Stretching leather boots is a great way to make sure you have the perfect fit. Not only can it help with comfort, but it can also prevent blisters and discomfort caused by ill-fitting shoes because we know not all boots fit perfectly straight out of the box.
Over the years I stretched countles and countless, boots and I’m excited to share my complete guide on how you can do so too! Leather boots are not one size fits all – sometimes we have to put the extra touch in to make them fit how we want!
With this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn exactly how to stretch them properly and feel like part of the crowd with perfectly fitted shoes. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
How Much Can I Stretch Leather Boots?
From heat and chemical stretching to using stretching tools or steam stretching, each method has its own pros and cons. It also depends on the type of leather used in making the boot, how waterproofed it is, and even the age and quality of the material.
Contrary to popular belief, you cannot expect dramatic results from any of these methods. But the question is how much can you stretch leather boots? In my experience, you can stretch leather boots up to a 1/4 of a size in the width.
Before purchasing a boot when you know you have wide feet it is best to consider whether or not the boots come in wide width. It will always be better to get the correct size from the manufacturer rather than trying to fit your foot into a boot that is just too tight.
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If you have wide feet you should be looking for boots with EW, EE, W symbols on their sizing. For example, a 9EE is a 9 wide, the same as EW, EE, W are all just symbols for wide width.
Having said this, if done right with utmost care taken regarding safety measures like wearing protective gear while applying heat-based techniques or choosing non-toxic chemicals while going down the chemical route – then yes, some amount of success may be achieved by following these steps.
Yet remember that every case is different so proceed cautiously before attempting anything too drastic on your beloved leather boots!
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How Long it takes to stretch leather boots
You just bought a new pair of leather boots and are now wondering how long it takes to stretch leather boots. In my experience, it can take up to 2 weeks for boots to be completely stretched to the point of being comfortable.
Of course, this is going to depend on how often you’re using the below-mentioned methods, how thick the leather is, and how often you’re wearing your boots.
You should aim to have your boots adequately stretched in 2 weeks, which means you aren’t uncomfortable in them
Can Boots Be Over Stretched
Can you overstretch leather boots?
The answer is yes you can overstretch your boots, so it is important to stretch them carefully.
While it’s possible to stretch leather too far, if done correctly, careful stretching can create a beautiful fit that will last for years. It all depends on how much effort you put in and what method you use.
When stretching leather, there are several ways to go about it: moisturizing the leather with conditioner or oil before wearing; heat-stretching by using a boot stretcher; using talcum powder inside of wet leather boots; and wearing thicker socks when trying them on initially. Each of these methods has its own set of pros and cons so be sure to research accordingly!
No matter which route you choose, always practice moderation – don’t try to stretch your boots too quickly or push beyond their limits. Taking your time and being gentle will ensure that you achieve an excellent result without damaging the material.
How To Stretch And Soften Leather Boots
Leather boots can bring a sense of pride, sophistication and style, or they can be a vital tool in your tool box for your occupation.
It’s no secret that leather boots may need to be stretched out before you can comfortably enjoy them. The process can seem daunting at first, but it really doesn’t have to be!
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to stretch and soften your leather boots so you can make them into perfect fitting footwear:
The most important part of stretching out leather boots is proper shoe care and maintenance. This means cleaning off any dirt or dust as well as conditioning products regularly. In addition, protecting them from weather elements such as rain and snow also helps preserve their shape over time.
Things To Keep In Mind When Stretching Leather Boots:
- Be sure to use the right conditioner for your boot’s particular material
- Insert stuffing materials like newspaper when not wearing the boots
- Invest in professional boot stretchers found at local stores if needed
It may take some patience and perseverance, but with these tips in mind, you’ll soon find yourself with perfectly fitted leather boots!
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Prepare Your Leather Boots
Preparing your leather boots properly before attempting to stretch them is essential for achieving the desired results.
So how do you prepare your boots? To begin, it’s important to condition the leather with a quality leather care product. This will help soften and moisturize the material, making it more pliable during the stretching process. [4]
It’s also a good idea to go through a break in period by wearing the boots around when you can, as this helps loosen up any tight areas on its own. If not enough loosening occurs naturally, applying some high-quality leather oils like mink oil may provide additional relief.
Finally, make sure that you always use caution when stretching your leather boots – don’t overdo it! Depending on how much extra room you need, carefully use specific methods and tools such as stretchers or shoe trees to give just enough space without causing any damage.
Remember that taking your time while preparing and stretching your boots will ensure that they last longer and remain comfortable for years to come.
Methods to Stretch leather Boots
Using Ice To Stretch Leather Boots
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Here is how to stretch boots with ice: take a plastic bag and fill it with water, then place it snugly inside your boots in the areas you want to stretch.
Put your boots in the freezer or leave them outside in below-freezing temperatures for a few hours.
As the water inside the bag freezes, it will expand and push against the leather, gently stretching it out.
Let the ice sit in the boots overnight to get a good stretch on the boots.
Repeat the process if needed, but be careful not to over-stretch your boots, as this can damage the leather. Keep in mind that not all types of leather may be suitable for this method, so proceed with caution.
This method takes advantage of water’s natural process of expanding, by approximately 9% by volume, to stretch your boots out. [6]
Using Stretching Liquids
Another method for stretching out leather boots is by using a stretching liquid. Unlike rubbing alcohol, which can be harsh on the leather, stretching liquids are specially formulated to be gentle and effective.
To use a stretching liquid, start by selecting a product that’s designed for use on leather. You can find these products at most shoe stores or online. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully to ensure that you use it correctly.
Once you have your stretching liquid, apply it to the inside of your boots, focusing on any areas that feel tight or uncomfortable. Make sure to apply enough of the liquid to fully saturate the leather. You can use a cloth or sponge to apply the liquid, or you can spray it directly onto the leather.
After you’ve applied the stretching liquid, put on a pair of thick socks and then put on the boots. Wear them around for a few hours to allow the liquid to penetrate the leather and stretch it out. You may experience some discomfort or tightness at first, but this should gradually subside as the boots stretch and conform to your feet.
What is the best boot spray liquid for stretching boots?
There are countless boot stpray liquids on the market, but what is the best stretch spray for leather boots? The best boots stretch luquid for leather boots, in my opinion, is FootFitter Professional Shoe & Boot Stretch Spray. This is an easy to use boot stretch spray and work very well.
Easy to Use
Work Well on Leather
In summary, stretching liquids are a gentle and effective way to stretch out leather boots. Just be sure to select a product that’s designed for use on leather, follow the instructions carefully, and allow the boots to dry completely before wearing them again. With a bit of patience and the right products, you can achieve the perfect fit for your leather boots.
Use A Blow Dryer
When blow drying leather boots, it’s important to take a few precautions. You’ll want to make sure the material is heat-proofed before you start and that you keep your dryer at least four inches away from the boot when using it.
Once everything is prepped and ready, turn on your blow dryer and hold it over your boot for about one minute or until the leather has softened up enough. [7] Keep in mind that too much heat can cause damage, so don’t go overboard here!
As soon as you feel like the material’s soft enough, slip into your thick socks and walk around for a bit – this will help stretch out any tight spots in your boots.
For best results, use these tips and tricks together with other stretching methods. This way, you won’t have to worry about breaking down the material too quickly or damaging its integrity by heating it up excessively.
With proper leather care advice, break in techniques, and heat proofing tricks up your sleeve, you should be able to get comfortable leather boots in no time!
Using Boot Stretchers
How to stretch leather boots with a boot stretcher? After finding the correct size for your boots, position the stretcher in the area that needs more room. Then expand the stretcher until either you cannot expand it any further, or you notice the area exaanding out. Leave overnight or for 8 hours and then try your boots on again.
Comes with Many Attachments for Custom Stretching
Cost Effective
Cobblers Use This Exact Model
When using a boot stretcher, it’s important to start by selecting the correct size. Most stretchers come with adjustable pieces to ensure they fit snugly inside the boot or shoe. Once you have the right size, insert the stretcher into the boot or shoe.
The next step is to rotate the handle of the stretcher to expand it until it fits snugly inside the boot or shoe. This will apply pressure to the leather and stretch it to the desired size. It’s important to leave the stretcher in place for at least 8 hours to allow the leather to adjust to the new shape.
After 8 hours, check the fit of your boots or shoes. If they’re still too tight, repeat the process, but be careful not to leave the stretcher in too long. Overstretching the leather can cause it to become too loose and lose its shape.
One advantage of using a boot stretcher is that it allows you to stretch specific areas of the boot or shoe. For example, if the toe area is too tight, you can adjust the stretcher to focus on that area, there are also instep stretchers but those tend to be very expensive. This makes it a more targeted and effective solution for stretching your leather boots or shoes. [8]
Use A Boot Tree To Stretch Boots While You're Not Wearing Them
Another effective method for stretching leather boots is using a boot tree. This is a device that’s inserted into the boot to help it maintain its shape while it’s being stretched.
how to stretch leather boots using a boot tree? To use a boot tree to strech boots or shoes, start by selecting the right size shoe tree for your boots. You want to make sure that the tree is snug but not too tight inside the boot. Insert the boot tree into the boot and adjust it so that it fits snugly from the heel to the toe.
Once you have the boot tree in place, you can start stretching your boots. One of the best things about using a boot tree is that it gently stretches the leather over time, so you don’t have to worry about overstretching the boots.
Leave the boot tree inside the boots for at least 24 hours to give the leather enough time to stretch. After 24 hours, remove the boot tree and try on your boots. If they’re still too tight, repeat the process for another 24 hours.
One of the benefits of using a boot tree is that it helps to prevent wrinkles and creases from forming in the leather. It also helps to maintain the shape of the boots, which is especially important for high-quality leather boots.
Use The Wet-Leather Trick
How to use the water to stretch leather boots?
Firstly, you need to soak your boots in warm water for up to one hour until completely drenched. After soaking, put on the boots while they are still damp and walk around in them until dry.
Don’t worry about damaging them; if done correctly, soaking will not cause any heat shrinkage or discoloration. This allows the material to conform to the shape of your feet as they dry out. [9]
Getting your boots soaked in water allows the leather to be more mealable and conforms to your feet. As you wear the boots you will naturally stretch them to fit your feet, effectively speeding up the break-in process.
It’s important to use caution and make sure that your boots can handle being soaked in water. It’s also important to be patient and allow the boots to dry completely before wearing them again.
Break Out Your Thickest Socks Or Wear Two Pairs Of Socks
This is my favorite method to stretch leather boots. Not only does wearing your thickest socks, or two pairs of socks, stretch your boots effectively, but it also helps protect your feet from blisters.
So how do you stretch leather boots with two pairs of socks?
It is pretty straightforward, you wear two pairs of your regular work socks and wear your leather boots as you normally would. The extra material will push the leather out as you wear the boots and stretch the boots out quickly.
You can also combine this method with the wet leather trick as well for added results.
Stuff Newspaper Inside
One of the simplest and cheapest methods involves using newspapers. Here’s how to do it:
Start by crumpling up some newspapers until they form tight balls. Make sure they’re not too loose, as you want them to fill up the boot as much as possible.
Next, stuff the newspapers into the boot until it’s completely full. Make sure you get them all the way up to the toe and down to the heel. You want the boot to be as tightly packed as possible.
Once the boot is filled, leave overnight or for 24 hours. This will give the leather time to stretch and mold to the shape of the newspapers.
Once you’ve left the boots to stretch overnight, remove the newspapers and try on the boots. They should feel a bit looser than before, but you may need to repeat the process a few times to get them to stretch enough to fit comfortably.
While using a boot stretcher is generally faster and more effective, using newspapers is a great alternative if you don’t want to spend money on a stretcher. Plus, you probably already have newspapers lying around the house!
Remember, leather boots can be fragile, so be gentle when stretching them. Don’t force them too much, as you could end up damaging the leather. With a bit of patience and some newspaper, you can stretch your boots to fit perfectly in no time!
Stetch Boots Using Rubbing Alcohol
Stretching your leather boots using rubbing alcohol is a great way to make them fit better. All you need is some isopropyl alcohol and water to create the perfect mixture for stretching.
Start by mixing one part of isopropyl alcohol with three parts of water in a spray bottle, making sure it’s well-shaken before application. Once you’ve sprayed this solution onto the areas that need stretching, slip on thick socks or manually manipulate the area until the leather has dried completely.
If done correctly, this method can be used to permanently stretch out your boots without damaging them.
With just a few easy steps and some rubbing alcohol, you’ll have perfectly fitting leather boots in no time!
Can Leather Boots Shrink?
As the saying goes, ‘An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,’ and that’s certainly true when it comes to avoiding shrunken leather boots.
Many people have asked me over the years, can leather boots shrink? The answer is yes leather boots certainly can shrink. In my experience, they will not shrink as much or as quickly as they can stretch out but they certainly can shrink.
Taking care of your leather boots won’t just help prevent them from shrinking; it’ll also keep them looking as good as new for years to come.
Knowing how to properly store and care for your leather boots will not only make them last longer, but can also save you time and money in the long run by preventing any shrinkage or damage from occurring.
The most important thing to remember when storing leather boots is to never leave them out in extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. This could potentially cause the leather fibers to break down over time, leading to irreversible shrinkage. It’s best to keep your leather boots stored in a cool, dry place away from direct heat sources like radiators or air conditioners. If possible, try using cedar shoe trees inside the boot before storage; this helps absorb moisture and maintain their shape while they’re being stored away.
When fitting yourself with a pair of new leather boots, be sure that they are neither too tight nor too loose on your foot – an ideal fit should feel snug yet comfortable enough so that you can move freely without feeling restricted. To ensure proper stretching techniques don’t go overboard, try wearing two pairs of socks (one thin sock underneath one thicker one) for extra comfort during wear-in sessions around the house until the desired level of comfort is achieved.
With this combination of preventive measures taken into account before buying a pair of leather boots plus careful consideration when selecting the right size for optimal fitment – increased longevity & protection against potential future shrinkage can both be realized! [10]
Can You Stretch Steel Toe Boots?
You can stretch steel-toe boots much like regular non steel-toe work boots. There are a few differences and I’ve written a complete guide on how to break in steel-toe boots if you want to check that out. Essentially, the boots will stretch in the same areas except for the toe area, because of course there is a steel toe cap there.
Conclusion
Absolutely! Leather boots can be stretched to a comfortable fit. The key is to understand the best methods and use them correctly.
Heat stretching with a hairdryer or boot stretcher are the most effective ways, but there are also non-heat methods like wearing thick socks and using freezer bags filled with water that work well too.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to take your time and be gentle with leather. If done properly, you’ll enjoy your perfectly fitting shoes for years to come.
So don’t hesitate; stretch those leather boots now so you can strut in style all day long!
FAQs
When it comes to stretching leather boots, many people ask if they can put them in the dryer. Here’s the short answer: no! The heat from a dryer will cause irreversible damage and shrinkage of your boots.
Rather than using a dryer, opt for pre-stretching techniques such as shoe stretchers or water soaking.
It can take up to 3 weeks to stretch leather boots depending on the method you’re using, or if you’re not using a method at all.
The best method, in my experience, is to get the boots soaked with water, then to wear two pairs of socks throughout the day. I’ve personally used this method multiple times with fantastic success.
Yes, you can stretch leather boots without using heat!
References
2. what does ee mean in shoe size? – quora from https://www.quora.com/what-does-ee-mean-in-shoe-size
4. care and maintenance of leather upholstered furniture with traditional leather conditioners from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338921045_care_and_maintenance_of_leather_upholstered_furniture_with_traditional_leather_conditioners
6. amazing expanding ice from https://www.lpi.usra.edu/education/explore/ice/activities/ice_action/expanding_ice/
7. studies on the hydro-thermal and viscoelastic properties of leather from https://figshare.le.ac.uk/articles/thesis/studies_on_the_hydro-thermal_and_viscoelastic_properties_of_leather/10167332
8. impact of length and width of footwear on foot structure from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmc9074857/
9. sciencedirect from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/s1751616118311238