMallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.Leather has an elastic nature that allows it to be gently stretched out. To increase the size of a leather item by up to half an inch, hold the base firmly with one hand while using your other hand to slowly pull the material in all directions. Just be very careful not to tear or damage the leather by aggressively overstretching it.
- Depending on how much your boots need to be stretched, it may take 2-3 nights to get them to the right size. Be patient and try the boots on every morning to see how much progress has been made. [7]
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Expert Source
Moe Draper
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Use a leather-stretching spray while wearing the boots for a custom fit. Spray the inside of the boots rather than the outside to keep the leather in good condition. If you spray the outside, the leather could get discolored. Put the boots on while they are still wet from the spray to get the boots to stretch to fit your foot. [8] X Research source
- These products can be bought at shoe stores, convenience stores, and online. You can usually get a small bottle for under $10.
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Spray alcohol mixed with water inside your boots to stretch the calves. This method can work for the entire body of the boot, but it works especially well for calves that are a little too tight. Mix a 1:1 ratio of rubbing alcohol and water in a clean spray bottle. Saturate the inside of your boots with the spray, and then wear the boots until they’re completely dry. [9] X Research source
- You can repeat this method as often as you need to.
- If you don’t want to wear the boots while they’re wet, use a calve-stretcher in conjunction with the spray for the best results.
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Wear wet boots to stretch them to the size of your foot. Submerge your boots completely in a bucket of water. Leave the boots to soak for 5 minutes. Then, put the boots on and wear them around for 30 minutes or until they have dried. While they’re drying, massage a conditioning cream into the leather to help them retain their new, stretched shape. [10] X Research source
- Leather conditioning cream can be bought online, at a shoe store, or many convenience stores, usually for less than $10.
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Wear thick socks to break in new boots and stretch the leather. This method works best for new shoes that are just a little too tight or that pinch your toes. Put on 1-2 pairs of thick socks (as many as you can wear while still being able to put on the boots), then put on your boots and walk around in them for 30 minutes at a time. After 4-5 days of doing this, your boots should be broken in and should fit better than they did before. [11] X Research source
- This process can be a little uncomfortable, so do it when you’re at home and will be able to take the boots off after 30 minutes or so. Having to wear the extra socks and have that excess pressure on your feet all day long wouldn’t feel great.
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Wear your boots and reshape the leather with a hairdryer. Put on a pair of thick socks and then put on your boots. Use a hairdryer to blow hot air on the boots for 3-5 minutes. Be careful to not apply heat for much longer than that as it could damage the leather. [12] X Research source
- The heat relaxes the leather and reshapes it to fit the extra bulk provided by the thick pair of socks you put on.
- You can repeat this process daily if needed.
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Expand your toe space by freezing water in your boots overnight. Take a gallon-sized plastic bag and fill it halfway with water. Settle the bag into your boot and use something to prop up the heel so that the water stays primarily in the toes. Freeze the boots overnight. In the morning, take the boots out of the freezer and let the water defrost before you remove the plastic bag. [13] X Research source
- As the water freezes, it expands, creating a natural stretcher for your boots.
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Join the Discussion...
My wife bought me these shoes when she was on vacation and she really
likes the way they look on me. The problem is that they’re like ha... Read More
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When I get new shoes I stretch them out and break them in with 1) THICK socks and 2) heat. I have these thick wool socks that I wear to both stre... Read More
Expert Q&A
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QuestionDo boot stretchers actually work?Moe Draper is a Shoe Care and Repair Specialist and the Owner of Detroit Shoe Shine and Shoe Repair. With over 20 years of personal experience, Moe specializes in shoe shining, cosmetic restorations for quality leather goods, and minor/major shoe repair services. Moe and his staff at Detroit Shoe Shine and Repair have over 30 years of combined experience and knowledge.Yes. Wooden shoe stretchers are effective at stretching leather boots. Outside of taking them to a professional, it's going to be your best option.
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QuestionCan a cobbler stretch suede Ugg boots?Community AnswerThey can, but it is better to just wear them since they stretch out faster that way and have a better shape (since they conform to your foot over time).
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QuestionHow would I stretch a leather-lined pair of riding boots? The shaft is too thin.Community AnswerRub a leather conditioner into the inside of the boot (I like Kiwi mink oil) and wear it as long as you can tolerate. If you are not initially able to zip it all the way, heel lifts may help with positioning. I know when I put mine on, I initially have to put my heel all the way down to zip it up to the ankle, then stretch the back of my leg and create a gap under the heel to get them to zip over the calf. Be as active as you can while wearing them. Do this until you have reached the desired size.
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Tips
- If you’re unable to stretch your leather boots yourself, you could also take them to a cobbler. They’ll be able to tell you if the boots can be stretched further, and if not, they may be able to add elastic or leather to the boots to make them larger.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/c3-hyeJEGVk?t=22
- ↑ https://youtu.be/U_1moQQ3p4c?t=47
- ↑ https://youtu.be/Z2cljeWRYvI?t=90
- ↑ https://youtu.be/U_1moQQ3p4c?t=81
- ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.
- ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.
- ↑ Moe Draper. Shoe Care & Repair Specialist. Expert Interview. 5 April 2021.
- ↑ https://www.whowhatwear.com/how-to-stretch-leather-boots
- ↑ https://youtu.be/8sHfonfYRCg?t=101
About This Article
Article Summary
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To stretch leather boots, start by putting on your thickest pair of socks and forcing the boots on your feet over the socks. Next, heat the areas that are tight with a hair dryer on the highest setting. As the boot warms up, stretch and flex your foot to help stretch the leather out. Then, leave the boots on your feet until they are completely cool before taking them off. Finally, apply a leather conditioner to the boots to replenish any lost moisture. For tips on to stretch your boots with a homemade leather stretching spray, keep reading!
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Reader Success Stories
- "My friend bought me two different sizes of boots, both of them are too small. I love them but my toes rub the front. Then the company is having a problem with returns. I wear a 5.5 and we got 6.0. 5.6, so I will definitely try one of these. Love the site." ..." more
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"My friend bought me two different sizes of boots, both of them are too small. I love them but my toes rub the front. Then the company is having a problem with returns. I wear a 5.5 and we got 6.0. 5.6, so I will definitely try one of these. Love the site."
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"I was skeptical, but the heating technique worked great for my Redwing pull-on 3505s. They were tight in the metatarsal area. I had to heat for a bit longer, about 3 - 4 minutes with a hairdryer, and worked some Dr. Martens balm in as well."
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"What made it easy was having so many options in the same article and the easy-to-follow graphics. I prefer graphics to a video because I print things out. My new boots are too cute to send back so big thanks!"
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"I bought a beautiful pair of Boulet boots from The Salvation Army. They fit really tight and hurt my feet. I used the hair dryer and alcohol tricks. They fit awesome now. Thank you very much."
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"I used the blow dryer method, it works like magic. I walked around in the boots for about 5 minutes, doing various foot exercises. Took them off, removed socks and now I have happy feet!"
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